6.2 Collapsed Lifter = $9,000 Motor Swap

[Gocats96]

I have a 2019 Silverado (new body style) with a 6.2 and 90k miles. The L5 lifter collapsed in the “down position” as the mechanic referred to it. Pretty much gridded the cam down to nothing. Here are the quotes they offered.

$6500 to replace the cam and all 16 lifters

 

$9200 to swap the motor with a GM crate motor (does come with a 100k mile warranty)

 

Given the circumstances, are these the only/best options? Are there any concerns or benefits to either that would help weigh on the decision? I’d prefer to sell it after this experience, but it would be difficult to fork out another $xxxxx in addition to either fix. 
 

Any insight or advice is helpful. I need to make a decision by Monday. 

 

[silveradosid]

6500 into a 90k motor does not make sense to me. to me the lifter bore might of got damaged also, let alone all that metal has gone through the engine. rod and main bearing could also be damaged. i think you would make your money back on the crate engine with warranty for the next buyer if the truck is in good shape

[newdude]

That is a LOT of cam lobe missing.

 

I'd replace.  The amount of metal in there that got past the oil filter has to be pretty high.  

[repairman54]

2x on the crate motor if the truck is in good shape otherwise. $2700 more is nothing in today's world for a fresh warrantied motor. 

[Bob’s Sierra]

i’m not a mechanic so bear with me 

 

at what point under warranty does dealer decide to just replace lifters , cams etc vs replace entire engine 

 

what factors play into that decision 

 

my thought process is you keep mixing old parts to new parts etc 

 

im in some what of a similar position and wanted some help with insight 

 

thank you 

[newdude]

42 minutes ago, Bob’s Sierra said:

i’m not a mechanic so bear with me 

 

at what point under warranty does dealer decide to just replace lifters , cams etc vs replace entire engine 

 

what factors play into that decision 

 

my thought process is you keep mixing old parts to new parts etc 

 

im in some what of a similar position and wanted some help with insight 

 

thank you 

 

 

If it was scored and not completely eaten away like OPs, and there was no metal shavings present in the oil (filter caught what little there was at the time), then GM would ok a cam and lifters.  

 

If the lobe is gone, its full of metal, the bearings are trashed, its gonna get an engine.  

 

Either way with the way GM works, the dealer still has to do a warranty cost comparison on engines and transmissions so repair vs. replace.  Dealer has to work up estimates for both, whichever is more cost effective typically wins majority of the time.  

Edited April 27, 2024 by newdude

[Bob’s Sierra]

thank you new dude 

 

so when the service advisor calls me and gives me the report once they tear into the engine, 

 

the most important question to be asking is finding out if any metal shavings were present when they began the tear down process 

[Gocats96]

The truck is with a privately owned shop, not a dealer since it’s past warranty. Sounds like she’s getting a new motor. 

[Bikerjon]

13 hours ago, Gocats96 said:

The truck is with a privately owned shop, not a dealer since it’s past warranty. Sounds like she’s getting a new motor. 

Agree with all other posters. Replace the engine if the truck is still in good shape. Keep your receipt for warranty purposes. 

[silveradosid]

interested to know if the engine has to be installed by gm to get the warranty

[Black02Silverado]

I'd replace the engine if you are planning on keep it.

[Gocats96]

Appreciate everyone’s response. The truck is in excellent shape. 100% garage kept and regularly maintained. 

[Gocats96]

Are there other variations apart from the standard 6.2 that came in my 2019 Silverado? I see several variations on the Chevy website, but I am unsure on what will fit and what will not. 

[Black02Silverado]

4 hours ago, Gocats96 said:

Are there other variations apart from the standard 6.2 that came in my 2019 Silverado? I see several variations on the Chevy website, but I am unsure on what will fit and what will not. 

Basically go back with the L87.

[brianf60]

Man I sure hope GM is proud of these…