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Old 08-24-2003, 09:31 AM   #19
PeteChevySales
Registered User

Status: Offline
Join Date: Jan 2003
Member ID: 4269
Location: Sunland, CA
Age: 40
Posts: 18
Piston-slap happens on NEW 5.3 V-8's. As I am frequently the first salesperson at the dealership in the early morn I move a blocker (generally an Avalanche or Silverado or Suburban) out of the way for the day's traffic. If it's even slightly cool (that's low 70's for us so-cal folk) I've heard the snap-snap-snap of slap at start-up.
I wouldn't call it a Problem so much as an Annoyance, but then again I don't own one. The little 3.1 V-6 in the Buick Century does the same thing. Call it a quirk or call it poor engineering. Even if it doesn't actually cause damage, it causes distress on the part of the vehicle owner. That makes it a problem. Period.
Wondering whether or not your engine is going to sound like a typewriter in a kettle drum when you start it can make some reluctant to purchase. GM has a way to go as far as aural stimulation at start-up.
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