What's the big deal with GM and the 6.2?

[6.2max]

So, last september I was looking for a new truck. Had a good experience with my 2009 Sierra crewcab with 5.3 so

I traded it in on a 2013 xcab with the 6.2 and max tow package. Got a really good price so at least I am happy with that.

 

So far the truck has spent more time in the service bay than my driveway. Has about 8000 miles.

Rust on the frame which needed recoating. Gremlins in the window switches - replaced twice already.

 

Now the rear main seal is being replaced. The rear main seal failed and spewed oil all over the underside of the truck from one end to the other - leaked about a quart every 100 miles.

 

Usually 2 or 3 tries to cold start the thing and now I think I am hearing the lifters ticking as well.

 

The 6.2 has a good power rating - on paper. In reality it drives like a vehicle with about 100 less horsepower than rated due to all the nanny controls.

 

I am not impressed at all. Maybe if I am able to actually get some use out of the truck I will change my mind

but I am not having a good experience, so far

[mike94silverado]

Personally, I got a 5.3 as I decided it wasn;t worth trying to find the 6.2.... FOR ME. The guys that have them love them and as with all the trucks, there are going to be some issues let em get the truck fixed and I bet you'll be happy for the long term

[EX-F150 owner]

I too had to have my rear main seal replaced (maybe around 12K) but mine was only seeping a little oil, never a drop on the ground. Since it was replaced I haven't had any other issue with it. BTW this is not just an issue with the 6.2L engine. Search and you will see it fails on the 5.3L too.

 

If you don't like the Torque Management get a programmer and you will be happier. This engine is a beast compared to the 5.4L my Ford had.

[Charlie5280]

If you don't like the Torque Management get a programmer and you will be happier. This engine is a beast compared to the 5.4L my Ford had.

 

 

^^This.

Torque management keeps you from really having fun. Get a programmer and you'll love it!

[6.2max]

 

Yes, I've explored doing some mods and a blackbear tune.

 

But right now I don't trust that I'm not gonna have problems with the engine as it is.

 

I need to run it for a while to see if I'm gonna need more warranty work.

[CRSilverado]

Sorry for all your problems. My 2013 6.2 with a tad less than 4K miles has been flawless so far. Shifts are pretty weak and slow like others have said with all this TM but still enjoying the truck.

[Gurrzt]

I have 16K on my 6.2L, and have no problems either, moves the Yukon along very well.

[Jonathan M3]

Only 6k on mine, but zero issues so far. Rear main seal design is no different than any other GM LS V8.

 

As for it being a dog, I was also very underwhelmed by mine when I took delivery. A lot of this was the 87 octane that the dealer filled it with, putting it in the low octane timing table.

 

After filling up with 93 and letting the ecu switch to the high octane timing table, it was much better, but TM was still holding it back. I've since added Kooks longtubes, MIT, and blackbear tune, and it's a completely different truck now!

[RyanbabZ71]

38k on my 2010. Had an oil cooler line leak replaced under warranty

 

Tune it, the engine and trans will definitely come alive

 

 

Ryan

[&CDFiXER%]

@21k on mine. I too had a few tank fulls of 87 octane at first (oops), switched to 93 and wow, funner than bag of hammers after the correct fuel was in it. Can definitely see how a tune would make it 'come alive'. I had a 5.3 but went to the 6.2 because I needed more towing 'oomph' and I have plans for the 6.2. Muhahahaha.

 

No problems so far. Had one start then stumble episode, but it came right out of it in seconds and drove ok. Been keeping an eye on the underside and inside bumpers and so far so good, normal amount of surface rust on several fasteners. Power steering pump is about the scariest looking thing on the vehicle, not leaking but pretty rusty. Keeping an eye on that.

[6.2max]

Thanks for the helpful advice and positive comments, gentlemen.

 

I'm just having a few more issues with this truck than my previous gm products.

 

I will keep driving the truck and see how that works out. I will be towing a travel trailer this summer ( about 8K)

so that should give it a good workout. Any issues with the powertrain should probably show up then.

['01LS1]

The thing will flat out fall out on the ground tomorrow after saying this...

 

But no issues what so ever with mine. No leaks/seeps, check engine lights, nothing.

Has roughly 3600 miles on it from purchase last April.

 

As far as frame rust issues. Check out KBS Coatings.

There is a trial kit for $20. Local trailer dealer had some & it is good stuff.

Not cheap by the gallon, but having something brushed on that looks sprayed is awesome.

 

http://www.kbs-coatings.com/System-Sampler.html

[stefman722]

So, last september I was looking for a new truck. Had a good experience with my 2009 Sierra crewcab with 5.3 so

I traded it in on a 2013 xcab with the 6.2 and max tow package. Got a really good price so at least I am happy with that.

 

So far the truck has spent more time in the service bay than my driveway. Has about 8000 miles.

Rust on the frame which needed recoating. Gremlins in the window switches - replaced twice already.

 

Now the rear main seal is being replaced. The rear main seal failed and spewed oil all over the underside of the truck from one end to the other - leaked about a quart every 100 miles.

 

Usually 2 or 3 tries to cold start the thing and now I think I am hearing the lifters ticking as well.

 

The 6.2 has a good power rating - on paper. In reality it drives like a vehicle with about 100 less horsepower than rated due to all the nanny controls.

 

I am not impressed at all. Maybe if I am able to actually get some use out of the truck I will change my mind

but I am not having a good experience, so far

 

I bought a new 2013 with the 6.2L and feel your pain about the 2-3 tries to start in the cold. Are you plugging your truck in when it's cold? If so that's the culprit. I was told by GM to plug it for three hours MAX before I plan to start it to avoid the engine light from coming on and truck not starting....stupid.

[6.2max]

 

I bought a new 2013 with the 6.2L and feel your pain about the 2-3 tries to start in the cold. Are you plugging your truck in when it's cold? If so that's the culprit. I was told by GM to plug it for three hours MAX before I plan to start it to avoid the engine light from coming on and truck not starting....stupid.

Yes, I was plugging it in. Then when it didn't start right I plugged it in longer - just made it worse. Now, I find out the PCM is in open loop on start up and plugging it in causes the problem......Grrrrrrr.

Seems kind of silly.

 

Never had a problem with the 09. Started first touch of the key - always. Plugged in, not plugged in, right down to -40

[redtherocket]

 

Yes, I was plugging it in. Then when it didn't start right I plugged it in longer - just made it worse. Now, I find out the PCM is in open loop on start up and plugging it in causes the problem......Grrrrrrr.

Seems kind of silly.

 

 

 

That would be a ridiculous engine flaw...

 

Can't be right..

 

And I think you mean closed loop...

 

Open loop is where it would be running properly...