Just bought my first Chevy 2002 Silverado V6 -

nycjoshuad · April 27, 2014

This is my first time owning a Chevy, I've been a Ford guy my entire life but I saw a good deal on the silverado. I've notice it's easier to work on and take things off, which I like. This truck might be enough to convert me.

I just have one question, what's the reliablity of these trucks? I am still in college and need it to last me for a few more years. It's had the water pump, new motor heads, fuel pump, steering pump all replaced before I bought it. Only thing I've done is cleaned the radiator, flushed, oil change, new breaks, new shocks,fuel filter, and new rack - pinion for preventive maintenance. I don't really use it for work, I do press the gas some times on the highway or when just in a hurry.

So, what can I do to keep her going for another 5 years?

Has 137,000 miles, no leaks * knock on wood Interior nice to!
2002 chevy ext cab

efritz · April 28, 2014

Drive it, they run forever, just make sure to keep up on maintenance and they are dead reliable.

kstruckcountry · April 28, 2014

Change tranny fluid and filter.

mike94silverado · April 28, 2014

I'd rather have an 02 chevy than an 02 Ford Congrats!

02suburbanZ71 · April 28, 2014

Gm Rear end fluid without friction modifier. And synthetic royal purple fluid for trans, transfer case. Might want to change that cabin filter

tonyghkbve · April 28, 2014

Cool truck man! You will be satisfied with the 4.3's reliability as long as you maintain it well and do not abuse it.

nycjoshuad · April 28, 2014

Well it's already had the transmission oil change back in January from previous owner. Not sure about the rear end fluid, I'll probably get it checked out. The place that changed my oil put PenzOil in it which I'm not happy about forgot to tell them, but they did say the trans was dirty but who knows, I need to check it myself.

It drives fine, Just one question... I'm coming from a 1984 Crown Victoria and a 2001 F-150 Supercrew that didn't have so many gauges. The Oil Pressure Gauge some times hits about 70 - 80 Most of the time it just stays at the end towards 80 but changes ... is that normal? The RPM gauge never goes to high but changes depending on my driving usually between 0 - 3. Radiator keep it at 190 - 210.

Just washed and waxed...

02suburbanZ71 · April 29, 2014

I'd check the diff and clean the magnet

tonyghkbve · April 29, 2014

That is SWEET looking truck!

Chris · April 29, 2014

I like the shades of blue they used 99-04

tonyghkbve · April 30, 2014

I do too! I also consider using that shade of blue, GM's Indigo Blue Metallic for my future project car, a 1977 Chevrolet Caprice fitted with a Vortec 5.3, LM7 engine with a 4L60e transmission. I probably won't be doing that anytime soon lol maybe when I hit 6 digit figure annual salary.

nycjoshuad · May 1, 2014

There is one thing that pisses me off, and if I leave the truck alone for a bit and start it without pressing on the gas it doesn't start on the first turn. One the second turn it will turn on just fine. It irritates me, I know when you buy a used truck your gonna have issues, my job is to make it perfect.

PH-Wolf · May 1, 2014

The 4.3L V6 is a great engine, originally came out for the 1985 model year and still in production today, although only used in the 2014 vans as the 2014 pickups have an all-new 4.3L which the only similarity between the two are displacement. This engine is also found in boats, forklifts, water-pumps. generators, and the like. GM has made many improvements on the 4.3L throughout the years.

As others have stated if maintained well and not abused regularly you'll get a long life out of it. I've seen these engines last over 300,000 miles personally. The mid-late 90's to early 2000's Vortec's have issues with intake gaskets leaking, that if left un-repaired. All the coolant leaking into the oil will eventually destroy the bearings in the engine. That's really the only major issue with this engine. Simple to maintain and work on the power output is 195 hp and 260 lbs-ft of torque. Not a power house but has great low end torque, the 4.3L V6 trades high horsepower for better durability.

I have the 4.3L V6 in my 2011 and I'm getting close to 70,000 miles and the only issue I've had with my truck is the Throttle Position Sensor.

As for the oil PSI gauge, GM uses a working gauge and shows actual oil PSI(unless there's something wrong), I know when an engine/oil is cold the oil PSI will be higher then at normal operating temps. Also varies with RPM, higher rpm = higher PSI, Low PSI at idle etc. Ford oil PSI Gauge is a "fixed" gauge and just sits in one position unless the oil PSI goes to zero or close to it.

CapitalTruck · May 3, 2014

That is a sweet color. I would add: Check the transmission fluid. If it is still reddish and not stinking like burned death you might want to take it in for PAN AND FILTER SERVICE. No BG Transmission flush or any other fluid flush or exchange. If you do your P&F every 25k you'll be in good shape. The 4L60E (transmission) is the weak link in the driveline of these trucks. Give that plenty of TLC and you'll be in good shape. I've never had trouble with mine. Just from what I have heard from others on here.