Is anyone experiencing problems with the chevy 5.3 engine? I have one and its using about a quart of oil every 500 miles. it smokes on start up. Being under warranty, GM has done the following... replaced valve stem seals. installed redesigned pcv system. changed plugs. All have had no change. I believe that it is the valve guides. Anyway they will not do a buyback. Vehicle is a 2002 with 5,000 miles on it now. Today it went in for a redesigned valve cover. The next step is to replace the lifters. In this engine, the heads have to be removed to do this. If you have a problem like this, please let me know.
Thank god they didnt put this crappy engine in the corvettes. Why they discontinued the 350, Ill never know ...
Thanks in advance.

 

Maco Shark. Haven't had any problems "YET". I actually think it's a great engine for the GMC Sierra it's in. Milage goes from a low of 16mpg to almost 20mpg. I've got just about 7400 on it and the only thing i've noticed is that once in a while when i start it, a lifter will TICK for less than 10 seconds. Am taking it back in shortly for that. Remembering back to the "60's" the 327 was a super motor (isn't a 5.3 really 325cu. in's) Anyway i stuck one in a 60 biscayne cheapie and it was a kick butt car. Like to have that one back, plus the other 15 or 20 too............ JCL :cool: :cool: :chevy

 

I have one in my Silverado. Just changed the oil after 5500 miles between changes and it was still full of oil. Never used a drop. I love the motor personally. Mine ticks also all the time. Its just a slight tick. I'm leasign it so I'm not that concerned.

Jason

 

If the intake is made like the Dodge ( I would hope not, but...), the bottom of the intake rivets onto the base and has a gasket that will leak and suck oil.

I saw people replace engines for that...then they finally sent it to me and I found it. Next thing dodge was sending repair kits out, lol.

 

The engine ticks due to aggressive lifters (per chevrolet).
Yes they have done an oil consumption test. It is losing about a quart in every 600-700 miles.
I just got it back thursday. They put another set of valve stem seals on it and (get this) they replaced the valve covers!
It is using oil, not leaking it!! it smokes upon start up. I feel it is a bad valve guide. But I'm not GM.
I want my rear bumper replaced, It will do about as much good as replacing my Valve Covers !!! :cuss

 

:cry Don't say this man you are scaring me! We have a 2000 sub for the wife. It flashed the check oil light at me last month. It only has 8000 miles on it. I stoped to check sure enough one quart low. Im thinking WTF hoping it is not like the problems the Z06 guys are haveing with bad rings. We are just now starting to put miles on it so I am hoping it is just not broke in. It tells you when to change the oil and I have. I just hope a big ticket vehicle like this does not have major problems. Now my 95 jimmy is another story, man if you need any help on this type of vechicle I'm practicly an expert. I keep hoping I have fixed everything and I will start getting my money's worht out of it. :crazy:

 

Mako:
I am sorry to hear your frustration and hope you can get some satisfaction, but I think you are a little quick in blaming the 5.3.
Several people have had problems with the 5.3 and engine knock (not a large percentage, but large number, there is deffinately a
problem somewhere.) Excessive oil consumption has not been a widespread problem. I have seen several people report excessive
oil consumption in the first 10000 miles, but not nearly as excessive as yours. I agree that your dealer is picking at straws trying to
fix it without an engine rebuild or replacement. Most owners are very pleased with their 5.3, me included. By the way, I have heard
several explainations of the engine knock problem, but this is the first time I have heard agressive lifters. Once again I think your
deeler is blowing smoke. What is an agressive lifter? Agressive cam, ok, still no excuse for knock, but agressive lifters. I would
say document your problems, after three problems, call gm service and tell them you want a new engine. Keep after them until
the product is satisfactory. Since the 5.3 (4.8 and 6.0 too) is the same design as the current 5.7 in the vette, oil consumption
problems could be related. Don't mean to chew on you too much and do hope you get some satisfaction, but you got a bad motor
in my opinion, not a bad design.
related


[Modified by thunderbolt47, 2:35 AM 12/6/2001]

 

If you have never dealt with GM, you should. It, again, is a long story, but the rattle on start up is the lifters. Mine does not rattle. It has been to the dealership 8 times. I have called GM 21 times. All are documented. They WILL NOT replace the engine, much less the vehicle, until they are satisfied that they can not repair the problem.
I get a new vehicle about every year. I had a 2000 tahoe with same engine.
It rattled on start up, but no smoke, nor oil consumption.
I had a 99 tahoe with a 350, probably the best vehicle I have ever owned.
Aggressive lifters pump too much oil. This is the answer that the factory rep gave me.
Anyway, I have now new design valve stem seals, and new valve covers.
Hoping for a new spare tire, It will do about as much good :D