1999 Chevy Silverado 5.3 knock @ RPM

245

Comments

  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    could you guys help me and others out. Could both of you finish your post with "My point is...."

    thank you....
  • bigsnagbigsnag Member Posts: 394
    Is your truck 4wd? What is your rearend gearing? As to specific examples. I read almost every publication out there that has anything to do with domestics. I have yet to see the 5.3 have more area under the curve than the 5.4. I have also yet to see the Chevy outrun the Ford, except with a DISTINCT gearing advantage. As a matter of fact I have yet to see an article where the Ford had a gearing advantage. The lowest gearing I've seen is 3.73 for the Ford and usually 3.55's. The Chevy usually has either 3.73's or 4.10's. I can point to several examples where the Ford put out better torque AND hp throughout the RPM range. I don't buy this "but Chevy has a wide powerband" crap. They say they have 90% of their torque from 1500 to 5200 RPM's, but they are stretching the truth. If they did, they would be rated at 290 hp. Do the math. I know that's not much of a stretch, but how much are they stretching the truth in the lower RPM's? The Ford obviously has a wide powerband since it's peak torque is so low and it's hp is still up there at 260. As to articles check out this link
    http://trucktrend.com/feb99/4x4/4x4_f.html The 5.3 isn't very impressive here!!
  • jeffs00z71jeffs00z71 Member Posts: 8
    Hey whats goin on guys and gals. I just currently purchased a 00' silverado Z71 LT w/ the 5.3L and I have about 1,500 miles on it so far. I here small knocking noise but its not to noticible at all, well see if the noise increases after more of the break in period. I also have a dodge 1998 w/ the 5.2L 318 and that truck doesn't knock but it has a horrible ticking noise! every single 98 w/ the 318 has it! I put a 2 chamber flow master on it and the tick seemed to get louder! I know it suppose to be normal because its a bearing. My chevrolet is quiet quick and out performs that 318!
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    noise?
  • dodgeram7dodgeram7 Member Posts: 55
    Your new Chevy motor may have more power then the Dodge motor, but the Chevy motor will not last as long as the motor in the Dodge. The Chevy motor has not been proven though years of service like the Dodge 318 V-8.
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    while the Chevy not why the chevy
  • dchwilsondchwilson Member Posts: 4
    My 1999 Chevrolet Silverado Reg. Cab, Short Bed has absolutely no knocking noise and the only problem I have had is keeping it aligned. Also, it has 40k.
  • bigsnagbigsnag Member Posts: 394
    Could you expound a little more concerng post #74? I wasn't sure if you really liked the idea of Chevy having more power, or what? Could you tell us that a few more times? Once I'm sure you really like more power, then we can debate hp vs torque and stuff like manufacturer's over-rating their engines, etc. Thanks.
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    If you check the posts or my profile you would know that I don't own a F-O-R-D. While it did get a little personal with f150rules, I have no problems with him, in fact, he had asked a question of me in another topic. As I said I have no problems.

    I do noticed that you may have mistaken me for someone else. The segments that you quoted me as saying was actually posted by f150rules not me. Perhaps at this time, you should reread the posts. If indeed you feel the same after rereading, post and I'll try and answer any objective questions that you may have.

    As I stated in my post. I like Fords...and I own a '00 Silverado xcab 5.3 onyx black, jba headers, gibson catback, airaid, pace edwards rolltop, Putco s/s tailgate and rail cover, granatelli maf, magnecor racing wires, torque master plugs, kenwood deck, and Michelin LTX M/S 275/70R16.

    Where or how did you miss the fact that I own a 'rado?

    Dean
  • dchwilsondchwilson Member Posts: 4
    I do apologize for my midnight rant last night. I have read nearly every topic in Edmunds, truck related or not, and I have been upset because people haven't been able to voice their opinions without getting attacked. So, after about 8 months of reading Edmunds I finally got the patience to just sit down and type a name that no one else had thought of so I could finally log in and see if everyone could be nice again.
    Anyway- Obyone, I only thought you owned a Ford by the way you were reacting toward Chevy dealerships. I didn't realize you had a 'rado, and one that sounds very nice as well.
    f150rules- I didn't understand what happened OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY because you didn't write it very clearly. I'm sorry. But you did still pay for a third of the cost, which tells me Ford didn't front the cost as nicely as you claim.
    To all the other people I probably made unhappy- Sorry
  • cdeancdean Member Posts: 1,110
    We had GM pay for an electric mirror that we screwed up, (retail $150), radiator repair (design prob), and a recalled transmission that pooped out. All after warranty.

    All from our dealer. I would bet if we used some big city dealer that we weren't personal with, we would not have gotten the same results.

    I just don't see how its manufacturer specific...cuz you rarely are dealing with the manufacturer...you are dealing with the dealer.

    I've seen the good and bad from all of the big 3. I can't say I've seen one manufacturer handle all better than others. Ford did repaint a LOT of trucks in the early '90s, but I think that had as much to do with the bad publicity of having millions of trucks on the streets with peeling paint as it did with having disgruntled owners.

    It took a couple of years to get action on that too.
  • bigsnagbigsnag Member Posts: 394
    Did Chevy ever repaint their's? They had a bunch in the late 80's and early 90's that had bad peeling paint, leaving the galvanized underneath. I heard they got some bad primer?? Anyway, did Chevy repaint those?
  • cdeancdean Member Posts: 1,110
    Never heard of the prob or saw any. Was it across all lines, or was it certain colors?

    I had an '88 that had flawless paint on it. in '94, I bought a new one.
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    Well I'm glad we got that straightened out. Perhaps I may seem down on Chevy dealers cause I hear the saying "can't verify" or "can't duplicate" one too many times. There are even parts in the shop manual which starts..."Do not acknowledge...". If you've read all the posts on Edmunds like you say you have, I'm sure you must have read the "can't verify" part more than once. From more than one owner...especially in topic #2141 2000 Chevy Silverado Vibration - III.
  • cdeancdean Member Posts: 1,110
    F150,

    I don't know if you've formed your opinion on the last 20 years, or just the past year with GM. If you look at the bugs in the Silverado model over the past year, it hasn't been an issue of GM reluctance. Its been a simple issue of new truck-new probs. Owners like Dean understandably get frustrated. But you have to realize--this is the FIRST time dealers have seen any of this. And obviously, its been the first time GM has had to fix it. So go the woes of first year models...So, you've got dealers out there that all of a sudden get 4 trucks in with the same problem--and they have to wait and get permission to do anything becuz they have no clue what to do. They're are mechanics, and not engineers, they only fix what they know. And don't fix, until they do know. It is embarrasing for a dealer to sit there and have to explain to a customer "We don't have a clue". The customer is going to demand something in return, which he should. So, what do you think a really swamped dealer, or less than honest one that doesn't want to mess with anything but sales, is going to tell you?---"Ohh, Thats normal, go home." Exactly what Ford dealers were telling customers when p.s. first showed up.
  • cdeancdean Member Posts: 1,110
    Everyone I know with new model 'Rados don't have any problems to fix...so i'm the wrong person to ask how GM dealers are doing...i never see mine, knock on wood! :)
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    Ford is continuing to not volunteer info.

    http://msnbc.com/news/452016.asp

    http://www.msnbc.com/news/452021.asp

    Apparently, documents have been found indicating both Firestone and Ford knew about the Explorer/Firestone tire problem and did nothing about it in the U.S.

    This is not to say GM is any better as I'm sure they have a few dark secrets also. Why else would there be a TSB to replace the rack and pinion on a new '00 Silverado. Those who are in the industry read the TSB and thought it was/should be a recall rather than a TSB.
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    link to the TSB.

    http://agmlemon.freeservers.com/latest_tsb.htm

    You will probably find this website of interest as it provides a wealth of info to anyone having a problem 'rado.
  • dchwilsondchwilson Member Posts: 4
    I have already had my 99 Silverado realligned twice since I got it in late July and it's still pulling to the right. I haven't had time to get in there and figure it out for myself if there's anything wrong besides the allignment. Anyone have any ideas?/a similar problem?
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    have you tried rotating the tires?
  • dchwilsondchwilson Member Posts: 4
    I have already had the car realligned at the dealership about 2 weeks after I got it. Then, about 2 weeks ago, I had a spin balance done and the tires rotated. Still no luck. It's not a horrible pull to the right, but it's noticeable, and I want to fix it before it tears up my tires. If they were Firestones, it wouldn't matter but...
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    and that would be to go to another dealer. Don't know how that would go though...
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    Another alternative is to do what I did. After replacing the rack and pinion, my truck pulled to the right...dealer couldn't find anything wrong so I took it to a reputable independent alignment shop. The owner had determined that there was excessive play in the rack and pinion causing the steering to not return to center after a right turn. Can't say it's the same for you but worth a try. BTW, the shop owner didn't charge me anything. Told me to take the truck back and have them fix it under warranty. When I mentioned this to my dealer, needless to say, they were not very happy. Just like someone checking on their homework. When the shop foreman asked why I went to an independent, I told him like anything else, when in doubt, get a second opinion. Glad I got mine...

    Dean
  • kraftekrafte Member Posts: 4
    Not a joke....just a frustrating story! I took my 2000 LS back after purchase, about the knocking noise. They wrote on the work order that engine was operating to factory specs and engine ping on acceleration was normal. Being the anal retentive, perfectionist I am; I started reading articles on the net(google search and type in spark knock). I get a list of suggestions together for a new Chevrolet Service Department: retard timing a couple of degrees, lower opening temperature thermostat, defective knock sensor, inoperative EGR valve, copper core spark plugs and a couple of after market products such as water/alcohol injection system and Carter's Engine Knock Eliminator. The new shop tells me that they called a GM Tech Line and their diagnosis is that this is not spark knock and that the noise is consistent with like vehicles. They go on to tell me that this is a normal condition due to tubular exhaust construction. I don't know much about engines, however it seems that these are two totally different answers and I should now do the hokey pokey and turn my-self around. I am going to either take a big loss and trade it for a TUNDRA or possibly get the original dealer help make some of the suggested mechanical changes. I will let you know of any improvement.
  • ryanbabryanbab Member Posts: 7,240
    oh yea also when it happens (at idle acceleration after truck is warmed up??)

    Thanks
  • ryanbabryanbab Member Posts: 7,240
    Can you describe your noise??? Thanks

    Ryan
  • leathal02leathal02 Member Posts: 114
    I had my truck for alittle over 24,000 miles and I never heard the knocking everyone was talking about. I never understood what it really was. well when my truck turned 25,000 in the morning when i started her up, it knocked like crazy!!! I mean, it only lasts for like 3 or 4 seconds. After that it is all good and nothing sounds bad at all. This is by no means something to take it back for and trade it in for...its not that bad of a thing..maybe if it did it all the time but not if it does it just upon start up

    I have a '99 chevy Z with the 5.3 and 3.73
  • kraftekrafte Member Posts: 4
    It happens all the time! Whenever I accelerate it happens to some degree. It is worse when the transmission settles into 3rd or 4th gear and you gradually accelerate.
  • ryanbabryanbab Member Posts: 7,240
    Ok but what does the noise sound like. I have a i can only describe it as a fluttering noise and it is only noticable when i come to a stop or truck is in park usually between 500 and 1000 RPM. I dont think anythiung is wrong i have heard a few trucks like this but its just a wierd noise to me.

    Ryan
  • mrrogerzmrrogerz Member Posts: 22
    This pinging problem is identical to the problem I'm having in my 2000 Silverado Z71 5.3. Pre-detonation occurs upon acceleration and is most noticeable after shifting into 3rd gear and accelerating just enough not to downshift.

    I took it to Champion Chevrolet, and the shop foreman agreed it could be engine knock, but re-torqued the exhaust manifold to see if it was an exhaust leak. They also checked the system with the Tech 2 and found no error codes. The knock sensor was also found to be working properly. They advised me to change brands of gas. I had already tried 3 brands at 3 octane levels, but put a 4th in just to satisfy any questions they might have. It still pings.

    I called the dealer again with information I got from this topic and from a Pacific-Audio forum about a cooler spark plug, the NGK TR6 ( PN# 4177), and told them two other GM 5.3 owners had solved their pinging problems with this plug. The service manager was not aware of this fix, but encouraged me to bring all information I'd gathered in my web searches with me when I return the truck for service later this week.

    They've been pretty good so far, hopefully they'll fix it. Otherwise I'll be filling out the Lemon Law paperwork that's being sent to me this week. More later.
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    You might want to change your wires while you're at it for insurance. Them stock ones are pretty cheap looking.
  • lariat4x4lariat4x4 Member Posts: 22
    Buy a Ford. No ping. Problem solved.
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    piston slap.
  • cdeancdean Member Posts: 1,110
    Hey wait a minute!

    F150 says that GM customer service sucks? How, then, is Oboyone getting his trucked fixed? Where are these rental vehicles coming from?

    more contradiction out of the diminishing intelligence of the idiot.
  • silverado8silverado8 Member Posts: 1
    I'm getting the same nosie from my drive-shaft. There is a service bulletin about this. If you have 2wd silverado then the transmission real seal needs to be replaced. I have 4wd and the transfer case seal is what needs to be replaced. The part number fro the this one is #12547638
  • dumanduman Member Posts: 53
    ford is the number one selling truck and auto maker in the US. but please remember that a full 28% of fords sales are to rental companies........ because they are CHEAP TO BUILD AND CHEAP TO FIX. plus the comprised cot of a ford to the general public is also cheaper than GM......so.... this way even poor people can afford to drive a "truck type automobile" by way of ford..bottom line.......THEYRE CHEAP!!!!!
  • cdeancdean Member Posts: 1,110
    Large margin?
    Wrong
    5%
  • dumanduman Member Posts: 53
    been keeping up with the ford threads??? I do believe that ford owners have a variety of complaints as well. not to mention the thing with firestone. one could argue that driving a ford is hazardous to ones health!! my silverado doesnt shake, shimmy, rattle, OR ROLL OVER!!!!! no vibrations and no problems but even if mine was one of the few "problem" gm's......i surely would take my truck to the dealer before i would let my truck take me to the coroner!
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    certain f150's have the defective tires. f150 did you have those deathstones checked on your trasher truck?
  • dumanduman Member Posts: 53
    i recon youre right. i hope that he will take me up on the challenge but i doubt it. its been my experience when you call the bluff on big talkers, they usually back down and out or they try to talk theyre way out of it. too bad.
    im hoping that this would give him an opportunity to back up his accusations and when he loses, he would look even more foolish to continue his mindless banter.
    pride not withstanding, he would have to be quiet and go away. a prudent man would admit hes wrong and start saving for a rado......but i guess if he was a prudent man he would be driving one now.
    i was interested to see your comments on his history. its too bad he had poor experiences with gm and ford. he should have expected to have a poor experience with a ford! only time will tell if he has the cajones to put his ford where his mouth is.
    most people on edmunds are here to gather information that empowers them to make the best decision based on their situation. if this works out as i(and im sure we) hope, it will let a lot of people know just how superior gm is.
    the silverado posts just go to show that they are the most intelligent of the bunch, searching for tips and solutions to make the most of their driving experience.
    the indifference of ford owners go to prove just that.......their indifference. if they were concerned, they would be posting more im sure
  • quadrunner500quadrunner500 Member Posts: 2,721
    If anyone had a worse time with vibrations than Obyone, I don't know who it could be. Yet he is sticking with it after he got to drive Ford and Dodge loaners. The grass is always greener on the other side. That's F150's problem.

    Better hurry F150 and get that Tundra now. Oby and I may join you on that move. You can keep your Ford though. Rollover hazard.
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    that is if you believe that he owned a silverado this time last year. I think it's a fantasy to him. In the course of one year....two fords and two chevys....doubt it...
  • quadrunner500quadrunner500 Member Posts: 2,721
    He had a Chevy for sure, because he put in colder plugs, NGK TR55s to solve his ping. He's probably just sorry he didn't keep it.
  • meredithmeredith Member Posts: 575
    If y'awl can't talk TRUCKS and leave personalities out of it....

    I can shut this topic down for a week and give you a "time out."

    Some of you need to go read topic 2296 post # 5 again.

    Front Porch Philosopher
    SUV, Pickups, & Aftermarket and Accessories Host
  • ledled Member Posts: 4
    To whom it may concern,

    I just got my oil changed today in my 00 Suburban 5.3. The guy asked me if I wanted the $39.99 fuel injector cleaner and I said yes. The reason I even considered this is because my engine would knock at start-up and sometimes when I would drive.

    WOW!! The knocking has gone away completely. They hook up a bottle directly to the engine through (I believe) the the fuel line. The truck was running solely on the cleaner. After I left I even stopped and re-started the truck a few times to make sure it worked.

    BTW I got my oil changed at a Mister Car Wash (Chevron) so give it a try.
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    About the plugs...it was discussed in great detail on the Pacific Audio site. He could have picked up the info there and pretend to have developed his own theory. You really have to wonder...4 trucks in one year?
  • kraftekrafte Member Posts: 4
    I have heard alot of talk about cooler spark plugs to help eliminate ping. Can a couple people that have actually installed the NGK 55 or 6 plugs to respond on the outcome. Chevrolet and their technical support line is saying that the plugs will not help. They also said that when I added Flomaster exhaust it made it worse, which I think it did. Were the plugs discussed on the Pacific Audio site that says it is under construction now? I am sorry to say that I have tried about everything to get rid of the spark knock which I think is excessive. I honestly can't handle listening to it. If it can be fixed, I will keep it. Otherwise, I will continue to run the sales add Tuesday. I don't really want to hear any Chevy bashing or told ya so's from Ford or Toyota people....just constructive help would be greatly appreciated.
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    Have you tried changing the gap on the plugs? Should have come with .60, may want to try .52. People were also mentioning the NGK TR55VX, platinum version working well. You could do a search at the pacific audio site entering NGK TR55 in the search box on the top right. Good luck.

    http://www.pacific-audio.com/performance/discussion.html
  • z71z71 Member Posts: 67
    Tr55's and it didn't really help. I may try changing the gap around. I tried .52 originally and, as I said, it didn't make any difference
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    bit more though...

    First dumped stock plugs and installed Torquemaster plugs

    http://www.torquemaster.com/

    Then, tore out stock wires and replaced with magnecor wires.


    http://www.magnecor.com/


    So far, quite satisfied with the way the truck idles and runs.
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