Paralysis by Analysis

howlinthndr · November 3, 2020

New here and looking for some guidance. I've been keeping up with the forum and really appreciate all the information everyone shares but I think I have information overload.

I just sold my 2014 ecoboost f150 with 68k miles after getting tired of repeated timing chain, IWE, and coolant leak issues. I am now looking for a Sierra that I can keep until it either becomes too troublesome or expensive to own any longer (hopefully 8+ years). Based on what I have read and watched, and my own experiences test driving vehicles the 6.2 and the 3.0 have the performance characteristics I am looking for. After using the search function here and elsewhere I am aware of the seemingly few issues these engines are having (such as valve springs for recently built 6.2's, and DEF consumption and cooling fans for the 3.0). Here's where I get stuck and I am hoping you all can provide some input: I found two vehicles that fit my needs/wants, one with each engine. I am concerned about the 6.2 because it was built in the timeframe related with the bad batch of valve springs and with the 3.0 being so new I'm leery of having gremlins start popping up after the first XX,000 miles (like with the ecoboost I just disposed of).

So, I guess my questions boils down to: Would you let the valve spring TSB dissuade you from purchasing a 6.2? And, how much faith do you have in the 3.0 as far as long term durability?

diyer2 · November 3, 2020

Roll of the dice.

If you've been keeping up as you say your decision.

redwngr · November 3, 2020

btj_z71 · November 3, 2020

28 minutes ago, howlinthndr said:

New here and looking for some guidance. I've been keeping up with the forum and really appreciate all the information everyone shares but I think I have information overload.

I just sold my 2014 ecoboost f150 with 68k miles after getting tired of repeated timing chain, IWE, and coolant leak issues. I am now looking for a Sierra that I can keep until it either becomes too troublesome or expensive to own any longer (hopefully 8+ years). Based on what I have read and watched, and my own experiences test driving vehicles the 6.2 and the 3.0 have the performance characteristics I am looking for. After using the search function here and elsewhere I am aware of the seemingly few issues these engines are having (such as valve springs for recently built 6.2's, and DEF consumption and cooling fans for the 3.0). Here's where I get stuck and I am hoping you all can provide some input: I found two vehicles that fit my needs/wants, one with each engine. I am concerned about the 6.2 because it was built in the timeframe related with the bad batch of valve springs and with the 3.0 being so new I'm leery of having gremlins start popping up after the first XX,000 miles (like with the ecoboost I just disposed of).

So, I guess my questions boils down to: Would you let the valve spring TSB dissuade you from purchasing a 6.2? And, how much faith do you have in the 3.0 as far as long term durability?

Unless you are going to be towing heavy loads or looking for a fast truck, then go for the 3.0L Duramax. I've got the 3.0L Duramax and it has amazing mpg, very quiet but still sounds like a diesel, and with the 10spd to compliment, it's amazing. Really a superb powertrain.

econometrics · November 3, 2020

30 minutes ago, howlinthndr said:

So, I guess my questions boils down to: Would you let the valve spring TSB dissuade you from purchasing a 6.2? And, how much faith do you have in the 3.0 as far as long term durability?

6.2L is a very well-proven engine. I would not personally be too put off by the valve spring issue.

The 3.0L is very new. If you're feeling uncertain coming off the issues you had with your F150, the 6.2L is the choice that will give you the most peace of mine for long-term reliability and ease of operation.

f8l vnm · November 3, 2020

every truck has issues and some trucks are flawless . As they stated above its always a chance but don't let issues keep you from buying a truck for the most part a good percentages of them are good reliable trucks. Plus you always have warrant the first few years .

jnissen · November 3, 2020

The 6.2L is hard to beat since it’s been out there and a known entity. The 3.0L as you said is new. I have a 3.0L and really like it but I rolled the dice. I have no idea how it will do 100K miles from now.

Since you seem to be risk averse I’d go with the 6.2.

OnTheReel · November 3, 2020

The good thing is the 6.2 valve spring issue surfaces very early if it happens. On the 3.0, you’re looking at an uncertain future but years down the road. I think it’s going to be a solid engine but it may very well be the next 6.4 Powerstroke too. All clean sheet design modern diesels need to be viewed with scrutiny.

LowCountryDenali · November 3, 2020

I have the 6.2 and it was a June 2020 build in Indiana. Now at 4500 trouble free miles. Excellent performance from this engine. Just completed a 1100 mile roundtrip and averaged 18.3 mpg. Wish it had a larger fuel tank!

And I would have gone the 3.0 Duramax route had I been able to locate one with my required specs.

Mandalorian · November 3, 2020

IMO there's not really an advantage to a diesel in a half ton truck, unless you really want a diesel. The limiting factor for towing is the frame not the engine, unlike the gas vs diesel debate in an HD. You'll pay more in maintenance for the diesel, but won't see huge performance increases.

newdude · November 3, 2020

1 hour ago, Mandalorian said:

IMO there's not really an advantage to a diesel in a half ton truck, unless you really want a diesel. The limiting factor for towing is the frame not the engine, unlike the gas vs diesel debate in an HD. You'll pay more in maintenance for the diesel, but won't see huge performance increases.

3.0 is cheaper to operate vs the 6.2 right now. And its cheaper to buy as GM cut the option price by $1500. Same for any existing trucks on the ground, they also got the price cut. An oil change is about 20-25 more so assuming you follow GM's maint. schedule, that's $40-50 more for two oil changes a year @7500mi/oil change, 15,000/miles a year. Then add 132/year for 3 tanks of DEF at 5000/mi per tank (I'm using GM's $22 for 2.5 gallon jug pricing). You'd still end up ahead over the 6.2, even at the 5 year down the line timeframe.

Edited November 3, 2020 by newdude

mdreynolds · November 3, 2020

3 hours ago, howlinthndr said:

New here and looking for some guidance. I've been keeping up with the forum and really appreciate all the information everyone shares but I think I have information overload.

I just sold my 2014 ecoboost f150 with 68k miles after getting tired of repeated timing chain, IWE, and coolant leak issues. I am now looking for a Sierra that I can keep until it either becomes too troublesome or expensive to own any longer (hopefully 8+ years). Based on what I have read and watched, and my own experiences test driving vehicles the 6.2 and the 3.0 have the performance characteristics I am looking for. After using the search function here and elsewhere I am aware of the seemingly few issues these engines are having (such as valve springs for recently built 6.2's, and DEF consumption and cooling fans for the 3.0). Here's where I get stuck and I am hoping you all can provide some input: I found two vehicles that fit my needs/wants, one with each engine. I am concerned about the 6.2 because it was built in the timeframe related with the bad batch of valve springs and with the 3.0 being so new I'm leery of having gremlins start popping up after the first XX,000 miles (like with the ecoboost I just disposed of).

So, I guess my questions boils down to: Would you let the valve spring TSB dissuade you from purchasing a 6.2? And, how much faith do you have in the 3.0 as far as long term durability?

I purchased a 2020 Sierra AT4 with the 6.2 the fell in the date range of the valve spring issue, I have 6K miles, and I drive it hard, no issues with the entire truck, the valve spring didn't affect a large percentage of the 6.2s produced from June 1, 2020 thru Sep 15, 2020, valve spring were manufactured by an outside vendor, the problem was identified and corrected, so purchasing any 2021s or really late 2020s produced after Sep 15, the issue has been rectified, you'll be good, some people think its a widespread issue, but only affected a small portion of the 6.2 produced during that period.

BTW I LOVE that engine, its badass and get decent MPGs if driven lightly, Im averaging 15.9 after 6K, that lots of idling, off roading and city driving, the best 50 mile trip was 23.5, best 400 17.6, again that 400 includes a lot of the mentioned conditions.

Edited November 3, 2020 by mdreynolds

Cpl_Punishment · November 3, 2020

As others have said, I would lean towards the 6.2 as it's been around longer and it sounds like the fix for the valve springs is well understood. 3.0 is a brand new engine so who knows how it will hold up long term?

blckblt · November 3, 2020

I love my 6.2. my best 25 is 28.1, best 50 is 25.6 and best 400 is 18ish ( I can verify if you want) and that is with the trailboss.

If my driving wasn’t mostly short trips I would probably get the 3.0.

Edited November 3, 2020 by blckblt

Grumpy Bear · November 3, 2020

5 hours ago, howlinthndr said:

I found two vehicles that fit my needs/wants, one with each engine. I am concerned about the 6.2 because it was built in the timeframe related with the bad batch of valve springs and with the 3.0 being so new I'm leery of having gremlins start popping up after the first XX,000 miles (like with the ecoboost I just disposed of).

So, I guess my questions boils down to: Would you let the valve spring TSB dissuade you from purchasing a 6.2? And, how much faith do you have in the 3.0 as far as long term durability?

So the choice is one that is highly likely to fail and another that may fail? The only thing these two have in common performance wise is 460 pounds feet torque. I guess that mean torque, and lots of it, are important enough to risk for.

You sure these are your only two choice.

Good Chance or Might?