I noticed this as I was leaving work then as I headed out to the store. But when the car is cool or cold soon as I start the car there is a ticking noise, I pinpointed it to a part where u open the oil cap and you see the spring or rod going up and down on the right side, I have the 3.8 e engine by the way. After about a min it goes away, but I checked the oil level and it was on the last hole so I added a quart. Hopefully this solves the problem, I didn't get the low oil level message. So my question is what could this mean...it sounds expensive

 

Lifter tick can be common. Just keep an eye on your oil levels.

 

I agree with Mike my Silverado did it all the time when it was cold. Just don't romp it till it's warmed up, might save you any unnecessary heartaches.

 

thanks guys, i started it this morning and it ticked for like 3 secs then went away, hopefully the oil i put in last night helped

 

i also agree the 3800 engines always "tick" the valve train in these cars are noisy IMO

 

Guys, when you first start your cars, when cold, you are going to get some lifter Tick because All your oil is in the pan. It takes a minute or two for your oil pressure to build up and push the oil up into your valve cover. The Ticking then goes away. This Also happens when your oil is old or low.

 

My experience with GM cars and the low oil light is that it won't pop on until you are about 2 quarts low.

As for the tick, sometimes short term use of an oil additive can help with that (things like Rislone or Motor Honey) depending on what is causing the tick (such as a sticking lifter). Do not use a "motor flush" product. For the good they do, is also the potential of equal or worse BAD.