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I have a 2013 GMC Sierra 1500 it suddenly started to tick...


I have a 2013 GMC Sierra 1500 it suddenly started to tick and ticking gets louder with exceleration no warning lights, all gauges show good, no power loss. Again came on very sudden. What could be the problem it only has 42000 mil...

I have a 2013 GMC Sierra 1500 it suddenly started to tick and ticking gets louder with exceleration no warning lights, all gauges show good, no power loss. Again came on very sudden. What could be the problem it only has 42000 miles on it. Mechanic's Assistant: Is the power loss consistent, or does it fluctuate? Did not notice any power loss Mechanic's Assistant: Are you fixing your Sierra 1500 yourself? What have you tried so far? Just happened tonight all I’ve done is park it Mechanic's Assistant: Anything else you want the Mechanic to know before I connect you? The truck has shown traction and stability controls suddenly off abd runs really rough when it happens but then goes away as fast as the warnings show up then truck is fine no issues that has happened 2 times in about last 3 months

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Automotive Expert
Hello! Welcome to JustAnswer. Thank you for contacting us for assistance with your Sierra. My name is \*\*\*\*\* \*\*\*\*\* I'll be helping you today. I'm so sorry you are having this issue with your Sierra, I know it can be frustrating. Which [engine](/topics-engine-gmc/) is in your Sierra?

Ummmm idk it's a 6 cylinder
Automotive Expert
Ok that's fine thank you, \*\*\*\*\* \*\*\*\*\* please Have you checked your oil since this happened?

it's good all dash indicators were normal no power loss that i could tell.
Automotive Expert
Alright. So a ticking noise is usually caused by one of these issues - - Worn camshaft lobe and/or lifter roller - A sticking valve - Valve leakage - A broken valve spring - A collapsed AFM (Active Fuel Management) lifter

Ok so how do i see if it is any of these things? Broken valve spring on what? Truck only has 42000 miles on it does that help narrow it down?
Automotive Expert
The only way is to take the valve covers off and actually visually inspect it. Since it has such low mileage, it's actually more likely that it is something like a broken valve spring instead of leakage or an oil issue.

Sorry phone died. So the valve spring is located under the valve covers? And you don't think it could be a spark plug issue at all?
Automotive Expert
Yes the valvetrain is located under the covers. A spark plug issue like a misfire could cause it, but you would have rough running and a check engine light on also. I've seen broken valve springs on the V8's with very low miles, so I'd say its definitely possible that is your issue

that is replaceable on my own? Do not need a mechanic? I'm pretty handy when it comes to fixing things just needed a direction to go in and i can probably handle the rest right?
Automotive Expert
No, you definitely need a mechanic. There are special tools involve and if you don't do it right you'll blow up your engine. I mean, its your truck so if you want to try it that is up to you, but I would never recommend it to someone who doesn't have a lot of experience doing engine work. The consequences of a mistake are too high for it to be worth the risk in my eyes.

Ok good to know. Thank you for that. So if i take it into. Mechanic and tell them i think i have a broken valve spring then they won't try and tell me i need a new engine right?if i just removed the valve covers would i be able to see if there was a broken spring? Or removing them is not recommended either? I don't want to mess anything up. Just hoping it's an easy fix.i get it now the valve covers are the covers over the head gaskets correct? And no i won't be taking those off I'll let a mechanic do it if that's the right covers your talking about.
Automotive Expert
Yes those are the covers and yes you should be able to tell if there is a broken spring if you remove them

Thank you and one more question .... is it ok to drive it like to the mechanic?
Automotive Expert
I wouldn't recommend it because if it does have a broken valve spring then it could totally let go and if that happens the valve can fall into the cylinder and destroy the engine

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