8.1 crankshaft sensor

[z85]

Just bought a used 2001 Suburban w/8.1

 

The guy I bought it from said he had the crankshaft sensor replaced, but that the dealership had to R&R the engine to do it?

 

I drove this Sub back home which is 1000mi. It ran great and didn't use any oil at all, in fact it ran better then my 03 2500hd w/8.1.

 

I had my local dealer run a service history on the vin # and sure enough there is the crank sensor 2500 miles ago, but with it is this line:

 

J1840-Engine, universal-Replace

 

Does this mean they replaced the engine or is it just the labor charge code?

 

Can't tell by looking at it, is there a way to spot a service replacement engine?

 

Where are the numbers stamped at on the 8.1?

 

Oh, and happy new year!

 

 

Thanks,

 

Z85

[GM-Tech]

Crank sensors in 8.1's are known to snap off when you try to remove them. They're way in the back, on top, behind the left cylinder head and difficult to get at under normal circumstances. When they break off flush with the block, it makes a tough job even harder.

 

That said, I never heard of anyone removing the engine to do the job, even when it broke off on removal. One can usually grab the electrical terminals that are sticking up, or drive a screw into it so there's something to grab. I suppose if it is severely frozen in place, pulling the engine might be the only way.

 

Yes, they probably used that op code to cover the labor to R&R the engine. We often have to use a component replacement op code even when the component was only removed and reinstalled because there may be no op code to do that.

 

I'm sure if they put a new engine in 2500 miles ago, it would be obvious.