2001 chevy suburban 5.3

willadams1998 · February 7, 2018

I'm looking at a 2001 suburban with the 5.3 vortec and a new tranny the motor is right at 230k, I was wondering what all I need to look for with the higher miles on the motor

Mike GMC · February 8, 2018

Leaks, rust, see if the locker still works if it has the G80 code on the sticker. Try 4hi and 4 lo if it's a 4x4. Check the brake fluid and see that it's still clear or at least close. Black or brown is bad. Smell the ps fluid, should not smell burnt, similar to transfer fluid.

For the just the engine, try to get them to let you do a true cold start and listen to the engine when it first starts. Listen for piston slap and valve noise. Watch the exhiast pipe and look for smoke on start up. Check all the exhaust manifold bolts, they like to break. Easy to see, there will be no bolt head. Check the oil level, if it's low, it may be an oil burner. If it's super black or even turning a muddy brown, it may be a sign that regular oil changes weren't done and it may be full of sludge. If it's chocolate milky, it has coolant in the oil.

muddkatt · February 8, 2018

34 minutes ago, Mike GMC said:

Leaks, rust, see if the locker still works if it has the G80 code on the sticker. Try 4hi and 4 lo if it's a 4x4. Check the brake fluid and see that it's still clear or at least close. Black or brown is bad. Smell the ps fluid, should not smell burnt, similar to transfer fluid.

For the just the engine, try to get them to let you do a true cold start and listen to the engine when it first starts. Listen for piston slap and valve noise. Watch the exhiast pipe and look for smoke on start up. Check all the exhaust manifold bolts, they like to break. Easy to see, there will be no bolt head. Check the oil level, if it's low, it may be an oil burner. If it's super black or even turning a muddy brown, it may be a sign that regular oil changes weren't done and it may be full of sludge. If it's chocolate milky, it has coolant in the oil.

^^X2

I will say that if it has the piston slap, don't let that kill the deal. My 01 5.3 has had it since I bought it brand new and it now has 321000 miles on it and has never had a wrench on it.

Check the transmission and make sure the fluid is pink, just because it is "new" means nothing in my book.