Understanding Chevy Lifter Issues

Shawn Gilfillan • February 13, 2024

Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions

If you're a Chevy owner, you may have heard of the dreaded lifter issues that seem to be plaguing some Chevrolet vehicles. Based on our experiences, it's a common problem that can cause everything from annoying ticking noises to serious performance issues, and eventually catastrophic motor failure. With so many coming in, we wanted to put a blog together to shine some light on these issues for our clients and anyone else who may not know or want to know more about them. So let's get into it!

What are Lifters?

Before diving into the issues, it is important to understand what lifters are and their role in the engine. Lifters are small cylindrical components located in the engine block. They sit between the camshaft and the pushrods or valves. The lifter's primary function is to transfer the movement of the camshaft to the pushrods or valves, which in turn open and close the engine's intake and exhaust valves. Essentially, their job is to open the valves so intake air can flow in, and exhaust gas can flow out.

So what seems to be the issue?

The main issue that people are experiencing lies within the design itself. Chevy uses a deactivation system called AFM (Active Fuel Management) that is supposed to increase fuel economy by deactivating several cylinders in the motor. Now you may be asking yourself, what does fuel economy have to do with the issue in my motor? Well, the system uses special lifters that have a locking feature to deactivate a certain number of cylinders. Ideally, the lifters lock to deactivate some cylinders for better fuel economy while driving. Less cylinders firing means less fuel used.

The issue is that sometimes the lifters are not able to unlock, staying locked when they are not supposed to. Unfortunately, when the lifter gets stuck in the locked position, the camshaft hits the roller on the bottom of the lifter thousands of times per minute (based on engine RPMs). Now here is the thing, the rollers are designed to make contact with the camshaft. The whole point of them is actually to make the contact with the lifter smoother with less friction, less noisy, and more efficient. However, when the lifter is stuck the camshaft hits the rollers harder than it is supposed to, causing damage. The affected motors seem to be the 5.3L V8, the 6.0L V8, and the 6.2L V8.

With that being said, other contributing factors make the motor more prone to having these failures. For example, contaminated oil with dirt or debris in it could clog the lifters and cause inefficient operation and eventual failure. Using the wrong type of oil can also contribute to these issues because the oil may be too thick or thin to do its job properly. Not having enough oil is a problem as well, causing excessive wear and reduced performance. Inadequate lubrication is one of the biggest killers in any motor, whether it has pre-existing issues or not. Without oil, the components wear out due to constant friction and heat and are prone to fail. This is why maintenance like oil changes should be done on time and oil levels should be checked regularly.

If you think you are having a lifter issue, we recommend you take it to a professional immediately to be looked over. The longer an issue like this is ignored, the greater the damage will be. However, there are a couple of things you can look for to help narrow down the issue at hand. Some symptoms of Chevy lifter issues can include:

Ticking Noises: A common sign of lifter problems is a ticking or tapping noise coming from the engine. This noise is often most noticeable at startup or during acceleration.
Poor Performance: Lifter issues can also reduce engine performance, including rough idling, misfires, and decreased power and fuel efficiency.
Check Engine Light: In some cases, lifter problems can trigger the check engine light to illuminate on the dashboard, indicating a problem that needs attention.

Unfortunately, by the time a lifter issue is noticeable to the owner of the vehicle, it is already too late to save it. The damage is already being done and the vehicle will need to be brought to a professional for repairs. This is a big job that requires the removal of the cylinder head(s), replacement of lifters, and sometimes the camshaft as well depending on how badly it was damaged. While there is no way to tell if and when this will happen to a vehicle, there are some steps owners can take that may prolong the appearance of these issues. The first step would be to make sure that Chevy’s recommended maintenance schedule is being followed and oil changes are done on time with the proper oil. This will keep the engine lubricated properly and help prevent wear and tear on the internals of the motor.

Another step that can be taken is using an engine flush to help remove contaminants or debris from the internal engine that could clog it and cause poor lubrication. This is usually an additive that gets put in the oil right before an oil change and then drained out with the old oil. As previously mentioned, in cases where a noise is apparent or the performance of the vehicle is affected, it is more than likely that there is damage that can not be reversed. At this point, the affected components will need to be replaced. If replacement is required, it might be a good idea to talk to a qualified professional about the parts being used for the replacement. There may be other aftermarket options available that outperform the reliability of the stock parts used from the factory.

The first step would be to make sure that Chevy’s recommended maintenance schedule is being followed and oil changes are done on time with the proper oil. This will keep the engine lubricated properly and help prevent wear and tear on the internals of the motor. Another step that can be taken is using an engine flush to help remove contaminants or debris from the internal engine that could clog it and cause poor lubrication. This is usually an additive that gets put in the oil right before an oil change and then drained out with the old oil.

As previously mentioned, in cases where a noise is apparent or the performance of the vehicle is affected, it is more than likely that there is damage that can not be reversed. At this point, the affected components will need to be replaced. If replacement is required, it might be a good idea to talk to a qualified professional about the parts being used for the replacement. There may be other aftermarket options available that outperform the reliability of the stock parts used from the factory.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Shawn Gilfillan is the dedicated owner of Automotive Magic in Kenvil, NJ. With over two decades of experience, Shawn has led his team in providing expert auto repair and service since 2003.

In 2022, Magic Lube & Rubber was born in Lake Hopatcong, NJ. Committed to fostering strong community ties and supporting team development, Shawn prioritizes customer satisfaction above all. As a proud family man and long-time resident of Roxbury, NJ, Shawn brings a blend of professionalism and warmth to his business.

Trust Shawn and his team for all your automotive needs with confidence and assurance.

Schedule an Appointment

Spring Into Car Care

April 11, 2025

Why April Is the Right Time to Show Your Vehicle Some Love

Drive Belts & Pulleys: The Unsung Heroes Under Your Hood

April 9, 2025

When it comes to car maintenance, there is a lot that comes into play. It can almost be overwhelming at times. Focus on common wear items like the battery, brakes, and tires are usually at the top of the list for most, but there are other items that need attention as well. Drive belts and pulleys are some of these items. These small components help keep your car running smoothly, and after a while they do wear out and need replacement. Unfortunately, failure can lead to a breakdown on the side of the road and leave you needing a tow. So what are they and what do they do? Let’s find out. What Are Drive Belts and Pulleys? Think of drive belts as super strong rubber bands that transfer power from your car’s engine to help run other important components. The pulleys are similar to any other pulley; they are just metal wheels that help guide and control the belts movement. However, these pulleys are attached to other engine accessories, and when the belt spins the pulleys they provide power to these other accessories. Together, they keep essential parts of your car operating. Most modern cars use a serpentine belt, a long, continuous belt that is wrapped around multiple pulleys that power multiple systems. Older vehicles might have V-belts, which are shorter and typically run a single component at a time. What Do Drive Belts and Pulleys Power? Drive belts are made from durable rubber and reinforced materials, but they don’t last forever. Over time, they can crack, stretch, fray, glaze, or even snap. Pulleys have a lifespan as well. They are subject to corrosion and the bearings can go bad and even seize up completely. Without drive belts and pulleys, several key systems in your car wouldn’t function properly. Here’s what they keep running and what can happen if they fail. Alternator – Powers your car’s electrical system and keeps the battery charged. If the belt breaks, your battery will eventually die, leaving you with a car that won’t start or may die while you are driving. Water Pump – Circulates coolant to prevent your engine from overheating. A broken belt could lead to severe engine damage due to overheating. Power Steering Pump – Makes turning the steering wheel easier. If the belt slips or breaks, steering your car instantly becomes much harder, especially at low speeds. Air Conditioning Compressor – Helps keep your car cool on hot days. While not as critical as other components, losing A/C can be uncomfortable. Drive Belts and Pulley Maintenance Drive belts and pulleys don’t necessarily require maintenance, but they should be inspected regularly. In some cases, a bad pulley can cause the belt to slip or even pop off of the pulley completely. There are a few things to look for that may tell you it’s time for replacement. Check for Cracks, Fraying, or Glazing – Look for visible signs of wear on the belt. If you see cracks, missing ribs, fraying, or a shiny, glazed appearance, it’s time for a replacement. Listen for Strange Noises – A worn out belt or pulley may slip on the pulleys and cause a high-pitched squealing, chirping, or rattling noise when you start the car or turn the wheel. Watch for Performance Issues – If your battery warning light comes on, your power steering feels heavy, or your car starts overheating, a belt or pulley could be the culprit. Have Regular Inspections – Most belts last between 50,000 to 100,000 miles, but checking them during routine maintenance can prevent unexpected failures. Replace Before It Fails – A worn belt may still work, but it could snap at any moment. Replacing it early saves you from the headache of a sudden breakdown. Final Thoughts Drive belts and pulleys may not be the most glamorous parts of your car, but they play an essential role in keeping your car running smoothly. Keeping them in good condition helps ensure your car stays reliable and safe. At Automotive Magic , we offer a bumper to bumper vehicle health inspection that includes checking belts and pulleys for wear. Our inspections are sent to you with photos, videos, and descriptions explaining any issues we find with your vehicle and their severity to keep you on the road with confidence. Stop by today or schedule an appointment, and let’s make sure your car is running at its best!

Rabbit Wheels Car Rental at Automotive Keeps You Moving!

March 25, 2025

Your Solution is Right Here! Automotive Magic offers on-site car rentals to help you stay on the move while your vehicle is being serviced? That’s right — Rabbit Wheels Car Rental Service is available at both locations, and it’s becoming a client favorite! Dropping off your vehicle for service can sometimes feel like hitting the pause button on your day and coordinating rides, waiting around, or juggling your schedule just to stay mobile? It’s a hassle. That’s exactly why we’ve been offering Rabbit Wheels — a convenient rental solution designed with your busy life in mind. While Rabbit Wheels has been available for a while, it's now truly taking off as more clients realize just how effortless it makes their service experience. When you're at Automotive Magic in Kenvil, the process is simple, seamless, and all about keeping you moving. Here’s How It Works: Drop off your car for service, and instead of worrying about how you’ll get around, you can make a reservation for a reliable Rabbit Wheels rental, available right on-site. No waiting. No extra stops. Just keys in hand and freedom to go about your day. Why Clients Love Rabbit Wheels: Speed: Quick and easy rental process — get back on the road fast. Reliability: Well-maintained vehicles ready when you are. Affordability: A cost-effective way to avoid downtime without breaking the bank. Whether you’re heading to work, tackling errands, or just want the freedom to come and go while your vehicle is in expert hands, Rabbit Wheels has got you covered. At Automotive Magic, we’re dedicated to giving our clients the best experience possible — and that means minimizing inconvenience while maximizing your time and flexibility. Let’s Keep You Moving! Don't let vehicle service disrupt your plans. Call today to make your reservation for both your service and your Rabbit Wheels rental — all in one easy step. Because when it comes to convenience, we’ve thought of everything — including the wheels to keep you going!