Chevy Silverado Problems

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Comments

  • prudnprudn Member Posts: 1
    I have a problem with my '00 5.3 4x4 with 40,000 miles. It has become hard to start. It feels like it is flooding and cranks longer than normal. When it catches it is rough until you give it gas and clean it out. Any ideas or solutions?
    Thanks
    Tom
  • ryanbabryanbab Member Posts: 7,240
    RonS
    Member
    Posts: 27
    Registered: 20
    posted 02-16-2001 07:16 AM
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    I got my reply from Eaton, not through an email but a phone call.
    First of all the Mobil 1 is not the same as the
    GM rear end fluid. That being said the mobil one will not harm the rear end, the only thing that could happen is the possibility of rear end chatter after towing or anything that would create heat, this would not cause damage to the rearend just would be annoying.
    Using mobil one doesnt mean it will happen for sure just a possibility.
    Secondly, as far as the 7500 mile service is concerned I'll try to sum up the explanation as best as I can.

    As you drive the new parts create a wear pattern that on the gears. Creating this wear pattern also creates heat,once a wear pattern is created over say the 7500 mile distance you will no longer create the same amount of heat as when the gears were new. The reason for changing the fluid is that the heat from creating the wear pattern can break down the additives found in the rear end fluid.

    If you do not tow heavy loads with your truck you can change your fluid at 7500miles and never have to change your fluid again, but lets say you have 7500 miles on the truck, you've created the wear pattern on the ring and pinion but then begin to trailer or haul a heavy load, this will create a different wear pattern, create heat and then you should change the fluid 500miles from when you started towing.

    His suggestion was if you are going to tow, try to combine the 7500 mile service and the 500 mile service together so that you only have to change the fluid once, even if it means going past the 7500 miles within reason.

    After that you should'nt really have to change the rearend fluid anymore so I've decided that I'll spend the money for the GM
    stuff rather than the mobil one.

    Hope that explains it
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    What I had based my opinion on was the fact that GM has advertised tighter clearances for '01, and figuring how GM's attorney think...should be guaranteed by '02.

    jlflemmons

    Think I have the same situation as you. I have a ticking sound at idle that can't be heard from inside the cab but can be noticed when standing next to the front of the truck at idle.

    ryanbab

    So you're saying that you don't intend to change rearend fluid for the life of the truck? Isn't that more nuts than using the $26 rattlesnake oil from GM? Especially based on what someone said that Eaton said on pickuptruck.com. Then again...whatever floats your boat. Oh yeah, one question. What do you plan to do about your coolant replacement as coolant failure or lack of it can turn the motor into a pile of junk and would be more costly than replacing the rearend? Call me curious.
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    replacement for the keyless remote? Someone had gone to the dealer looking for replacement batteries only to be told that they were $32 a piece. Thought the dealer was nuts and went to a local drug store and bought two for $3.89. No problems so far. I think this post was on pickuptruck.com too. Go figure....
  • seeligseelig Member Posts: 590
    like the rear end fluid, are these batteries up to GM spec.?
  • unclemiltiunclemilti Member Posts: 4
    I just found out about this message board..and MAN..I have never seen so many people with problems on their trucks. I have had a 99, 2000, and now a 2001 Z71 ext cab, 5.3's in all of them.
    The ONLY problem I had out of all of them was the tranny problem- where when coming to an abrupt stop, the trans wants to start back up in 2nd gear. I eliminated it in all three by going in with a reprogrammer from hypertech with a few of my friends. No wind noise, no creaks, no rattles, no vibrations, nothing. The 5.3's all make noise on startup...then will make a light tapping noise when idling...the noise on startup is because of the relatively low oil pressure "engineered" into the 5.3's. The light tapping is because of the thin piston sidewalls and the nitrade coating on them. This info comes from a friend in Charlotte who remans the late model Chevy engines...
    I also have 7 2000 longbed Chevys with the 6000 motor in them...none have any problems with them..all of these are construction vehicles, so they are not well-taken care of.
  • csandmanncsandmann Member Posts: 8
    obyone, you mentioned somewhere that you installed a "pv" exhaust on your truck. I'v cant seem to find any info on that brand can you elaborate please. thanks
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    Cause of all the ones I 've seen from Hypertech, will only work on one truck at a time. IN OTHER WORDS,you have to remove the programming from one truck to program another and will not work between model years '99,'00, and '01. Unclemilti, where did you get yours cause I'd like to get one of those models?

    Also are you saying that like Firestone tires, the 5.3's all do that and we should look forward to a class action lawsuit or manufacturer recall on them? Low oil pressure "engineered" into the 5.3....don't know about that cause mine runs at 60+ psi...is that low pressure?
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    You can find more info here:


    http://www.pvmufflers.com


    BTW, did Gibson ever get back to you?

  • seeligseelig Member Posts: 590
    my 5.3's are up to 50-55 psi immediatly after cold start up. GM also gave me a 100K/5 yr warranty on my '00 to keep me happy and not to pursue buyback. my '01 now, well, it's still in it's infant miles, so time will tell. it's still tight and quiet inside and out, but so was the '00 when it was at the same mileage. only problem with the '00 was the intermediate steering shaft, but has also gained some of the noises that others complain about. guess that's where the stereo upgrade comes in handy, crank it up and don't hear anything. i guess it depends on what one expects from this new generation of silverado's. if super quiet Beemer style is what you want, then buy that, if a truck is what you need, then live with what noises you hear and forget about it, after all, they are trucks. GM's big mistake was probably building something as tight and quiet as these new trucks are, and not letting people know that eventually they will lossen up. Just looked at a BMW325i, and for only 44k, i'm gonna be expecting it to be quiet for some time. a 25K pickup on the other hand is bound to make a few noises after some miles. i say deal with it, or live with it. for me, a tube of Dielectric grease eliminated all the squeaks and creaks.
  • volkejvolkej Member Posts: 108
    I don't know where you looked at a BMW 325i, but the ones I've seen can be had for pretty close to what I paid for my Silverado.
    I don't expect perfection, it is after all, a Chevrolet, but since it is a gas engine I would prefer it sound like one rather than a diesel.
    And, I guess I'm being picky, but I would also like, when I'm traveling at 70 mph, for it not to sound like the inside of a C-130 because of the wind noise from the rear quarter windows.
    I am also aware that these trucks will loosen up after some miles, but I don't think it's unreasonable to expect a $30K truck to hang together past 15K miles. Do you?
  • ryanbabryanbab Member Posts: 7,240
    never said i wasnt gonna change it again. I just thought id post another persons message and what they found out from eaton.
  • seeligseelig Member Posts: 590
    that a truck is a truck. having both a '00 and a '01 (of which i only paid around 25K, invoice), i'm able to make a great comparison. the '00 is pretty quiet after relubing the weather stripping, and is overall a quiet truck as trucks go. the '01 is still super quiet just as it was the first day. but i agree that it is annoying to go thru a drive up fast food and you hear this diesel like sound from the lower end. it's been this way on my '00 since day one and hasn't really gotten worse, but having put a few engines together, i don't see the reason for them to make this noise. other more experienced engine builders might understand it, but i'm not accustomed to it. the '00 and '01 both don't use oil at this time either and the '01 is quieter on the lowere end. wind noise is louder in my '01, but after adding a stereo system in the '00, i also did the whole cab up with Dynamatt, and this makes the inside really quiet. never had problems with the rear quarter windows.
    hopefully i will be able to buy the 325i for much less, but we just started looking at them and you know the old song and dance that salesmen like to throw on ya. just takes time to beat em up a little.......then they usually deal, or you go somewhere else.
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    Beating up the salesman a little....with a 2x4.

    volkej

    I had my quarter windows changed out (in pairs) 4 times before they got it right. So if you've done it once already, continue to do so until you find a good pair. Since the wind noise from the windows are gone, I hear roadnoise from between the front and rear passenger doors. Suppose if I have that fix...then maybe I can hear my motor knock....
  • seeligseelig Member Posts: 590
    fix one problem so you can hear the other problem..........good one Dean.
  • balichbalich Member Posts: 62
    Could someone send me a email who owns a 1500
    Silverado with the v6 engine ? I want to know
    if it is powerful enough to do light trailoring
    and just your general thoughts ??

    I'm interested in the Silverado 1500 2wd extended cab ls short box w/ v6 (200 HP) engine.

    Thanks!!!!

    My email is pbalich@kronos.com
  • csandmanncsandmann Member Posts: 8
    thanks for the info on the pv mufflers, I talked to John out there and he gave me some great info. now I need to decide if I should just buy their whole cat back system or just install the muffler in place of the gibson unit and save myself 300 bucks. Still waiting to hear back from gibson, I guess its time to give them a call back. Thanks again!
  • unclemiltiunclemilti Member Posts: 4
    We use the Power Programmer III...its an actual re-programmer..there is no chip to install.and no..it does not work between model years..we simply sell them off on Ebay, then buy another one for the current year. It does say that you cannot use it on more than one vehicle...but with creative finangling, a notebook computer, and a guy who is a programmer by trade..lets just say it can be done.It does, however work on the 5.3 and the 6.0. I think we got our last one at www.truckaddons.com.
    As far as oil pressure...the 5.3's SHOW 50-60 pounds...but that is only the gauge calibration. GM had so many complaints about low oil pressure readings back in 95-96 ( I believe thats when they went to the lower oil pressure to reduce stress on the gaskets and also to keep the oil in the block longer to help cool the engine) that they recalibrated the gauges. As I said..I have a friend who owns a remanufacturing shop and does exclusive work on late model GM engines..he told me 30-35 pounds max is what the oiling system delivers. Which is plenty for the block design, but it does keep the upper part of the engine starved for oil at idle. Add that in with the thin piston walls with coatings on them (which reduces friction) and you have noise.
    Now- all that is not to be confused with piston slap..its just that the ticking at idle is normal, from what I understand...and from my experience on 4 of the 5.3's and 6.0 motors...they all do it.
  • edetoredetor Member Posts: 12
    I have a 00' w 20k miles on a 5.3 that developed the engine noise at cold starts. sounded like a bad lifter ticking for about 10 seconds. I brought it in to the dealer several times and when they used a solvent to remove carbon it disappeared for about 2k miles. I left it for a week while on vacation and asked for the regional rep to be notified. Picked up the truck today and they have ordered a new engine. dealer said GM is aware of the problem that appears on about 5% of these engines. They may have replacement parts next year to correct it but have agreed to replace my engine now.
  • ryanbabryanbab Member Posts: 7,240
    dont tell Sam he will go nuts
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    why don't you go over there and post a link to over here....muahahahahahaha
  • marko44marko44 Member Posts: 14
    I believe both of you have applied Dynamatt to the inside of your trucks. Can you explain how far you ran it. Do you apply it only to the bottom surfaces? back? doors? firewall?

    Did you use Dynamatt or one of the other brands? How much did you use ( 1, 2, or 3 layers) and what was the approximate cost? I looking at doing this in the future so I could use some advice. Thanks for your time.

    Mark
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    I removed both the front and rear seats, all the doorpanels, and the backpanel for the truck inclding all the carpet. I covered the floor with three layersand any vertical surface with two layers before replacing all the seats, panels and carpet. It was a real fun project and took me a day and a half to do it. I don't know if this makes sense to you but I used the bladk type for the floor and the silver/foil type for the doors and panels coming roughly to abour $400 worth of materials which I bought on ebay. If you are particular about your stereo system, which, I'm not (just dislike exterior noise) it's worth doing as there is an appreciable difference in noise level once it's done.
  • unclemiltiunclemilti Member Posts: 4
    pistons attract carbon like a magnet.....I don't think Chevy enginneers realized this until it was too late.
  • seeligseelig Member Posts: 590
    i did the same as Obyone. i too don't enjoy the exterior noise, and since doing the sound material (all of it being the Xtreme Dynamatt cause i'm also anal) i can honestly say that the truck is quieter inside than some cars i've ridden in. although i did everything but the roof, i also noticed that the Bass response of my sub was a lot stonger, and the volume level over road noise became lower. might do the '01 just to achieve the same noise level. one thing i've read about using the cheapest of sound materials is that they really stink for a bit if they get wet, or in extreme heat. the ones that Obyone and i have installed won't give you any problems like that.
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    you trying to confuse someone? It's dynamat and not dynomat. Especially if they are recommending something similar to the dynamat. There are a lot of products out there that compare to the dynamat....I wonder why most people spend 3 to 4 times the amount to install dynamat instead of the other copycat....could it be because of results or even the fact that the labor to tear apart the insides of your truck far exceeds the price of what you're putting in there so you may as well go with the "REAL THING"
  • seeligseelig Member Posts: 590
    what did you decide on the front speakers? when you do em, it will also be a good time to install some dynamatt.......makes a world of difference.
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    hey don't rush the guy. He just spent some buckos on the rear end fluid...doesn't know it but is supposed to change his fuel and trans filter. Can't be worried about no speakers and such...that's far too complicated while other important things needin being done. hehe
  • ryanbabryanbab Member Posts: 7,240
    same difference

    SORRY!!!

    Front speakers hmmm on hold i have a few other things planned first

    1. side mirrors plastic chrome having it painted blue
    2. billet grill
    3. shocks

    Hopefully the first 2 will get done this month then wait for the shocks sept/oct
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    of them KYB shocks. Them white ones sure are purty.
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    was eating sunflower seeds and driving with the window down on the freeway. With windows up, stereo on, and exhaust on the truck, can't really hear the motor. Well since I was eating sunflower seeds, I had the windows down. Lo and behold going uphill on the freeway, I hear this ping. I kind of chuckled. Is this thing a POS or what? haha!! or could it be the Chevron premium I'm running....hmmmm...maybe some 120 octane racing gas next....
  • blacksilvertooblacksilvertoo Member Posts: 6
    The V6 can hardly pull the truck, let alone a trailer too!

    That's a nice engine in a toy truck like an S10, but a big mistake in a real truck.

    Hans
  • ryanbabryanbab Member Posts: 7,240
    solve many of your problems

    Extra Strength Muffler Bearing-
    Do you have an annoying rattling in your mufflers? Are they sagging a little? Don't quite sound right? That could be the symptoms of a worn muffler bearing. Allow me to introduce the KaleCo muffler bearing! It's unique iron-graphite composite with pre-grease-packed assembly provides over 200,000 miles of smooth muffler operation! It is most likely they will outlast your mufflers. Also works well on heavy duty exhaust systems. One per muffler.
    $100 Each
    $175 Pair

    I have 1 on order

    I am hoping for some extra HP

    Ryan
  • 4x4man4x4man Member Posts: 222
    Let me guess your muffler bearing takes a specific grease that only you know the spec for and we can only buy YOUR grease for it, right??

    LOL

    Bob
  • ryanbabryanbab Member Posts: 7,240
    only one lube will work which satisfies one of the gm specs : 7864539299

    its has a strawberry scent to it
  • seeligseelig Member Posts: 590
    send me two of em and one container of the grease. i see your college education is finally paying off...........
  • gator36gator36 Member Posts: 294
    Tundra owners might really think your serious...
  • ryanbabryanbab Member Posts: 7,240
    We are serious. Its not a joke
  • gator36gator36 Member Posts: 294
  • marko44marko44 Member Posts: 14
    Obyone - you said you used the black on the floor and the silver/foil type for the doors, does this equate to Dynamat Original and Dynamat Extreme? Is there an advantage in using two different types?

    Seelig - I went to Dynamats website and read the specs on Dynamat Original and Dynamat Extreme. Since you used the more expensive type(foil type), how many layers did you apply? Where did you purchase it from? What quantity did you buy (sq. ft.) and how much did it run you?

    Ryan - thanks for the link. I found some other useful stuff on that guys website as well.

    Mark
  • seeligseelig Member Posts: 590
    i still went 3 layers. i thought about two, but wanted to kill road noise so much that i decided 3 was better. got most of it at Good Guys, and they treated me right on the price if you can call 60% a fair price. at the time i was putting all the stereo stuff in (and out, tried different amp and speakers) i had spent so much that i no longer cared about cost. total was around 550 for all the matt.
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    Only difference was price. Didn't want to spend too much on something that would be stepped on. Also, I think it was what dynamat recommended too.
  • abc246abc246 Member Posts: 305
    blacksilvertoo- I guess you have a V-6? Most likely not. I have a V-6 4x4 with 3.73 gears. It has a lot of power. More than the 4.8 V-8 down low. I tow 5000 lbs with that engine every weekend, in 4x4 on beach sand!

    I worry about the axles, transmission, and transfer case, not the engine! The front diff has already been replaced (housing cracked under load in 4x4). This is the same diff in the V-8. The V-6 has a lot of torque right off the line.

    This V-6 also runs 9.3s sec 0 to 60. Not very far from the V-8. I just checked it again and my last time was 9.7 sec, but that was in very hot temps.

    The tow haul mode helps the V-6 more than you would think. I actually bought the V-6 so I would not stress the rest of the truck in hard use, but this engine can still break it.
  • marko44marko44 Member Posts: 14
    I appreciate the follow up!
  • magillamagilla Member Posts: 75
    Let me state up front that I will never tow anything. Most I'll ever haul is stuff from home improvement place or stuff to the dump. It appears that 260 ft/lbs torque ought to be enough to move the ext. cab sb down the road. What kind of mileage would this truck give on the highway? We have a big Montero (4700lbs) that has a 3.5 v-6 (with not near as much power) that accelerates okay and gives almost 20 on the hwy. Looking at either the 4.8 or the v-6. Just want to know. If you own either I'd be interested. If you're just popping off about v-6 motors, thanks anyway.
  • ricobeachricobeach Member Posts: 29
    Magilla,

    I have a 2000 Silverado Ext. Cab short bed with the V6. It also has Auto and A/C. Other than that it is a regular base model with a few aftermarket accessories like tranny cooler, hitch, bedliner, rail caps, etc.

    I DO tow a pop-up camper (wgt is about 2500 lbs loaded) and have never had any problem with acceleration. I have even towed a 4500 lb boat and trailer and not had any major problems. So if you just want to do normal household chores, the V6 should be fine. I have used mine to haul just about anything a homeowner would use a truck for and had no problems.

    As for gas mileage, my best for highway mileage was about 22 mpg with 4 people in the cab and luggage in the bed. I mostly drive in D.C. suburb traffic which is stop and go most of the time. I get about 18 mpg in this type of mixed driving but I also use the A/C much of the time.

    My suggestion is to drive the V6 and 4.8L to see if you like the extra power verses the cost. I have had a 4.8L as a rental several times and do like the power. However, the rental was also a Z71 4x4 so it was thirstier for gas. Also be sure to take both models onto a highway and see if the passing power is sufficient for your needs. My V6 downshifts more than the 4.8L did. Not a big deal but some people might not like that.

    Also take a look at local dealer ads. Many use the base V6 model as their loss leader to get you in the showroom. That is the model that I bought. I got mine with auto,a/c, and stereo cassette for $19,500. The closest 4.8L models that I could find were all a few thousand more due to the extras that were packaged with them. With the rebates GM has now, you could probably get a V6 pretty cheap.

    Good luck with your decision,

    Rico
  • tucsonjwttucsonjwt Member Posts: 265
    I have a V6 auto long bed reg cab and am satisfied with it - for the price.
    As always, your best bet is to rent a V6 for a day (I think UHaul has V6 Sierras) and hook up or load it up the way you plan to use it. That is the best test.
    I also use my truck as a commuter vehicle and find that I can squeeze 20-21 mpg out of it - but I drive very conservatively - I actually drive the speed limit and use cruise whenever I see an opportunity. I got 27 mpg in combination city/highway, with highway being about 1/2 the tankful. However, I do have the regular cab which is lighter than the ext cab.
    I would not rely just on anyone's advice on the V6 - it's best to actually drive both the V6 and V8 and make your comparison. But if I were taking advice on a V6, I would take it from V6 owners, not V8 owners. I found that the 4.3 V6 and 4.8 V8 engines were about the same in performance, unless you really put your foot into it - and I never drive that way.
    I have nothing against V8s - I'll probably buy a V8 suv - but the V6 does the job for a light hauler, not a racing or luxury vehicle. I put the difference in base model vs. LS price in accessories I wanted, and still have a lot of money left over. Each to his or her own. Good Luck.
  • magillamagilla Member Posts: 75
    Thanks very much for the responses. Great info. I plan on driving both tomorrow. I am amazed that you guys got over 20 on the hwy. I currently have an s-10 (4cyl, 5sp) that really likes to drink gas and I drive very conservatively as well. My best tank ever was 21 and the worst was 17.1!!! Yes, it's true. And the sticker said 21/29. Yeh, right. Anyway, your v-6 responses were very helpful and I'll drive both. About 80% of my driving is in town so can't imagine it not being sufficient. Have your trucks been reliable? My S-10 is the biggest piece of crap this side of a Mustang II. I'm honestly looking at either a Dakota Quad Cab or the Silverado Ext. Cab. The Ford just doesn't have enough space in the back seat and I don't really care for their crash test either. Thanks again.
  • textruckrtextruckr Member Posts: 22
    I have a '96 Chevy W/T. Auto, A/C, 3.08 rears. It is standard cab, short bed. I have a little over 69K on it so far. Been very reliable to date. I use it to haul trailers near the 4000# limit advertised for this truck. My advice is to get the tranny cooler and not to tow in OverDrive. It does a wonderful job for me, and when I have a larger load I will use the '94 C3500 454/4.10, 5 spd CC/Dually or the Suburban. The V6 truck really fits the niche between the big truck and 1/2 ton (5.7L) Suburban for towing.
    Best mileage to date has been 24 mpg @ 65
    Repairs to date (all done under warranty, none since 36K):
    A/C compressors (2)
    Rear leaf springs (one was sagging)
    EGR valve solenoid
    A/C control head
    Mechanically has been problem free.
    Test drive one and see what you think. I would recommend the 3.73 instead of the 3.08 ratio.

    Texas Truck - r
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