Possible lifter issue in suburban? How far can I drive it?
What is your question?
I have a 2000 Chevy Suburban, one owner besides me and maintenance has been well kept on it. About 4 months ago, the engine started ticking. It usually does it the worst after I've driven a long distance ( four hour round trip, etc) or when it's first cranked up in the morning on a cold morning. My dad said it could be a lifter and a couple of months ago, I started use 20/50 w oil instead of the norm. I want to take a spring break trip next week and I'm wondering if it will make it to south Texas and back. Roughly 2,000 mile round trip but of course there will be day long stops along the way. Will it make it?
RepairPal Certified shops can diagnose and repair your 2000 Chevrolet Suburban 1500. They provide transparent pricing with a minimum 12-month or 12,000-mile warranty on repairs and services.
Hello,
Never heard of Hallsville, but the zip code is east Texas, right? Well, in east Texas during march, I would not expect the lowest temperature to be anywhere near 90-100 degrees, so 20/50 is much too thick of an oil according to your owners manual. A better move would be changing to synthetic oil of the appropriate weight.
It is impossible to guess a breakdown, but lifter ticks are not too worrisome.
What is worrisome, however, is that the issue is undiagnosed. That means this could be a lifter, or a number of other things.
Lifters are typical, yes, but why chance it?
Have it inspected and serviced for long road trips, that is something I recommend to family even when they have newer cars/trucks.
If you are having doubts about the longevity of the vehicle, that advice should go doubly for you.
