Love New Truck Day ~

[gim]

3 hours ago, GReb said:

100k miles is 3-4 years of driving for most folks down south.

Where is everyone going all the time? Mexico?
 

33k miles/year seems like a whole lot unless it’s a dedicated work truck.

[MN Fisher]

4 minutes ago, gimruis said:

33k miles/year seems like a whole lot

Gods - I've had the Silverado since 2016 and I think I've put 8k on it since I bought it....I don't drive much.

[throttleplate]

16 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

Gods - I've had the Silverado since 2016 and I think I've put 8k on it since I bought it....I don't drive much.

 

Hows the rust around the wheel wells and rocker panels?

[MN Fisher]

3 minutes ago, throttleplate said:

 

Hows the rust around the wheel wells and rocker panels?

Rocker panels are about gone - wheel-wells are okay

 

I did buy it used - 2001 with 187k on it when I picked it up.

[GReb]

2 hours ago, gimruis said:

Where is everyone going all the time? Mexico?
 

33k miles/year seems like a whole lot unless it’s a dedicated work truck.

Lol it’s just spread out.  Lots of folks driving 30-75 miles one way to work. Grocery store 10 miles away. Want a burger? Drive 7 miles. It adds up. 

[A-Jay]

The happiness with this rig continues as I slowly become more and more acquainted with it's 'features.'

 

This 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 has a few updates and changes for the new model year.

One of these is the addition of an Active Exhaust system equipped with the naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 L87 gasoline engine; rated at 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque.

This new feature will allow drivers to select a driving mode that opens the flaps within the exhaust system, thereby delivering a throatier exhaust note from their L87 engine.

While the truck is in Normal mode, or Tow/Haul mode, the exhaust flaps will remain closed, resulting in a muted exhaust tone.

However, upon selection of the Sport mode, the flaps will open, allowing the L87 Small Block to

produce a throatier exhaust aka the V8 rumble.

Pretty Cool.

Still haven't been able to wash the darn thing yet - and it's really bad.

A-Jay

 

[throttleplate]

Personally and according to some experts i would deactivate the engine start-stop feature and deactivate the cylinder deactivation system, read up on it and learn about the problems associated with it if it is concerning to you.

 

GM 6.2L EcoTec3 L86/L87 Engine Specs, Problems & Reliability

GM/Chevy 6.2L EcoTec3 Info

The L86/L87 is an all-aluminum 6.2-liter naturally-aspirated and direct-injected gasoline V8 engine developed by GM for use in pickup trucks and SUVs (Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, Cadillac Escalade, GMC Yukon Denali, and more). This 6.2L V8 engine is a part of the Gen5 small bock engine family also known as EcoTec3. The L86 version debuted in 2014 and replaced its predecessor out of Vortec truck engines - the L92 6.2-liter motor. The successor to the L86, the L87 version, came out in 2019. Both engines are basically identical, but the newest L87 variant uses Dynamic Fuel Management instead of the L86's Active Fuel Management. The 6.2L EcoTec3 was also available in Chevy sports cars and higher performance Cadillac models - LT1, LT2, and supercharged LT4 and LT5 versions. But in this article, let's take an in-depth look at the design of L86/L87 truck engines, their common problems, and reliability.

GM 6.2 EcoTec3 Engine Overview

As was said, the GM 6.2 L86 and L87 are all aluminum engines. They use a 90-degree aluminum cylinder block with cast-in iron cylinder liners. By the way, the engine block is similar to the 5.3-liter EcoTec3 version. The 6.2-liter engine gets its displacement from the increased bore of 103.25 mm (4.065 in). The 92 mm (3.622 in) stroke is the same across all Gen5 small block engines. The rotating assembly features a forged-steel crankshaft, I-beam powder-metal connecting rods (6.098 in long), and cast aluminum domed pistons optimized for direct injection. Like 5.3L V8 L83, this engine also got piston oil jets/squirters, variable-displacement oil pump (wet sump), and nodular main bearing caps. All of these components work both well for improving engine efficiency and extending long-term engine durability.

The 6.2L EcoTec3 engine features a pushrod OHV design and a single camshaft sitting inside the engine block. Aluminum cylinder heads come with two valves per cylinder (16 valves total). Pushrods activate intake and exhaust valves via low-friction roller-pivot rocker arms. Furthermore, the valvetrain includes hydraulic roller-lifters, and no valve clearance adjustment is required. Instead of the already conventional VVT system found of most modern engines with DOHC, the L86/L87 uses a dual-equal camshaft phasing system that adjusts timing at the same rate for both intake and exhaust valves. Compared to the 5.3L motor, the L86 6.2L version has larger valves. The intake valve diameter is 2.126 in. (54 mm); the exhaust valve diameter - 1.590 in. (40.4 mm). Pushrods are the same 7.85 inch-long with 0.342 in. (8.7 mm) outside diameter. The camshaft has the following specs: 200/207 duration (intake/exhaust), 0.551 in./0.524 in. valve lift for intake and exhaust, respectively.

In addition to a tank-located low-pressure fuel pump, the 6.2L L86/L87 engine has an additional high-pressure fuel pump mounted in the valley between cylinder heads. The camshaft drives the HP pump by an additional cam called a trilobe. This pump pressurizes fuel up to 15Mpa (150 bar) and sends it to direct injectors. And then, direct fuel injection technology precisely shoots fuel directly into the combustion chamber. Engineers also placed platinum-tipped spark plugs closer to the center of the combustion chamber to further improve the combustion process. The electronically controlled ignition system Quick Sync 58X also features individual coils near plugs design and low-resistance spark plug wires. The truck-style intake manifold is made of composite material. It's fitted with a drive-by-wire electronic throttle body with a 4-bolt 87 mm throttle valve. The engine also got the newest E92 ECU, which manages all electronic systems and engine data.

Active Fuel Management Technology

The 6.2L L86 version features GM's Active Fuel Management (AFM) technology. The AFM is a cylinder deactivation technology that alternates between V-4 and V-8 modes depending on load conditions. It is an oil-operated system that deactivates the lifters on selected cylinders, closing the valves for those cylinders. The newer 6.2L L87 version switched to the latest Dynamic Fuel Management technology (DFM) that alternates between any of 17 different firing orders based on demand, calculated every 125 milliseconds. Both engines can run on gasoline or gasoline-ethanol blends of up to 85% ethanol (E85). Chevy/GMC trucks and SUVs with the 6.2L EcoTec3 motor are flex-fuel capable.

 

Engine Specs

Manufacturer

GM Tonawanda engine plant in New York

Production years

2014-present

Cylinder block material

Aluminum

Cylinder head material

Aluminum

Fuel type

Gasoline

Fuel system

Direct Injection

Configuration

V

Number of cylinders

8

Valves per cylinder

2

Valvetrain layout

OHV

Bore, mm

103.25 mm (4.065 in)

Stroke, mm

92.0 mm (3.62 in)

Displacement, cc

6,162 cc (376 cu in)

Type of internal combustion engine

Four-stroke, naturally aspirated

Compression Ratio

11.5:1

Power, hp

420 hp (313 kW)/ 5,600

Torque, lb ft

460 lb-ft (624 Nm)/ 4,100

Engine weight

-

Firing order

1-8-7-2-6-5-4-3

Engine oil weight

SAE 0W-20

Engine oil capacity, liter

8.0 l (8.45 qt) - with oil filter

Oil change interval, mile

7,500 (12,000 km)/12 months

Applications

Chevrolet Silverado, Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Sierra, GMC Yukon XL, GMC Yukon Denali/Denali XL, Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV

 

GM 6.2L L86/L87 V8 EcoTec3 Engine Problems and Reliability

Like the entire EcoTec3 family, the 6.2-liter version was developed to offer a more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly big V8 engine compared to the previous Vortec versions. Unfortunately, these two things are rarely combined with durability. The 6.2L EcoTec3 truck engine is not an exception.

GM 6.2L L86/L87 Common Problems

Here is the list of the most common Chevy/GMC 6.3L V8 EcoTec3 engine problems:

• Carbon build-up on the intake valves
• Lifters collapse and bent pushrods caused by AFM system
• Direct injection related problems (HP pump and direct injectors failure)
• Unreliable intake manifold gaskets
• Broken exhaust manifold bolts

While the last three common issues are not a big thing and a carbon build-up is the nature of almost every other direct-injected engine, stuck lifters and bent pushrods really hurt the reliability score of the 6.2L L86 motor (more information in the 5.3L EcoTec3 engine review). And this is doubly painful because this problem usually occurs on low-mileage, almost new trucks. Although the warranty may cover all fixes, the potential issue in the future undermines your confidence in your vehicle. We believe the newest 6.2L L87 version with the Dynamic Fuel Management system is the better choice and hope that it is less prone to lifter failures.

GM 6.2L L86/L87 Reliability Summary

Drawing the line, is the 6.2-liter EcoTec3 a good, reliable engine? Yes, it's not unreliable by any means. Of course, the engine is not perfect, and problems will occur, especially with age. But it also does not mean that the common problems above occur on every 6.2 EcoTec3 V8. To extend the engine life, use premium 93-octane gasoline, pour only recommended oil, and keep your vehicle well maintained. With regular service intervals and proper maintenance, Chevy/GMC 6.2 L86/L87 engines can last over 250,000 miles.

 

 

← More GM Engines

 

 

 

 

[TOXIC]

That’s a cool feature.  The bugs and powder dust did a number on my truck in Florida.  Now that I’m back it’s cleanup time .  

[Big Rick]

2 hours ago, A-Jay said:

The happiness with this rig continues as I slowly become more and more acquainted with it's 'features.'

 

This 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 has a few updates and changes for the new model year.

One of these is the addition of an Active Exhaust system equipped with the naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 L87 gasoline engine; rated at 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque.

This new feature will allow drivers to select a driving mode that opens the flaps within the exhaust system, thereby delivering a throatier exhaust note from their L87 engine.

While the truck is in Normal mode, or Tow/Haul mode, the exhaust flaps will remain closed, resulting in a muted exhaust tone.

However, upon selection of the Sport mode, the flaps will open, allowing the L87 Small Block to

produce a throatier exhaust aka the V8 rumble.

Pretty Cool.

Still haven't been able to wash the darn thing yet - and it's really bad.

A-Jay

 

My Corvette and Camaro have this feature. It's a blast to utilize! I had no idea GM incorporated it on the trucks. My engines are the LT1 variant making 455/455. 

 

Glad you're enjoying your new truck. Life is full enough of troubles and sometimes it's the small things that really help level it out. 

31 minutes ago, throttleplate said:

Personally and according to some experts i would deactivate the engine start-stop feature and deactivate the cylinder deactivation system, read up on it and learn about the problems associated with it if it is concerning to you.

 

He doesn't keep his trucks long enough for this to pose a problem. As a lifelong GM owner I am very familiar with this issue. If it's gonna happen, lifter failure usually starts around the 100,000 mile mark. Some earlier depending on driving habits. I made it to 130,000 on my Pontiac G8 GT before it went out.  A-Jay appears to be the type to enjoy his rides, yet not abuse them. I'm sure this truck will be long traded before the dreaded lifter failure issue sticks its ugly head up.

I use the Range device that plugs into the OBD plug to "delete" the 4 cylinder mode. Seems to make a difference as I've not had any issues as of yet. 

[RipzLipz]

@A-Jay Glad you like the exhaust. The valve is the component you’re describing which allows for the different sounds. I believe this is the 2nd generation of truck in which GM has used it & will be used again in the upcoming generation ~2027. Was necessary when they incorporated the cylinder deactivation as it caused the muffler tuning to sound odd when fewer cylinders were used. The different driving modes will impact fuel economy, of course. See if doors unlock simply by pulling handle twice from the inside . Not useful for the driver usually but nice for the passenger at times.

 

40k+ miles on my 2019 L87 & zero problems. Keep the oil changed more frequently than the IMO ridiculous 7-8k they recommend & the issues above should not be a huge concern. 100k miles is typically when trade-in book values take the biggest plunge so if I’m able to afford new, I look to trade prior to 80k miles. I also keep an eye on length of powertrain warranties when shopping for new trucks. GM decreased theirs from 100k to 60k miles when the 2014 models (K2 platform) came about & that told me engine durability was more than likely going to decrease. Worked for 2 large tier 1 automotive suppliers since 1991 (wheel manufacturer & exhaust manufacturer) in design & engineering areas.

[A-Jay]

21 minutes ago, RipzLipz said:

@A-Jay Glad you like the exhaust. The valve is the component you’re describing which allows for the different sounds. I believe this is the 2nd generation of truck in which GM has used it & will be used again in the upcoming generation ~2027. Was necessary when they incorporated the cylinder deactivation as it caused the muffler tuning to sound odd when fewer cylinders were used. The different driving modes will impact fuel economy, of course. See if doors unlock simply by pulling handle twice from the inside . Not useful for the driver usually but nice for the passenger at times.

 

40k+ miles on my 2019 L87 & zero problems. Keep the oil changed more frequently than the IMO ridiculous 7-8k they recommend & the issues above should not be a huge concern. 100k miles is typically when trade-in book values take the biggest plunge so if I’m able to afford new, I look to trade prior to 80k miles. I also keep an eye on length of powertrain warranties when shopping for new trucks. GM decreased theirs from 100k to 60k miles when the 2014 models (K2 platform) came about & that told me engine durability was more than likely going to decrease. Worked for 2 large tier 1 automotive suppliers since 1991 (wheel manufacturer & exhaust manufacturer) in design & engineering areas.

 I did really like the Exhaust and CIA on the 2021 AT4 quite a bit.

Wish they were able to leave it as is on the 2024.

No intentions of going for an after market CAI unit as the install is a PIA -

From what I can learn on line, need to dis-assemble half the front of the motor to install it.

Sure seems like the older unit breathed better than this latest unit. 

A-Jay

[RipzLipz]

@A-Jay I wasn’t a fan of them quieting their exhausts, starting with the K2 generation. A truck should sound like a truck. If I wanted a quieter vehicle, I wouldn’t shop for a truck. All the manufacturers do stupid stuff but at times, GM leads the pack. Most of their "professional grade" decisions force owners into the dealership to have things done & that gets frustrating for many owners but it puts money in their pockets, which is pretty much all they care about these days.

 

I remember reading an article in an automotive magazine 15-20 years ago detailing how GM envisioned owners basically leasing vehicles & having the dealerships maintain everything (paraphrased). You’re slowly starting to see that concept in how they engineer things. Even a simple headlight bulb change requires removing parts to gain access. I remember not so long ago, you popped the hood, yanked 2 rods, the headlight assembly fell out of the grille & you unscrewed the harness, popped out the bulb, replaced bulb & done. Those days are long gone. Forced obsolescence is everywhere, whether it’s parts going bad or electronics slowing down & becoming unusable. We are a throw away society now.

 

Really ticks me off how we are forced down certain paths as consumers with some things.

 

Truck monkey exists. 🤣

[GReb]

@A-Jay what’s the verdict after 3 months? Better than the previous model?

[A-Jay]

20 hours ago, GReb said:

@A-Jay what’s the verdict after 3 months? Better than the previous model?

@GReb verdict is Yes, better.

But not by much.

Good thing I guess is that it's not worse.

Either way, how bad can they be really.

These are top of line rigs and they run like it.

Towed the Pro-V bass a couple of times the past few days.

The 2024 GMC Sierra AT4 (6.2L) pulls my rig with authority.

It is however badly in need of an A-Jay full on exterior field day.

Soon, very soon.

A-Jay

 

[DaubsNU1]

@A-Jay most EXCELLENT!  

[A-Jay]

When the fishing's good, the weather's bad, so the inside & outside of the AT4 takes a hit.

Finally got around to correcting that mess.

A-Jay

[J._Bricker]

Purdy👍

[A-Jay]

On 2/7/2024 at 4:10 PM, RipzLipz said:

See if doors unlock simply by pulling handle twice from the inside . Not useful for the driver usually but nice for the passenger at times.

@RipzLipz

Sorry for the delayed response ~

I wanted the say Thank You for the double door handle pull tip.

Totally works and I haven't gotten the "let me out" face from my wife since.

It's the little things.

btw -  Love this rig more and more every day.

Over 2K on this thing now so it's 

almost time to trade it in 

j/k

A-Jay

 

[TOXIC]

I will confess I knew about the double tap to get out but I will also confess I didn’t know you could tap the turn signal stalk and the signal would blink like 6 or 7 times.  😂

[A-Jay]

18 minutes ago, TOXIC said:

I will confess I knew about the double tap to get out but I will also confess I didn’t know you could tap the turn signal stalk and the signal would blink like 6 or 7 times.  😂

Ok ~

I've also learned that sound system volume seems directly related

to the distance between the accelerator and the floor.

Can't drive 55 . . . .

A-Jay

 

[Woody B]

FWIW the speed sensitive volume is adjustable through the radio interface.   IIRC there's 4 settings. Low, medium high, and off.  Off the volume is constant regardless of speed/throttle.   Somewhere buried in the settings is "Speed Sensitive Volume".  

[Bird]

Ha Ha the first thing I did when I bought a new truck was disable auto everything. Lol

Just felt weird not being in control of the vehicle, probably just me though.

I want to operate the windshield wipers, headlights, cruise control, door locks.

 

Now if I get into a wreck, I'm to blame. 😅

 

 

[roadwarrior]

1 hour ago, Bird said:

Ha Ha the first thing I did when I bought a new truck was disable auto everything. Lol

Just felt weird not being in control of the vehicle, probably just me though.

I want to operate the windshield wipers, headlights, cruise control, door locks.

 

Now if I get into a wreck, I'm to blame. 😅

 

Life in a cave?

[Bird]

1 hour ago, roadwarrior said:

 

Life in a cave?

Natural habitat 😀