5.3 Gen IV a bad engine?

[music]

The original question asked about the 5.3L "Generation IV" V8, right? Which includes engines manufactured from 2007-2013? I'd sure like to hear about some 2007-2013 GM 5.3 engines with 200-300K miles without problems, because all you read about on this forum is ticking AFM lifters which self-destruct later, and owners having to add oil every 2000 miles or so to keep the d*mned things from blowing up! I'm starting to believe that some on this forum keep trying to 'sweep the problems under the rug' so as to not decrease their future trade/resale values, but for others of us, these problems are unfortunately very real. My 29k-mile ticking LC9 seems to be developing quite a thirst for 5W-30, and it's not from abuse or pulling heavy trailers. At 15-16 mpg overall even with AFM, I'd GLADLY tell GM that they can keep their AFM and give me a quiet, problem-free engine!!

 

Nobody is trying to "sweep" anything away. We're reporting our personal experience on the matter. Given the specific issues that you're reporting, has GM determined whether it is related to AFM? I can guarantee that every motor out their has some "oil burners", and some have "ticking valves". Do a search on Ecoboost, 5.0, 5.7, or whatever plus "oil consumption" or "ticking". Don't get me wrong, if a specific instance is related to the AFM system, then it needs to be fixed. It does not, however, mean that they all are.

 

I have the opposite frustration. The reason that we read about AFM and oil consumption here, is that folks having excess consumption find the forum and ask about it, or post their experience. Some members here, especially those that don't have a Gen IV 5.3, then proceed to tell them that it's due to their AFM system. Very few have actually validated an issue w/ AFM itself, and most owner/members here don't have a problem. How is it that almost every 5.3 out there is running fine with no issues, yet the vocal few form the consensus?

 

I hope that you + GM find the answer for your truck... and that's the right way to go about it. Nobody here can diagnose or fix it.

Edited March 28, 2013 by music

[MikeNH]

No one is trying to hide anything. It's simple fact that some here have blown whatever issues exist with AFM (if any) way the hell out of proportion. GM has sold hundreds of thousands of trucks, SUVs and cars with AFM and if it were truly widespread as some would lead you to believe then this place would be full of people complaining about the system.

[rdnkcpa]

My 5.3 runs as strong, smooth and quiet as the day I bought it. I did have one major engine repair at 119K, but I can't tell you what % of 5.3's experiences the failure I experienced. Some say it is a tiny %, some say it is fairly common. I firmly believe I'll take this truck and engine well past 200K.

 

Also, another question to ask is, how many actual GM truck owners use this board, or even know it exists, or care that it exists. I'm sure that is a tiny % as well. I also think this board could be compared to a tool in a do-it-yourselfer's tool box. Many come here to report problems and to see who else has experienced the problem and what was done to repair it.

 

The blower motor resistor comes to mind as well as the blend door actuator as a popular topic. If you read this board it seems like every GM truck experiences those failures.

 

GM seems to sell a lot of Silverados/Sierras, so people must like them and many must be repeat buyers.

[ATMINF]

The current motor is all based around the LS1 that came out in 1997 in the corvette. Of these motors I have had one in my 2001 suburban and my current 2006 Silverado. Both of these trucks have been great for me, with no. Issues. I also know friends of mine that have the current motor and also have no issues. If you have problem, be cool and take it to the dealer to get fixed. While I understand some dealers are a pain, I have also seen where the customer is never satisfied and treats the dealer like crap. So human nature is just that, you treat people poorly they will treat you bad in return.

[Chris]

Gen 3 was passed off LS1 and Gen 4 is based of the LS2 6.0

 

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[2007SierraSLT]

My personal Experience in real life in most places I go, the 5.3 is not all that popular of an engine unless it was an option in your truck or you drive an LTZ or SLT... All had 4.8's and those have little to no "oil burning" issues.... I can go to all the local dealers and out of like 50 trucks, maybe 5-6 would have a 5.3... the 4.8 I bet accouns for 60% or more of GM's truck engines...

 

When I come online most 5.3 owners I have seen have a little issue with oil consumption... Some don't buy many do, My local dealers has had more then my truck go in with oil loss.... Most owners probably don't even have a clue that it does unless they check it and this day and age, nobody does anymore... they just change it when the OLM tells you too and if it did, I bet most owners would pass it off...

 

Plus I think this will happen more and more with higher mileage 5.3 then lower mileage trucks...

 

This is a serious issue that GM should deal with better then they have IMO and most owners should realize it as well.... These 5.3 have a serious issue and it not going to go away I think for most nnbs owners....

 

Personally in the year 2007 (year this truck was built) and now 2013, automotive engines shouldn't be burning oil... Not like this anyway because my truck doesn't get run hard... I shouldn't be sucking back a liter of oil in 4000km's or less driving 65mph down the highway... My G6 I had before this I beat the snot out of it and it laughed back at me and never ate oil

 

Only thing that will fix this is pistons and rings...and NO way will I pay for that...

Edited March 29, 2013 by 2007SierraSLT

[MikeNH]

The 5.3 is by far the most common of the engines. For the Gen III motors it was produced at a 2:1 ratio compared to the 4.8 or even the LS1. So to say dealers only have a few is absurd.

[2007SierraSLT]

The 5.3 is by far the most common of the engines. For the Gen III motors it was produced at a 2:1 ratio compared to the 4.8 or even the LS1. So to say dealers only have a few is absurd.

 

In these parts the 4.8 in the nnbs trucks are by far the most common engine, easy... Just about any dealer around here all have 4.8's

 

Also I have seen posts from mechanic at GM dealers across north america the 5.3L engine was terrific until they ruined it with AFM, it's a joke of a system that GM screwed the pooch with

 

 

Re: My truck has the infamous 5.3L oil consumption problem.

 

The AFM system is a joke on these engines. we see issues with them on a regular basis. which would be daily. anyways, 2 different fixes. depending on what they do, you will either have the pistons and rings replaced, and possibly have AFM lifters replaced as well, and a new VLOM, and oil deflector installed. or, they will do the piston soaking with Top engine cleaner, and install the oil deflector. more than likely, probably remove engine, replaced rings and pistons. depending on which cylinder(s) is the issue, may need lifters as well. im sure they will replace the VLOM.

 

 

 

oil doesnt have an affect on it, so conventional or synthetic doesnt matter. they burn oil either way. one thing i would do, always change oil every 3000 miles. regardless of oil life monitor. do not follow the oil life monitor. it is inaccurate.

 

 

 

be glad yours doesnt knock, see a few in for that problem as well, or misfires. camshaft failure, lifters, etc...

 

 

 

the engines were great until they added AFM to them. since then it has created nothing but problems. and it doesnt just affect the trucks. its across the line, W body, S/T, C/K, etc....

 

 

http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/f53/my-truck-has-infamous-5-3l-oil-consumption-problem-106584/

Edited March 29, 2013 by 2007SierraSLT

[2007SierraSLT]

I know one thing we can debate this till the damn cows come home, But it won't solve the problem I and many other people are having with afm 5.3L engines... Some people can believe it's happening, some can plug their ears, close their eyes. and pretend it doesn't exist and these engines are the cats meow but they are far from perfect...

 

There is a reason why a lot of people out there that have bought tuners disabled AFM and drastically reduced oil consumption or it stopped all together....AFM is a nice idea gone bad

[FargoZ71]

My personal Experience in real life in most places I go, the 5.3 is not all that popular of an engine unless it was an option in your truck or you drive an LTZ or SLT... All had 4.8's and those have little to no "oil burning" issues.... I can go to all the local dealers and out of like 50 trucks, maybe 5-6 would have a 5.3... the 4.8 I bet accouns for 60% or more of GM's truck engines...

 

When I come online most 5.3 owners I have seen have a little issue with oil consumption... Some don't buy many do, My local dealers has had more then my truck go in with oil loss.... Most owners probably don't even have a clue that it does unless they check it and this day and age, nobody does anymore... they just change it when the OLM tells you too and if it did, I bet most owners would pass it off...

 

Plus I think this will happen more and more with higher mileage 5.3 then lower mileage trucks...

 

This is a serious issue that GM should deal with better then they have IMO and most owners should realize it as well.... These 5.3 have a serious issue and it not going to go away I think for most nnbs owners....

 

Personally in the year 2007 (year this truck was built) and now 2013, automotive engines shouldn't be burning oil... Not like this anyway because my truck doesn't get run hard... I shouldn't be sucking back a liter of oil in 4000km's or less driving 65mph down the highway... My G6 I had before this I beat the snot out of it and it laughed back at me and never ate oil

 

Only thing that will fix this is pistons and rings...and NO way will I pay for that...

 

See around where I live it would be the same way with 4.8's, 5.3 is by far the most popular.

 

So issues I've seen with with vortecs and 5.3's in general, a little oil burn on the occasional AFM model- usually not enough to require adding between oil changes.

 

And with Vortec's in general- Intake gaskets.. god damn intakes.. replaced mine at 107k, mines a gen3, but it's been flawless and a workhorse other then the intake gasket. There easy to make decent power with, and well.. its a SBC.. parts are in abundance for sure, and cheap.

[ATMINF]

To burn a quart of oil between 3-5000 mile oil changes is not uncommon. I would say that is normal.

[BlackZ71Silverado]

Only thing that bothers me about that engine is that it consumes oil. That alone scares me. I don't want to invest so much money a month on truck that burns oil. My corolla burns oil sometimes, no doubt, it's a 22 year old car with over 160K miles and also its my fault for putting 5w20 in that car. I don't why I put such thin oil in my corolla. Next time I will use 10w40. Fortunately, I got that car for free. I just use it as a work car. The 2009-13 Silverado crew cab I want will be a pleasure/dating vehicle, which I won't drive very often. I do want that 6.2 as preference, but will settle for 5.3 if the 6.2 can't be found. With that being said, I hope that 5.3 AFM engine oil consumption is just a myth.

 

If you read the owner's manual from any other manufacturer, you will see that they state a certain amount of oil usage is expected. It's NOT only GM.

[BlackZ71Silverado]

The original question asked about the 5.3L "Generation IV" V8, right? Which includes engines manufactured from 2007-2013? I'd sure like to hear about some 2007-2013 GM 5.3 engines with 200-300K miles without problems, because all you read about on this forum is ticking AFM lifters which self-destruct later, and owners having to add oil every 2000 miles or so to keep the d*mned things from blowing up! I'm starting to believe that some on this forum keep trying to 'sweep the problems under the rug' so as to not decrease their future trade/resale values, but for others of us, these problems are unfortunately very real. My 29k-mile ticking LC9 seems to be developing quite a thirst for 5W-30, and it's not from abuse or pulling heavy trailers. At 15-16 mpg overall even with AFM, I'd GLADLY tell GM that they can keep their AFM and give me a quiet, problem-free engine!!

 

The GM 5.3L engine was ALWAYS loud with lifter tick. I haven't owned one that wasn't. If you are that unhappy with your truck, trade it in and get yourself a Ford or Ram. I am sure you will be happy with one of those problem free trucks.

 

As to your sweeping under the rug comment, that's just stupid. You are pretty much calling everyone here a liar because they don't have any problems.

[RyanbabZ71]

Only thing that bothers me about that engine is that it consumes oil. That alone scares me. I don't want to invest so much money a month on truck that burns oil. My corolla burns oil sometimes, no doubt, it's a 22 year old car with over 160K miles and also its my fault for putting 5w20 in that car. I don't why I put such thin oil in my corolla. Next time I will use 10w40. Fortunately, I got that car for free. I just use it as a work car. The 2009-13 Silverado crew cab I want will be a pleasure/dating vehicle, which I won't drive very often. I do want that 6.2 as preference, but will settle for 5.3 if the 6.2 can't be found. With that being said, I hope that 5.3 AFM engine oil consumption is just a myth.

 

If you read the owner's manual from any other manufacturer, you will see that they state a certain amount of oil usage is expected. It's NOT only GM.

Yep our Toyota van specifies a higher amount than these Chevy trucks.

 

Also let me pose a question (just to ponder). The current 5th generation uses AFM in the ss auto model. I have yet to read anything from owners about oil consumption. Is oil consumption truly afm related?

 

 

 

 

Ryan

[Badass69]

The gen iv 5.3 is a great engine if you tear out the afm junk and put a decent can cam in them. They already all have the 243/799 casting heads, the tbss style intake manifold and flat top pistons so they run 9.9:1 compresion. Otherwise I love buying ones that ate lifters for cheap for the top ends they have.... or the gen iv 4.8s for that matter as they are considered even more worthless and have the same heads and intakes as the 5.3s. Great 6 liter parts donors.