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2001 Silverado question

Posted: Fri Feb 22, 2013 11:00 pm
by Walt
OK all you master mechanics, I need some help... again... :)

I was given a 2001 Silverado 2500HD single cab with a 6.0 V-8 and 135K miles. The engine was running roughly, surging, and going dead at idle quite a bit. Check Engine codes pointed to the MAF and MAP sensors, which have both been replaced. The truck is running fine, but now I'm getting an occasional check engine light, and the Parking Brake and ABS lights come on after about 5 minutes of driving. They stay on until the truck is turned off. I haven't noticed any side effects or problems, just lights on the dash. Any ideas?

BTW, the 6.0 is a BEAST! :) But the few times I've put my foot down, the gas gauge needle starts having spasms... :roflmao:

Re: 2001 Silverado question

Posted: Sat Feb 23, 2013 3:37 am
by ApproachMedium
Whats coming up for that occasional CEL? Even if it turns off and goes away, the vehicle should store that it set a DTC at some point for the CEL to come on and a code with it.

Does the CEL flash at all when it comes on? Flashing is an indication of multiple cylinder misfires.

Re: 2001 Silverado question

Posted: Sat Feb 23, 2013 5:58 am
by HenryJ
Intake gaskets.

The problem can tend to go away when they warm up. Spray carb cleaner along the sides and anywhere there is a gasket. Do it first thing on a cold engine and you will find a leak usually. Leaks along the sides at the head are common. Use the updated E85 FelPro green gaskets.
Make sure it got the updated PCV valve. Inverted dome and orifice on the bottom. They are known for their oil usage. This was one fix that helped a little.
A brute and powerful, however not known for their fuel mileage. You old S-10 is going to look very attractive after you feed this beast.

Similar issues to what we see in the s-series. Clean and check the evap. tank vent valve and filter. They had several updates trying to relocate it to a place that was better.
If you find the speedometer wrong or dead gauges, look for bad solder joints just like our wiper modules had.
Be ready to replace the heater blower motor resistor. You are likely to need a new plug and some wiring too when that toasts. Yours is an early model, so you probably got cabin filters. Check those first and often. They plug pretty fast in dirty conditions.
If you got the CD player, don't risk your good CD. There is a tiny plastic part that fails and the CD player quits. Lots of reman stuff out there , but the theftloc is a PITA. You can gut parts and fix the stocker though.
Ball joints are still and issue, as are sticky slide pins on the brake calipers.

That is all I have off the top of my head.

Don't let me get you down, great truck!

Re: 2001 Silverado question

Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2013 2:04 pm
by ApproachMedium
Sounds like more GM problems. LOL Funny how one issue is never really isolated to one model of truck.

Re: 2001 Silverado question

Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2013 8:47 pm
by Walt
I was also informed today (after the low engine oil light came on) that the truck uses 2-3 quarts of oil between oil changes, but doesn't leave any oil on the ground. I also can't tell anything from the exhaust either--color and smell seem normal.

Re: 2001 Silverado question

Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2013 9:41 pm
by HenryJ
Update the PCV valve. That will help. Go to 15-40w Rotella engine oil and fix those intake gaskets :)

Re: 2001 Silverado question

Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2013 9:52 pm
by Walt
Is that something a DIY'er like me can handle? I generally don't do anything more involved than changing plugs/wires, flushing radiators, installing suspension stuff, etc...

Re: 2001 Silverado question

Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2013 11:19 pm
by ApproachMedium
If you can change a spark plug you can change the PCV. Most of the ones I have done in the past dont even need tools. They usually pull right out then you remove them from the hose they are attached to.

EDIT:
Photo link for reference.
Image

Re: 2001 Silverado question

Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2013 5:47 am
by HenryJ
Yes, plug-n-play easy. Pop yours out of the valve cover and look at the bottom of it. If it is not an inverted cup, go to your local GM dealer to buy the revised version.
Under $10 item

Re: 2001 Silverado question

Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2013 7:24 am
by _STUCKY
Can that get eliminated, like on jeeps and older Chevys? I got a 4.0 in my Comanche that I just went and got a couple of these and stuck in the hole. I literally had to stand on them to get them in. Some jumping may have been required, as well as some stomping. I assure you, I care less about that Comanche than you care about this truck.

:evil:

These: It says "push in breathers"
http://www.spectreperformance.com/index ... thers.html

I am pretty sure I just got some mr. Gasket ones from o'rielly's.

Edit: im not sure why I didn't see this first
http://www.spectreperformance.com/index ... thers.html

Re: 2001 Silverado question

Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2013 3:27 pm
by Walt
What about the intake gaskets? What's the degree of difficulty on those?

Oh, and how many pcv valves are there?

On another note, I'm considering asking my local gas station if I can get on a payment plan... :Lol:

Sent from my SCH-I500 using Tapatalk 2

Re: 2001 Silverado question

Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2013 5:17 pm
by HenryJ
The upper and lower gaskets get replaced. They are no more difficult and maybe even easier than the 4.3L gasket install. Kinda time consuming.

One PCV valve. The other is the solenoid. You do need it as it is a closed system. Eliminating it or adding a breather will create other issues. It is sort of a controlled vacuum leak for the engine.