Need Help?

1990 Chevrolet C K1500 W/T Ext Cab

1990 Chevrolet C K1500
Do you own this car?
Estimated Mileage
 Miles
Enter current mileage for most
accurate info about this vehicle


Track Your Service Records
Get Recall Alerts
Get Updated Value Estimates on Your Car.

back to question list

Ask the Community

Ask Our Auto Mechanics


August 22, 2012, 10:01 am

Steve H
 

Question: Valve Train Tick?

1990 K1500 170k miles. 350TBI. I have engine tick. Lasts 15-30 seconds at start up. HOWEVER, there is never any tick first thing in the morning at start up after sitting all night. Any other start up has the 15-30 second tick. What is causing this problem? Thanks.


August 23, 2012, 6:47 pm

Elizabeth K
Expert Mechanic

Are you sure it's the valve train? Try holding one end of a long screwdriver on the valve cover, the other end (handle) at your ear and have someone else start the engine. If you're not hearing it come right through the screwdriver (or a stethoscope, if you've got one), then it's not the valve train. Could be an idler pulley, though.


0/0 users found this helpful.

Ask our panel of certified auto mechanics a question. We pay for their advice so you don't have to



My Auto Score

See the free AutoCheck score

Meet The Experts
Kim Perrin
Kim Perrin is our resident mechanic here at DriverSide. Kim worked as…
Tyler Orr
Tyler Orr is an expert in German and Japanese cars and has been a mechanic …
Elizabeth Kriesten
Elizabeth Kriesten worked as an automotive technician for several years at Dodge…
Tips on Servicing

Car Brakes: How Do You Know When to Change Them?

By Zach Bowman For those who suffer a daily commute through heavy traffic, your vehicle's braking system can bring thousands of pounds of metal, plastic and empty Starbucks cups to a stop hundreds of times before you get to work. It goes without saying that these pieces wear out, but they do so slowly, meaning you may not notice they need attention until ...

Read more…