3500/8.1L Help

502Python · January 15, 2005

Hello All,

I am in negotiations with the local GMC dealer for a 2002 K-3500 dually with the 8.1 L motor. It has 34k miles and appears to be in great condition. Is there anything I need to specifically look for on this truck? Any common problems? Any help is appreciated.

Chevy Tough · January 15, 2005

Probably the most common would probably be gas, some say that the 496 gets up to 15 mpg, as for towing and etc.. i think THEDIESELPAGE did an comparison on the 496 and the Duramax, saying that the BB 496 kept up with the Duramax but lacked the Torque it possessed, but that was when they tested the Lb7 DMAX, hell the new Dmax would smoke the BB 496, but with 450 ft lbs of torque from the big block it shouldnt have problems with towing or whatever you have in mind.

Bud · January 15, 2005

Hello All,
I am in negotiations with the local GMC dealer for a 2002 K-3500 dually with the 8.1 L motor. It has 34k miles and appears to be in great condition. Is there anything I need to specifically look for on this truck? Any common problems? Any help is appreciated.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

If you buy the BB check with Wester's for

a new tune. Lyndon done wonders with my 8.1!

vhato · January 15, 2005

As far as pre-purchase advice about known issues check the basics with 4x4's.

Look under the truck.

Rear Axle:

Check to see if it is leaking. If so, have them fix it.

Look at the lowest point of the axle (nearest the ground) to see if it has been scraped. Huge scuff marks *could* mean it has been used aggressively off-road and the rear axle has smashed up against. This isnt a problem, but it will allow you to see how it was driven.

Transmission:

Again look under the truck where the rear drive shaft meets the transfer case/transmission (Tail Housing). Right where they meet you could see some fluid. This is fairly common and could mean a low fluid condition and the need for a new seal. Verify the Tail Housing does not have any cracks. Common problem with Allsion Transmission.

Front Axle:

Look at the CV Shafts and verify the CV Boots are not torn. An easy, cheap fix with common hand tools and a large socket. The axle itself is probably leaking at 1-3 different places. I wouldn't wory about that because it is common.

Interior:

Go the the dealer near dark and turn on the headlights. Look at the dash lights, A/C and Stereo. Just verify you aren't buying a truck with a burned out Guage Cluster that you can't see at night. Failed lights in the A/C Controls and Stereo are common.

As far as major things, the only thing was the Tail Housing unit on the Allison. I can't recall anything else major.

Truckman031 · January 15, 2005

Also, make sure the engine is the way it sounds. Start up a few new trucks, then start the one you are looking at. Some 8.1s have engine knock.

dcalex · January 15, 2005

If you browse the forums, you won't see any specific problems with the 8.1 that constantly arise.....just the usual spectrum of misc things. Other than gas mileage it's a good engine.....and the mileage it's getting is on par with, or better than gas engines in it's class. 15 mpg....it wouldn't get that if it was falling off a cliff....the semi-official mileage is 9.8 unloaded under variable driving conditions....that's not bad for these big blocks. You'll see it mentioned as a negative only because you can get the power plus more torque and a LOT better mileage in the new diesels....but thats a whole other subject. I mention it only so when you see mileage mentioned as a negative to the engine, it's most likely in comparison to a diesel and not another gasser.

Good Engines....and I say that while I have a diesel on order....so I'm not prejudiced towards them. They'll pull the guts out of a mountain.... stock.

dcalex · January 15, 2005

Oh....one more thing entered my mind and I'm not sure it applies to the 3500 Dually, but a good check anyway.....thats the parking brake issue....a known problem......put it in gear with the parking brake on and give it light throttle and see if it wants to hold.

Good Luck

502Python · January 17, 2005

Thanks guys. It is from a reputable, local GMC dealer. FWIW, the guy told me it will get between 8-10 mpg empty. With a BB and 4.10's you get what you ask for I guess. My brother has the D-max and loves it ( other than blowing his transfer case early on, covered under warranty ). I would like the diesel but don't drive enough to justify the extra cost. Somebody mentioned a tuner for the BB. Could you please post some names and performance gains? Thanks.

dewfpo · January 17, 2005

Wester's will make a great custom tune for this engine. Not cheap but those that have it say it is worth every penny. You can get low and high octane tunes if you like depending on your primarly use.

DEWFPO

Bud · January 17, 2005

You may have to type this in or just do a search

for Wester's tunes.

www.westerscustomtuning.com

Check with Lyndon.

502Python · January 18, 2005

Thanks guys, I'll look it up. I got the truck home today and so far I love it. LaBeau GMC in Kankakee, IL was a joy to work with...a straight, no bulls**t deal. I was in and out with the truck in 10 minutes, what a great way to do business. They sell Peterbuilts too, and they just seem to be good old boys, no pressure used car salesman tactics. I would definitely recommend this dealership and I noticed they have one heck of a service department ,too. Thanks for all the help.

whitesnake01 · January 18, 2005

Never hurts to check:

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/

For outstanding recalls. You might also find a useful headline by scanning:

http://www.alldata.com/TSB/

Service Bulletins

TSB Number Issue Date TSB Title

1. 04-05-25-002A APR 04 ABS - Lamp ON/DTC's C0265/C0201/U1041 Set

2. 01-03-10-010C APR 04 A/T - Wheel and Tire Size Inspection Prior to Diagnosis

3. 00-00-89-008D APR 04 Vehicle - Recreational Dinghy Towing

4. 04-07-30-018 APR 04 A/T - Difficult Shifting in Snowy/Icy Conditions

5. 04-06-01-013 APR 04 Engine - Serpentine Drive Belt Wear Information

6. 00-02-35-003D MAR 04 Steering Column - Clunk Felt in Steering Wheel

7. 04-07-30-013 MAR 04 Air Filter - SES Lamp ON/Multiple Driveability Concerns

8. 03-07-30-011A MAR 04 A/T - Allison 1000 Slipping/Poor Performance/DTC's Set

9. 01-07-30-036C MAR 04 A/T - DTC P0756 Diagnostic Tips

10. 04-04-95-001 MAR 04 Drivetrain - Wheel Drive Shaft Nut Torque Revision

11. 01-07-30-031A FEB 04 A/T - Cold Weather Operational Characteristics

12. 04-08-64-003A FEB 04 Body - Front/Rear Door Power Windows Inoperative

13. 00-06-02-006A FEB 04 Cooling System - Coolant Information

14. 02-07-30-001A FEB 04 A/T - 4L60E and 4L65E DTC P0894/P1870 Diagnostics

15. 04-07-30-006 FEB 04 A/T - 4L65E, 4L60E, 4L60, 200-4R Oil Pump Spring

16. 04-06-03-002 FEB 04 Ignition Switch - Intermittent No Crank/Dead Battery

17. 01-07-30-038B JAN 04 A/T - 4L60-E/4L65-E MIL ON/DTC P0757/Slipping

18. 02-07-30-004B JAN 04 A/T - Allison 1000 Grade Brake Feature

19. 04-07-31-001 JAN 04 M/T - Revised Pressure Plate Adjustment Procedure

20. 01-07-30-042B JAN 04 A/T - 4L60-E/4L65-E, 2-3/3-2 Shift Clunk Explanation

21. 04-08-48-001 JAN 04 A/C - Broken Defogger Grid Detection

22. 02-06-05-004A JAN 04 Emissions - Catalytic Converter Damage/Misfire Codes Set

23. 04-01-37-001 JAN 04 A/C - Control Knob Replacement Availability

24. 04-03-10-001 JAN 04 Tires - Puncture Repair Guidelines/Procedures

25. 02-08-48-001A DEC 03 Windows/Glass - Urethane Adhesive Usage

26. 03-06-05-008 NOV 03 Exhaust System - Popping/Snapping Noise When Hot/at Idle

27. 02-07-30-030A NOV 03 A/T - 4L60-E 1-2 Shift Shudder/Slipping/Vibration

28. 03-07-30-056 NOV 03 A/T - 4L60-E Oil Pump Identification

29. 03-01-38-019 NOV 03 A/C - Underhood Rattling on Acceleration

30. 03-07-30-007A NOV 03 A/T - 4L60-E, 4L65-E Delayed Gear Engagement

31. 01-08-42-001A NOV 03 Lighting - Lamp Condensation/Replacement Guidelines

32. 01-01-38-013A OCT 03 A/C - Unnecessary Compressor Replacement

33. 03-07-30-054 OCT 03 A/T - Allison® Fluid Leaks From Vent

34. 03-07-30-053 OCT 03 A/T - Allison® Valve Body Revisions

35. 99-09-40-005A OCT 03 Interior - Seat Belt Extenders

36. 99-04-20-002B AUG 03 Drivetrain - Driveline Clunk Explanation

37. 01-07-30-002C AUG 03 Electrical - MIL ON/A/T Stuck in 3rd Gear

38. 03-06-01-023 AUG 03 Engine - High Oil Consumption Explanations

39. 03-02-36-002 JUL 03 Steering - Revised Service Procedures

40. 03-09-41-003 JUL 03 Restraint System - Proper Air Bag System Diagnosis

41. 01-06-01-011A JUL 03 Engine - Oil Consumption Information

42. 01-01-39-003A JUL 03 A/C - Catastrophic Compressor Failure Debris Removal

43. 01-01-38-006B JUL 03 A/C - R-134A System Flushing Procedure

44. 03-08-44-011 JUN 03 Audio System - Tweeter Rattles in Front Door(s)

45. 00-08-42-010A JUN 03 Lighting - DRL Bulb Replacement

46. 03-03-08-002 JUN 03 Suspension - Rattle/Squeak From Front of Vehicle

47. 03-07-30-027 JUN 03 A/T - Oil Cooler Flushing Frequently Asked Questions

48. 03-06-04-030 MAY 03 Fuel System - Possible MIL ON/Driveability Symptoms

49. 99-08-52-005A MAY 03 Keyless Entry System - Operational Characteristics

50. 02-07-30-011B APR 03 A/T - Slow or No Gear Engagement/Engine No Start

51. 03-07-29-004 APR 03 M/T - Operating Characteristics

52. 99-01-39-007B MAR 03 A/C - Automatic A/C Functional Description

53. 03-01-38-001 MAR 03 A/C - System Sealers/Leak Detection Guidelines

54. 03-06-01-011 MAR 03 Engine - Accessory Drive Belt Whine

55. 02-08-42-001A MAR 03 Lighting - Polycarbonate Headlamp Damage Prevention

56. 02-07-30-052B FEB 03 A/T - Oil Cooler Flushing Tool/Procedure

57. 99-07-30-017A FEB 03 A/T - Oil Cooler Flushing/Flow Check Procedures

58. 03-07-30-005 FEB 03 A/T - SES Lamp ON/DTC's Set/Slipping/Delayed Shifts

59. 02-07-30-051A FEB 03 A/T - Shifts IN and OUT of 4th and 5th Gear

60. 03-03-10-002 FEB 03 Hubcaps - Loose/Rattling

61. 99-08-64-016A JAN 03 Body - Weatherstrip Maintenance

62. 03-06-04-012 JAN 03 Electrical - Wiring Harness Inspection Recommendations

63. 99-03-10-009A JAN 03 Wheels/Tires - Wheel Weight Usage

64. 02-06-03-006A DEC 02 Electrical - Testing Before Replacing Battery or Alt

65. 02-07-30-032A NOV 02 A/T - TCM Fast Learn Procedure Requirement

66. 99-07-30-016B OCT 02 A/T - Intermittent Downshift/Slip/Cycling Diagnosis

67. 02-06-03-010 OCT 02 Battery - Parasitic Drain Information

68. 02-05-22-004B OCT 02 Electrical - Trailer Brakes Applied With Headlamps ON

69. 02-06-01-035 OCT 02 Engine - High Oil Consumption

70. 02-03-07-002 OCT 02 Steering/Suspension - Revised Camber/Caster Adjustment

71. 02-04-95-001 SEP 02 Drivetrain - Revised Differential Overhaul Procedure

72. 02-08-49-007 SEP 02 Interior - Console Lid Hard to Open/Close

73. 02-08-46-011 SEP 02 Service Manual - Revised OnStar® VIU & VCU Replacement

74. 01-08-66-005B AUG 02 Body - Pickup Box Reinforcement Kit Availability

75. 01-08-66-014A AUG 02 Body - Pickup Box Sheet Metal Fracture/Damage

76. 02-06-03-008 AUG 02 Charging System - Low Voltage Display ON/Dim Lights

77. 02-06-01-028 AUG 02 Engine - Crankcase Flushing Recommendations

78. 02-08-47-001 JUL 02 Body Control - Update of Some Control Module DTC's

79. 01-08-64-014A JUL 02 Interior - Lock Lever Comes Loose From Door Trim Panel

80. 02-07-30-028 JUN 02 A/T - Serial Number/Site Code Locations/Identification

81. 02-09-41-001 JUN 02 Computers & Controls - DTC's Set When Replacing Modules

82. 02-06-01-026 JUN 02 Engine - Identification Information

83. 02-07-30-024 MAY 02 A/T - Cracked/Broken Case Diagnosis

84. 02-07-30-020 MAY 02 A/T - Harsh/Delayed 2nd to 1st Gear Downshift/DTC's Set

85. 02-08-44-007 MAY 02 Audio System (XM) - Negative Impact of Vinyl/Cloth Roofs

86. 02-04-20-002 MAY 02 Drive Train - Revised Wheel Bearing Adjustment Procedure

87. 02-08-46-007 MAY 02 OnStar ® - Caller Minutes Cannot Be Replenished

88. 02-08-46-006 MAY 02 OnStar ® - Incorrect GPS Location During OnStar Call

89. 02-08-42-004 APR 02 A/T - PRNDL Display Dim for One Minute

90. 02-08-59-002 APR 02 Dash - Rattle From Center

91. 02-00-90-002 APR 02 Driveshaft Double Cardan Joint - Manual Update

92. 02-06-01-015 APR 02 Engine - Low Oil Pressure

93. 02-08-46-004 APR 02 OnStar System ® - Cellular Error Messages

94. 99-08-51-007A MAR 02 Aluminum Wheels - Refinishing

95. 02-06-04-015 MAR 02 Engine - Intermittent No Crank/No Start

96. 02-06-01-008 MAR 02 Engine - New Prelube Tool

97. 99-00-89-019B FEB 02 Warranty - Parts Return Program Explained

98. 01-01-39-007 JAN 02 A/C - Loss of Mode/Temperature Control

99. 00-07-30-017B JAN 02 A/T - Allison 1000 Series Service Parts Restriction

100. 02-02-35-001 JAN 02 Ignition Lock Cylinder - Revised Replacement Procedure

101. 00-00-89-027A JAN 02 Interior - New Odor Elimination Product

102. 01-03-10-012 JAN 02 Wheel Balance/Alignment - Labor Operation Guidelines

103. 01-07-30-041 DEC 01 A/T - Fluid Leak Diagnosis

104. 01-07-30-043 DEC 01 A/T - Slipping/Missed Shifts Diagnostic Tips

105. 01-08-46-006A DEC 01 Onstar® - Antenna Coupling Revised Procedures

106. 01-03-10-011 DEC 01 Tires - Sidewall Damage

107. 01-06-04-053 NOV 01 Auxiliary Fuel tank - Removal Procedure

108. 01-08-97-002 NOV 01 HomeLink® Transmitter - Programming Difficulties

109. 01-07-31-002 NOV 01 M/T - Improved Clutch Bleeding Procedure

110. 01-08-44-014 NOV 01 Radio - Erratic or Intermittent Operation

111. 01-03-10-009 NOV 01 Wheel Nut Covers - Loose/Missing

112. 01-07-30-029 OCT 01 A/T - Core Return Product Feedback Form

113. 01-08-49-017 OCT 01 Center Front Floor Console Lock & Key - Availability

114. 00-06-04-011A OCT 01 EVAP System - Monitor Strategy

115. 01-08-64-015 OCT 01 Side Access Door - Squeak or Scraping Noise

116. 01-03-10-007 OCT 01 Spare Tire - Lowering Information

117. 01-08-51-003 OCT 01 Vehicle - Interior/Exterior Anti-Corrosion Materials

118. 01-00-89-013 SEP 01 RKE Transmitter - Correct Use of Labor Operation R4490

119. 01-08-46-004 AUG 01 Cellular Phones - Operating Characteristics

120. 01-08-51-002 AUG 01 Door Edge - New Protection

121. 01-01-38-006A JUL 01 A/C - Proper Flushing Procedures

122. 01-08-44-006A JUN 01 Audio System - Clearing `CLN' Message From Display

123. 01-00-89-010 JUN 01 Diagnostic Worksheet - Usage

124. 01-09-40-001 JUN 01 Front Seat Belt - Retractor and Buckle Replacement

125. 99-06-03-010A JUN 01 PCM/BCM Replacement - DTC's B001/B1271/B1780 Set

126. 01-09-40-002 JUN 01 Seat Belt System - Collision Replacement Guidelines

127. 01-00-89-009 MAY 01 Key/Key Number/Security Chip - Replacement

If nothing else, you may be able to go back to the dealer and ask for more information.

Daubs · January 20, 2005

Thanks guys. It is from a reputable, local GMC dealer. FWIW, the guy told me it will get between 8-10 mpg empty. With a BB and 4.10's you get what you ask for I guess. My brother has the D-max and loves it ( other than blowing his transfer case early on, covered under warranty ). I would like the diesel but don't drive enough to justify the extra cost. Somebody mentioned a tuner for the BB. Could you please post some names and performance gains? Thanks.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

502Python: I've got an 04 2500HD/CC/8.1/Allison. Get 9-10 around town and 12 highway (best was 13.5). love the power of my BB. Didn't drive enough to warrant D-max. Happy with my choice.

Ordered Westers and got it installed probably a week ago. Hope to see little better MPG (buddy has same truck with 6.0 and gets 11.5 city or highway...he's already pissed at my MPG...would be really fun to tell him I'm getting BETTER MPG than him and have Big Block Power!)

Enjoy your truck!