Need a mechanic that knows the GM EcoTech engines...

[TxAgHntr]

I am looking for a mechanic who knows the GM 5.3 EcoTech V8 engine to visit with about some concerns.

I’ve spent weeks researching, my truck is in the shop for the 5th week and I am looking for some good, unbiased knowledgeable insight about the engines. Thanks

Wes

Please PM and I would love to set up a call.

[hog_down]

Why don't you share with us what your truck is doing? Couldn't hurt...

[-HIC-]

Share the story. You can put a junk yard pull out in the truck over a weekend in your garage. Nothing on that engine should take 5 weeks to do, or diagnose, especially if you have it at a reputable shop.

[TxAgHntr]

2014 Sierra 1500 with 5.3
65k Miles 90% on road.

Long story short: during acceleration several weeks ago RPMs jumped way up, and things went south. Engine shuttering, check engine light flashing, stabilitrak disabled, burning oil, etc...

Coded a misfire to cylinder 7, local auto tech shop at our high school (very reputable guy) checked it and saw that it had oil in the cylinder and said take it to the dealer, it will be powertrain covered, and that there could be several scenarios all of which are not great.

Took it in, diagnosed collapsed lifter as part of the AFM system on cylinder 7. Plan from dealer was to replace those lifters and back up and running...2+ weeks on backorder for the parts...fast fwd...fixed it, then during testing realized a blown head gasket, fixed that, gave it back and ended up having a cracked plug causing another misfire. Got it back, drove 300 miles in town and highway, then another engine code: no or low oil pressure...back to the dealer...failure in the oil pressure control solenoid...backorder...here we sit...

I am curious about the AFM engines in the 14’ or newer GM engines and if they are dependable and I just have a fluke or if they have issues...

Typing in my phone, so I may have rambled or missed something...but that’s the gist

[Bowtech38]

From what I have read online that engine has alot of problems with the lifters hopefully the dealer will continue to fix it under warrenty

[-HIC-]

2014 Sierra 1500 with 5.3
65k Miles 90% on road.

Long story short: during acceleration several weeks ago RPMs jumped way up, and things went south. Engine shuttering, check engine light flashing, stabilitrak disabled, burning oil, etc...

Coded a misfire to cylinder 7, local auto tech shop at our high school (very reputable guy) checked it and saw that it had oil in the cylinder and said take it to the dealer, it will be powertrain covered, and that there could be several scenarios all of which are not great.

Took it in, diagnosed collapsed lifter as part of the AFM system on cylinder 7. Plan from dealer was to replace those lifters and back up and running...2+ weeks on backorder for the parts...fast fwd...fixed it, then during testing realized a blown head gasket, fixed that, gave it back and ended up having a cracked plug causing another misfire. Got it back, drove 300 miles in town and highway, then another engine code: no or low oil pressure...back to the dealer...failure in the oil pressure control solenoid...backorder...here we sit...

I am curious about the AFM engines in the 14’ or newer GM engines and if they are dependable and I just have a fluke or if they have issues...

Typing in my phone, so I may have rambled or missed something...but that’s the gist

You have to pull the head to replace the lifters. Was the blown head gasket on the odd bank, or on the other side? They have to drain the coolant to pull the head, if it had gone in with a bad head gasket it should have been noticed.

They probably did not replace the plugs, left them in the odd bank head when it was pulled and cracked one during the process. Or, they could have pulled them and simply dropped one then re-used it.

The oil system is what de-activates the cylinders on these engines. Given the problems you have had I suspect the oil failure is from lifter or cam debris in the system.

I would not be satisfied until the cam, all lifters and every other part that has to do with AFM was replaced and the oil passages flushed. That trash will make it's way to bearing surfaces, etc. On second though, at this point I would probably be getting my facts and paperwork in line to threaten a lawsuit if they do not replace the longblock with an OEM, new unit. If that lifter gave up and chewed on the cam it is almost impossible to get all of carnage out of the system.

I have a '15 6.2 and a 17' 5.3. The prevailing opinion is that most AFM issues have been worked out over the last few years. However, yours is not the first one I have heard of. It is the first I have heard of going back to the shop so many times with what seems like mechanic induced, or at least overlooked, issues.

my two cents, YMMV. I hope you get it fixed right.

[TxAgHntr]

Need a mechanic that knows the GM EcoTech engines...

You have to pull the head to replace the lifters. Was the blown head gasket on the odd bank, or on the other side? They have to drain the coolant and oil to replace the lifters, if it had gone in with a bad head gasket it should have been noticed.

I agree, not sure which side...should have asked more questions on that issue. I figured it was on the same bank and happened originally and didn’t notice until putting the grad back on and checking it.


They probably did not replace the plugs, left them in the odd bank head when it was pulled and cracked one during the process. Or, they could have pulled them and simply dropped one then re-used it.

Agree.

The oil system is what de-activates the cylinders on these engines. Given the problems you have had I suspect the oil failure is from lifter or cam debris in the system.

This makes sense...I wondered if this problem is what lead to the failure of the lifter...but idk.

I would not be satisfied until the cam, all lifters and every other part that has to do with AFM was replaced and the oil passages flushed. That trash will make it's way to bearing surfaces, etc. On second though, at this point I would probably be getting my facts and paperwork in line to threaten a lawsuit if they do not replace the longblock with an OEM, new unit. If that lifter gave up and chewed on the cam it is almost impossible to get all of carnage out of the system.

Agree, for the reasons above and the slim chances of me being satisfied. I am wondering whether I should give this engine another shot in a different truck or just avoid and go for either a diesel or a tundra...

my two cents, YMMV. I hope you get it fixed right.

Thanks for your reply...please see my responses within your post.

[-HIC-]

Thanks for your reply...please see my responses within your post.

If it is still under the factory powertrain warranty I would raise all kinds of hell until they replace with a factory longblock.

I would get GM involved and let them know your concerns on how long it has been in the shop. Also, point out what appears to be additional issues caused by the dealer working on it.

If it is not under warranty; I would find a comparable mileage pull out and ditch the AFM before you swap the longblock out. You should not have any other issues out of the 5.3 for 200k, or more. You will have to swap lifters and have the computer flashed going this route.

The parts to delete are 300-500ish depending on what you choose to buy. Texas Speed and Performance has kits. You could go with a handheld programmer and that is likely the cheapest route. Or, you can have it tuned by someone with HPtuners or EFIlive. If you are around the Houston area I am willing to help you with any of this if needed.

[-HIC-]

I am headed to the lease. I will check back in when I can. I hope GM steps up if this is under warranty.

[TxAgHntr]

I am headed to the lease. I will check back in when I can. I hope GM steps up if this is under warranty.

Thanks, sent you a PM.

[-HIC-]

Thanks, sent you a PM.

I did not get a PM. Let me know if you still need help!

[175gr7.62]

I would not be satisfied until the cam, all lifters and every other part that has to do with AFM was replaced and the oil passages flushed. That trash will make it's way to bearing surfaces, etc. On second though, at this point I would probably be getting my facts and paperwork in line to threaten a lawsuit if they do not replace the longblock with an OEM, new unit. If that lifter gave up and chewed on the cam it is almost impossible to get all of carnage out of the system.

This, the lifter collapsing normally causes all sorts of other issues. I learned the hard way on mine....and when they do finally get it fixed get a tuner and turn off the AFM.

[TxAgHntr]

I did not get a PM. Let me know if you still need help!

Tried again. Thanks