Clicking noise-2019 Yukon Denali 6.2L

[Scubagills]

clicking noise started recently, possibly after an oil change. Checked oil-looks full. Speeds up with throttle increase. Any ideas?
Check engine light came on today.

 

[L8T BURB]

Great chance you have a lifter issue. Get it to a mechanic ASAP to read the code and for a proper diagnosis. If the lifter completely collapses, it can cause further damage to the camshaft, etc.

 

[Scubagills]

Thank you. Have it at a mechanic now.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Welcome to the Forum from NH.

Lots of knowledgeable folks here who freely share their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives. Knowledge is power.

I hope that you will become a participating member in the Forum's discussions.

Pics of the truck, please.

You are already receiving sage advice from the knowledgeable folks on this Forum.

 

[Scubagills]

Great chance you have a lifter issue. Get it to a mechanic ASAP to read the code and for a proper diagnosis. If the lifter completely collapses, it can cause further damage to the camshaft, etc.

Mechanic says that I have a crack in the block that is leaking coolant into the engine. States that I need to replace the engine. He’s working up a quote now, but the ballpark estimate is $15k to $30k. That sound right to you?

 

[L8T BURB]

Mechanic says that I have a crack in the block that is leaking coolant into the engine. States that I need to replace the engine. He’s working up a quote now, but the ballpark estimate is $15k to $30k. That sound right to you?

This definitely sounds extreme. You could easily obtain a low/no mile engine from an salvage yard seller on Ebay and have an independant shop install it for WELL under 10k. Furthermore, if it is a lifter, there are even cheaper ways to replace the lifter/camshaft parts with even stronger parts than you have... and this would be closer to the 5k range.

This may be the first I have ever heard of a block cracking in these 2015+ engines, therefore I am HIGHLY skeptical of that diagnosis.

Hopefully some other members will chime in with some insight.

 

[15burban]

Get a 2nd opinion at the very least. Cheap and easy way to verify is get a coolant pressure tester and see if your cooling system holds pressure. Might be able to rent for free or get your deposit back from an auto parts store.

Just my opinion but 15-30k sounds like the mechanic threw out an outrageous bid hoping he wouldn't have to deal with the problem that he probably didn't find anyways.

 

[Scubagills]

Get a 2nd opinion at the very least. Cheap and easy way to verify is get a coolant pressure tester and see if your cooling system holds pressure. Might be able to rent for free or get your deposit back from an auto parts store.

Just my opinion but 15-30k sounds like the mechanic threw out an outrageous bid hoping he wouldn't have to deal with the problem that he probably didn't find anyways.

He came back with a bid of $20,500 to replace the motor. Said that GMC has them backordered, but he found a refurb one with 56k miles on it (truck has less than 55k miles on it). At this point, if what he’s saying is true, is it safe to drive to a dealership for a 2nd opinion or a trade-in?

 

[Scubagills]

Mechanic says that I have a crack in the block that is leaking coolant into the engine. States that I need to replace the engine. He’s working up a quote now, but the ballpark estimate is $15k to $30k. That sound right to you?

Updated quote is $20,500 for a refurb engine with 56k miles on it. He’ll give me a veteran discount, but it’s still at $20k.

 

[L8T BURB]

$20,500 is still beyond absurd. If you love the vehicle and want to keep it long term, getting a 2nd opinion of the diagnosis from the GM dealer wouldn't be a terrible idea. If they confirm it is a true engine replacement job, then you could consider trade or fix avenues at that point.

I would say to look at a trusted independent shop you can trust, but with this diagnosis and quote, I have little faith in that being an option in your area.

If I were in your shoes, anything beyond the $5,000 repair range and I would be looking to trade the vehicle. This is coming from someone who sank $15k into a 2015 Suburban for an engine/transmission replacement last year. Worst financial decision I ever made.

Is the vehicle drivable? Is the noise very loud? Carvana usually isn't very picky when selling. Depending upon the results of the dealership diagnosis, dumping it on Carvana may not be a terrible idea depending on where you are with equity/payments/etc of the Yukon currently.