My name is Monk Taylor. I am the owner of a 2005 Yukon, which I like very much. I bought this Yukon after having to junk my 2002 Ford Explorer (bought new) after just 186,000 miles, rust , a new transmission, new wheel bearings replaced several times and many other constant issues – finally I threw in the towel when the timing chain broke, and the thing had developed lots of leaks from the rust. I paid originally about $32,000 for it, I got $350.00 for it when I sold it at the end for parts. No more Fords for me!
When the Explorer died, I needed a new truck on short notice. I had long admired Toyota 4 runners, I actually had two used ones at the mechanics for pre-buy inspections – both were expensive, high mileage, and both failed. I then saw this Yukon with 123,000 miles that seemed pretty clean. It had 4 wheel drive, a sun roof, new tires, a great sound system and it passed the pre-buy no problem. Purchased for $8,200 I was driving around in somewhat dated splendor and comfort – how did I miss these trucks when I was shopping new? I fell in love.
At 154,000 miles or so, my new to me Yukon developed an intermittent clicking sound which seemed to be around the valves. . When I first broached the problem to my mechanic, he said it could mean a new engine was required. That seemed like an over- reaction – certainly it was bad news, but that bad??? While that may be true sometime in the future, it seemed worthwhile to find another way. So I did what we all do, I went to the internet.
It turns out that I am not the only one to experience the problem. The GMC models for the years 1999-2012 Yukon ,Yukon XL, the Sierrra pickup, the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, the XXXXX all share the same engine. The good news, the engine was solid, a workhouse, reliable, but….subject to valve lifter noise after high mileage.
Solutions to the problem are varied , from additives to replacing lifters. cam shafts, and the one suggested by the mechanic, putting in a newly rebuilt engine.
I am not a mechanic, nor even mechanically inclined. I ma more of a researcher, and I’m also cheap. My goal is to get to 225,000 without major engine work, What this blog entails is my research into the problem and the different fixes I’ve found for the problem. I found that the information was out there, it is just scattered all over the place, and to find answers takes a lot of time. This blog is a compendium of all the information I found, in one place. You will get the ideas, the solutions – in their full range. You pick the one that sounds right to you. I will tell you what I have tried and what worked an what did not.
My Yukon is now at 185,000 and counting. As I said m my goal is to get it to 225,000 miles before major work will be required. I will keep this blog updated on my Yukon’s progress. Wish us luck!