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AFM Disabler for 2017 5.3 Sierra - Necessary?

CSI-WALLEYE
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CSI-WALLEYE Enthusiast

CSI-WALLEYE

Posted
Posted

I have a 2017 5.3 4x4 Sierra work truck and I love it.  It shifts just fine, I can't even feel it when it shifts from V8 to V4,  but I am concerned about lifter failure in the future.  I am more than willing to give up a bit of fuel efficiency for reliability.  My questions are:

1) Do 2017 trucks have lifter problems, or have that solved that problem?

2) Do the AFM disablers (like Range) solve the problem or do I have to remove the lifters and replace then with the standard lifters?

 

Thanks,

usmc2102 Enthusiast

usmc2102

Posted
Posted
12 minutes ago, CSI-WALLEYE said:

I have a 2017 5.3 4x4 Sierra work truck and I love it.  It shifts just fine, I can't even feel it when it shifts from V8 to V4,  but I am concerned about lifter failure in the future.  I am more than willing to give up a bit of fuel efficiency for reliability.  My questions are:

1) Do 2017 trucks have lifter problems, or have that solved that problem?

2) Do the AFM disablers (like Range) solve the problem or do I have to remove the lifters and replace then with the standard lifters?

 

Thanks,

I have a 2017 GMC  Sierra 1500 with a 6.2L engine Texas Edition. So far the dealer has replaced the torque converter and flushed the transmission.  The issue still remains when it shifts from V8 to V4. Now the dealer tells me it might be the transmission that is at fault. I purchased the AFM disabler from RANGE to prove to the dealership that it is the AFM system at fault. So far with the AFM disabled,  not one single issue. I run it without the RANGE on speeds it doesn't cause the issue but 75% of the time its disabled.  Caution... the RANGE disabler will drain the battery if left on for a long period of time. 

amxguy1970 Senior Enthusiast

amxguy1970

Posted
Posted

There is no issue with lifter failure, no more than other brands have had a turbo failure or timing chain. No, running a disabler is not necessary and won't save you. Chances are high you won't have any issues, don't let the voices of a few on here scare you on the millions of those engines running around with no issues...

 

BTW, search, there are tons of threads out there asking the same question. There are a few worry warts that will say it is needed to make the engine last but the millions of hours and miles of testing GM did says otherwise and they know how to build an engine, I would trust them. 

 

Tyler

  • Like 2
Thomcat Senior Enthusiast

Thomcat

Posted
Posted

Post 1/2011 AFMs are equipped with modifications to valve cover/PCV, LOMA manifold, redesigned AFM collapsible lifters and AFM discharge valve in the sump to correct earlier problems related to oil burning and lifter failure. I had the Range disabler which I used on my '13 Avalanche and later updated to use on my '16 Silverado ......which I used infrequently, primarily for long trips.

 

.02  As far as the AFM lifters go.....can't see how the Range device would have anything to do with prolonging their life. They will still expand and collapse every time the engine is started and stopped anyway. From what I've read they usually fail in the expanded state when they jamb against the limiter pin likely related to a clogged screen in the LOMA manifold or jamming within the hydraulic cylinder of the tappet which is more a function of poor oil quality than lifter design. I'd be more concerned running the Range device all the time because the AFM lifters would operate for a greater dwell time in the expanded state which is the state in which they fail. Gave my 5.3l AFMs a good workout and never had a problem.

WilliamBos Senior Enthusiast

WilliamBos

Posted
Posted
2 hours ago, usmc2102 said:

I have a 2017 GMC  Sierra 1500 with a 6.2L engine Texas Edition. So far the dealer has replaced the torque converter and flushed the transmission.  The issue still remains when it shifts from V8 to V4. Now the dealer tells me it might be the transmission that is at fault. I purchased the AFM disabler from RANGE to prove to the dealership that it is the AFM system at fault. So far with the AFM disabled,  not one single issue. I run it without the RANGE on speeds it doesn't cause the issue but 75% of the time its disabled.  Caution... the RANGE disabler will drain the battery if left on for a long period of time. 

Your issues sound like the 8 speed auto, that has nothing to do with the afm.

WilliamBos Senior Enthusiast

WilliamBos

Posted
Posted
1 hour ago, amxguy1970 said:

There is no issue with lifter failure, no more than other brands have had a turbo failure or timing chain. No, running a disabler is not necessary and won't save you. Chances are high you won't have any issues, don't let the voices of a few on here scare you on the millions of those engines running around with no issues...

 

BTW, search, there are tons of threads out there asking the same question. There are a few worry warts that will say it is needed to make the engine last but the millions of hours and miles of testing GM did says otherwise and they know how to build an engine, I would trust them. 

 

Tyler

Well said.  I know quite a few people with MY14 and newer , no issues.  

CSI-WALLEYE Enthusiast

CSI-WALLEYE

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Hey Guys,

 

Thanks for the quick replies!  The consensus seems to be that the AFM system works fine with proper maintenance.  It is difficult to find accurate information.  I like to keep my vehicles for a long time.  I had my Safari van for 17 years before I sold it.  I am using high quality synthetic in my truck (Amsoil Signature) so I don't think I will have oil issues.  I also don't like to mess with a vehicle that is working well.

  • Thanks 1
Lsgun1 Enthusiast

Lsgun1

Posted
Posted (edited)

I use the range and I like it. The drive ability is just better not going back and forth to v4. Will it save any lifters? Who knows. From what I gather it's usually an oiling problem that the lifters fail so stay up on maintenance and you'll be good.

 

https://www.melling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Melling-tech-bulletin-on-GM-LS-Deactivation-Lifter-Issues-3.1.18-1.pdf

Edited by Lsgun1
CSI-WALLEYE Enthusiast

CSI-WALLEYE

Posted
  • Author
Posted
2 hours ago, Lsgun1 said:

I use the range and I like it. The drive ability is just better not going back and forth to v4. Will it save any lifters? Who knows. From what I gather it's usually an oiling problem that the lifters fail so stay up on maintenance and you'll be good.

 

https://www.melling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Melling-tech-bulletin-on-GM-LS-Deactivation-Lifter-Issues-3.1.18-1.pdf

Thanks that link is very informative.  Lets you know just how complex these engines are.

dieselfan1 Senior Enthusiast

dieselfan1

Posted
Posted

I think a lot of guys like myself are using the Range to eliminate the drone with an aftermarket exhaust system.

Otherwise it sounds like a helicopter when it kicks into V4.

 

 

belchfire Enthusiast

belchfire

Posted
Posted (edited)

I realize that it's a different model year and body style of truck, but I have a '09 Silverado with AFM that I bought new.  I have run AFM the whole time.  It has 140,000 miles and I've had no issues with the engine at all.  I change the engine oil every 5,000 miles and it's been one of the most dependable trucks I've ever owned.

Edited by belchfire
diyer2 Senior Enthusiast

diyer2

Posted
Posted

IMO

Some have problems, some don't. Luck of the draw.

The quality of the oil used and the miles between oil changes is a factor.

Using Amsoil puts you ahead of the majority of the pack.

 

The Range is a personal choice.

If you want the best mileage, don't use it.

If you want to stop V4 mode and maybe save lifters, use it.

:)

 

  • Like 1
  • 2 years later...
Dale Huhtala New Member

Dale Huhtala

Posted
Posted
On 4/23/2020 at 3:04 PM, CSI-WALLEYE said:

I have a 2017 5.3 4x4 Sierra work truck and I love it.  It shifts just fine, I can't even feel it when it shifts from V8 to V4,  but I am concerned about lifter failure in the future.  I am more than willing to give up a bit of fuel efficiency for reliability.  My questions are:

1) Do 2017 trucks have lifter problems, or have that solved that problem?

2) Do the AFM disablers (like Range) solve the problem or do I have to remove the lifters and replace then with the standard lifters?

 

Thanks,

I have a 2017 6.2L Sierra SLT - yes, it has lifter issues. I just spent $6,000 on replacing two lifters and push rods, which I believe is due to the AFM issue. I have 90,000 KM on it.

  • Sad 1

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