Suburban engine knock

I own a 2001 Suburban with about 37,000 miles.I noticed within the past few weeks that I get a loud knocking noise on start-up that lasts about 30-60 seconds.My dealer told me that it is a problem with 99-02 Suburbans,Silverados,and Escelades and That GM knows about but says there is nothing they can do.They say it is not a big deal.I think it is a big deal...To me...a $43,000 SUV that I bought with my hard earned money...should'nt sound like a '72 pinto with 280,000 miles when I start it...It's embaressing...and annoying.My neighbor with a Ford laughs at my apparant "rod Knock" as he calls it...My question is,has anyone else out there had this problem?And what did you do?I'm ready to call a lawyer...P.S...no offense meant at you 72 Pinto owners...

Hi,
YES, there is something the dealer and GM can do
(but won't if they can convince you otherwise):
Give you a new engine.
File multiple complaints and document this.
You may have to ask the region or zone manager.
Some title like that.
GM had a big problem with piston slap for many years.
There is a TSB for a V6 :
Cold Engine Tick Noise (Replace Pistons) #01-06-01-005
Seems to be that a piston sometimes is too small for the cylinder.
This makes the piston tilt from side to side while going up and down.
The cylinder wall then gets horizontal scrape marks - not good.
I had it on my 95 Suburban. Outright embarassing.
Can wreck the engine, may then be replaced by GM.
There have been all kinds of commotions about this.
There even is a website www.pistonslap.com
They even talk about lawyers and lawsuits.
This will not fix itself.
You are taking a bet to see, how bad it will become and how fast.
It may / may not stay the way it is.
I would ditch that thing.
I traded in my 95 Suburban, now have a quiet 01 Yukon XL.
Take care, Eggert :bananasmi

Hey...Thanks so much for the advice!I'm glad I'm not alone in this knocking thing.Don't need problems down the road.

Yeah my 95 has a knock also but has 160,000 miles so I just put up with it, it's only on the passenger side

Yeah my 95 has a knock also but has 160,000 miles so I just put up with it, it's only on the passenger side

I have a 99 with 113,000 miles and just started to experience this problem. Yesterday my oil pressure went high. I'm now having problems with my coolant gauge going to the high side. The car is being checked tomorrow..any suggestions.

Hi,
YES, there is something the dealer and GM can do
(but won't if they can convince you otherwise):
Give you a new engine.
File multiple complaints and document this.
You may have to ask the region or zone manager.
Some title like that.
GM had a big problem with piston slap for many years.
There is a TSB for a V6 :
Cold Engine Tick Noise (Replace Pistons) #01-06-01-005
Seems to be that a piston sometimes is too small for the cylinder.
This makes the piston tilt from side to side while going up and down.
The cylinder wall then gets horizontal scrape marks - not good.
I had it on my 95 Suburban. Outright embarassing.
Can wreck the engine, may then be replaced by GM.
There have been all kinds of commotions about this.
There even is a website www.pistonslap.com
They even talk about lawyers and lawsuits.
This will not fix itself.
You are taking a bet to see, how bad it will become and how fast.
It may / may not stay the way it is.
I would ditch that thing.
I traded in my 95 Suburban, now have a quiet 01 Yukon XL.
Take care, Eggert :bananasmi

Re: Re: Suburban engine knock (Post #5)

Quote:
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I have a 99 with 113,000 miles and just started to experience this problem. Yesterday my oil pressure went high. I'm now having problems with my coolant gauge going to the high side. The car is being checked tomorrow..any suggestions

Make Sure To Use The Proper Oil And Filter. Alot Of People Have This Problem Due To Using Reg. 10-30 Or 10-40 Oil And Not Syn. When I Got My Burban I Did A Oil Change With 10-30 And Not Syn. Oil And It Knocked At Start Up Went Back To Syn. Oil No More Knock. I Also Keep It To The Full Line On The Dip Stick. Hope This May Help In Some Way.

Check out this website 'www.pistonslap.com' for information on this problem common to the series of Vortec engines from 1999 through 2002 model years.