The 6.0 Vortec - Reliability & Common Problems!

Рет қаралды 43,528

Күн бұрын

In today's video, Jake focuses on the 6.0 Vortec engine, a staple of Chevrolet and GMC trucks and SUVs. This robust and reliable workhorse has been around for years, but like any engine, it's not without its share of "common" problems.
Join us as we dive into the ins and outs of the 6.0 Vortec engine, covering the most common problems and reliability factors you need to be aware of. Whether you already own a vehicle with a 6.0 Vortec or are considering purchasing one, this video is a must-watch!
If you would rather consume this content by reading it, here is our article on our Chevy Trucks website: chevytrucks.org/ultimate-6-0-...
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00:31 - Vortec 6.0 Background
01:17 - Gen 3 6.0 Vortec
01:37 - Gen 4 6.0 Vortec
02:18 - Gen 3 vs Gen 4 Differences
03:08 - 6.0 Vortec Common Problems
04:19 - 6.0 Vortec Reliability
05:35 - Minor Downsides to the 6.0 Vortec

Пікірлер: 105

@subterfusion4005 10 ай бұрын

The big draw for the 6.0 for me was that i could look at HD Chevys with 125k- 150k miles costing well under 30k that would still give me 100k miles or more of solid service.

@8020Media 10 ай бұрын

Subter - Completely agree!

@subterfusion4005 10 ай бұрын

I ended up purchasing a 2015 LT crew cab with 155,000 miles for 24,000.00. Just using it as a tow vehicle for our RV. Extremely satisfied.

@8020Media 10 ай бұрын

You're going to get at least another 155k miles!

@davedemchak3309 9 ай бұрын

Yep. Love my HD Chevy with 178k miles and 6.0. Pulls a 10,000lb boat.

@christophersanchez-bh1be 7 ай бұрын

I just picked up a 2015 2500HD with 33k for 29k.

@teagreen2220 9 ай бұрын

Got a L96, went over it at 80k miles, had to retorque many bolts going into the block and heads. This is an awesome engine, will be used for racing after its towing life is over.

@8020Media 9 ай бұрын

T - Thanks for sharing your experience!

@69sound81 6 ай бұрын

Great! I have one too in my 2019 express van 3500. It is fairly new because we bought that van for a very speciphic purpose and it doesn't see a lot of pavement or sun like our daily drivers. But I was wondering what I could face later with it and I believe I have a bulletproof engine to rely on. It gets taken care of better than the premium cars of the company owners, gets used less, only gets original parts or better and gets used about once per week and hits the road for long miles about once per month. Although, I wonder if we can get the engine to deliver slightly more HP and torque figures without a significant hit on the reliability department. The engine should last 100k miles before being opened (at least, preferably 200k and I believe that is not a rare occurance for L96 engines).

@8020Media 6 ай бұрын

Sound - You should easily get 100k+ depending on how well it is maintained.

@zkgarage1939 5 ай бұрын

sweet, I'm currently looking at a 2018 2500 CCLB 4wd with 123k on the clock. Glad to hear they are reliable.

@8020Media 5 ай бұрын

ZK - Certainly. Just a matter of how they've been maintained in the past and how they are maintained in the future.

@Ghost-xi6js 4 ай бұрын

Ladies and gentleman, the factory torque converters in the 2500HD trucks with 6.0 are weak junk. Upgrade them with a circle D or some other heavy duty billet converter BEFORE they go out. If they go out, it ruins the tranny, cooler, and lines. I had to have mine replaced at 40,000 miles on my 2015. Luckily I pay close attention to everything and one day the trams temp started running about 30° hotter than usual, gas mileage dropped by 5 mpg, and check engine light came on. Took it home immediately, scanned it, and two codes for torque converter came up. Called Chevrolet and a transmission shop and both told me the converter was starting to fail and not to drive it. Chevy wanted to replace it with the same junk that was already in it. So I loaded it up and hauled it 200 miles to a shop who replaced the converter with a better one and while they had it apart, they put a stage one kit in it that allegedly made it beefier. My truck only has 41,600 miles right now.

@8020Media 4 ай бұрын

Ghost - Sorry to hear this... However, thanks for sharing your experience!

@CodySimoncelli-of7xx 3 ай бұрын

I have a 2017 Silverado 2500 6.0. You are right on the money about the factory converter. Mine came apart at 68k miles and took out the entire transmission. Wasn’t even towing when it failed.

@8020Media 3 ай бұрын

Cody - Thanks for sharing your experience!

@pdx650 6 ай бұрын

I'm happy after doing some research to know that these L96's were also put into Chevy's Express vans. Add a ball hitch to the rear and you can haul a variety of trailers for whatever purposes you may have. Plenty of space inside a van, too, for hauling items or living inside of. Granted, the vans did not come with 4-wheel-drive, but they can be modded to be 4x4. Then there's the G80 locker in the rear diff as an option as well. I drive a 2500/3500 (extended wheel base) almost every other week with 'G' being the eighth VIN digit (L96) 6-liter engine and I am happy with it's performance. When searching for a vehicle, I always look for 'G' in the eighth position. If there is any other character, I pass it up.

@8020Media 6 ай бұрын

PDX - Thanks for adding this insight!

@aquaman6376 Ай бұрын

I’m pretty sure it’s the 5th vin number .

@svechappe6075 10 ай бұрын

We have 331,000 miles on our 2002 Yukon Denali with the 3rd gen 6.0 Vortec. Had it since new, still going strong, gets 15 mpg combined. Unfortunately we're going to lose the body to rust in the next few years.

@8020Media 10 ай бұрын

SVE - Thanks for sharing this. I'd say you're getting a good 20 years out of that one!

@IrishNew Ай бұрын

I have a 5.3 on a 2005 yukon slt and do t get 15 mpg combined. I have a hard time believing a denali w allwheel drive w the 6 litre gets better mpg than a 5.3 w no all wheel drive. I do live in hilly mountains in Canada so up/down stop and go city which is why i went 5.3 SLT. Its rated at 13 city,19 hwy. 6 litre is worse but a better tow motor.

@guikirsch9758 2 ай бұрын

458,000 on the clock and still going 💪

@8020Media Ай бұрын

G - Thanks for sharing your experience!

@Noreallyimstarving 15 күн бұрын

375k miles on my 06 2500hd. Still strong

@8020Media 14 күн бұрын

N - Nice, thanks for sharing your experience!

@straightwhiteandproud9643 9 ай бұрын

I'm rockin the L96 in a 2012 bought it at 210000 and put 15000 on it so far only problem has been fuel mileage and exhaust manifold leaks . Switched from a duramax so power sucks but she's holding in there. Gonna do a cold air intake and true duel exhaust and injectors and cam and have it professionally tuned and it will hopefully make a huge difference pulling a load.

@8020Media 9 ай бұрын

S - This should absolutely make a huge difference. Quite difficult going from a diesel to a Vortec, but hopefully you get everything you want out of it!

@metabang03 8 ай бұрын

Pretty sure changing the truck around will give lower fuel econmy but ull def have the extra power. If your getting 12-13.5 with stock suspension and tires, your doing normal mpg, it's not easy to drive slow enough to get 14-18 mpg out of the 6.0. It is possible to get 18 mpg though. But 35 max city speed 55 max on freeway lol and they fall on their face when towing compared to a duramax for sure. Just Rev it up to 5500 rpm, that's where all the power is and be patient.

@coltonmilne1371 Ай бұрын

Thanks for all the info! I think I have the L96 built by Indmar in my 2012 Malibu boat.

@8020Media 28 күн бұрын

C - Thanks for the feedback and insight!

@breakinggames6356 Жыл бұрын

I had one of the older vortecs pre-afm series they are pretty solid I got 320,000 original miles before the frame went out

@8020Media Жыл бұрын

Nice that's awesome. We're going to see what we can get out of our 5.3L.

@breakinggames6356 Жыл бұрын

@@8020Media the only issue I had with my 5.3 is a ticking that started and never went away no matter what I did to the motor supposedly its something the 5.3 does commonly

@8020Media 11 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing this feedback!

@chrismartin500 11 ай бұрын

@@8020Media I had 260,000 on my 07 5.3 when I sold it with absolutely zero issues They are solid if you maintain them

@saegewilliams2541 Ай бұрын

What year looking at 05

@daviesdan18 Жыл бұрын

Good video lots of good information. The lq4 is the best . It has lower compression ratio so it cant make as much power as the new 6.0s... I do 100% agree with everything you said. Can i add that stock dyno numbers say 300 horsepower at only 4400 rpm??? Gm detuned them from the factory to make them last longer. They turn off fuel enrichment and shift points at 5200 rpm. I own an 07 lq4 silverado. I got like 50 hp just from turning on fuel enrichment. But yes from factory they are slow but reliable.

@daviesdan18 Жыл бұрын

The eco boost makes like 400 horses power at like 6000 rpm. I understand the comparison you made yes on paper it looks good but id take the low end power of the lq4 over the ecoboost in a heavy pick up truck

@8020Media Жыл бұрын

Davies - Thanks for taking the time to add these insights! Will certainly be helpful for future viewers!

@8020Media Жыл бұрын

It's all comes down to personal choice and needs!

@bradymeredith3528 8 ай бұрын

I’ve beat the piss outta my L96 from 55k to 208k so far, still hauls everyday only thing replaced so far is the throttle position sensor and was super easy to fix

@8020Media 8 ай бұрын

Brady - Sounds like you've got a good one! Thanks for sharing your experience.

@briansimpson9371 5 ай бұрын

We looked at a 2010 gmc 3500 slt with the 6.0 in it about 5 years ago. They wanted 20 grand for it. No one wanted to buy it because it had 200,000 km on it. I checked the forums from down in the states and guys were saying 200,000miles were nothing on that motor so I offer them 18 grand and they took it right away. I absolutely love this truck. Fully loaded and power is great. Best thing ever and they want over 100,000 to replace this truck now.......getthefuckoutahere lol

@8020Media 5 ай бұрын

Brian - Sounds like you've got a good one! Thanks for sharing your experience.

@codywatts7625 Ай бұрын

Got a 2003 GMC 2500 HD 2 wheel drive Sierra with a 6.0 vortec absolutely love it it's good on gas it's got good power fairly easy to work on did an alternator swap the other day now the radiator was a pain in the ass cuz it's got f****** c-clamps on the lines but other than that it's reliable love it and I don't want to go any newer

@8020Media Ай бұрын

C - Thanks for sharing your experience! They can certainly be great if taken care of!

@mallorymcguire833 6 ай бұрын

How can I tell if my van has AFM? It's a 2018 6.0 Express Cargo van 2500. I thought I had a pulley bearing noise but shop said it's likeky a cam or lifter problem. I found a page that said AFM was only on the 6.0 Vortec Max. How do I know if I have the Vortec Max? I bought my van with only 15k miles and have been religiously following maintenance schedules. It only has 58k miles now.

@8020Media 6 ай бұрын

Mallory - If you are wanting to know if your vehicle has AFM, it is best to pull the VIN and look it up. This will likely indicate if you have AFM or not.

@derekhammack1928 4 ай бұрын

It wasnt a 6.8 liter that replaced the L96 and Ly6 it was the 6.6 gas

@8020Media 4 ай бұрын

Derek - Thanks for the insight.

@martinolivas319 8 ай бұрын

I actually swapped out my 1976 Silverado with the L96 6L90E from a 2019. I’m wanting to make at least 500 rwh. In regards to my stock set up in your opinion would I need to change torque converter and internals along with a internally upgraded transmission , or is it possible to simply change the camshaft and throw on a forced induction via turbo or supercharger with a tune?

@8020Media 8 ай бұрын

The 6L90 can hold around 500whp, and the motor itself is good for that so no need for upgraded internals. You might eventually need a trans/torque converter upgrade but you can also bust it first and then swap it for like a stage 1 built trans that can handle more and it would probably end up similar in cost to doing all of the upgrades ahead of time so I'd say see if the trans will hold up first - lots of people claiming it can hold 500+ - just would definitely recommend some transmission tuning on it. Camshaft, turbo, bolt-ons and let it ride!

@martinolivas319 8 ай бұрын

I really appreciate your feedback and the content

@8020Media 8 ай бұрын

No problem - Keep us updated!

@LifeIsBetterOutside 8 ай бұрын

i have 2012 sierra 2500hd, god only knows how much went wrong around the engine and still repairing more, but the engine seems to be good, 340 000km on it, getting 18mpg on highway and 9mpg when towing 24ft 5th wheel, quite a jump but expected, manifold leaks on both sides, couldnt even find the heads

@8020Media 8 ай бұрын

Life - Thanks for sharing your experience! Seems like you've got a bit more life in it.

@LifeIsBetterOutside 8 ай бұрын

@@8020Media thank you for replying, maybe a dumb question on these engines but i just cannot afford a full manifold exhaust repair right now, do you think that waiting untill spring is a good idea or should i do it as soon as possible, using the truck to tow every other week.. would it get better performance? Sometimes it feels sluggish but got used to it

@8020Media 8 ай бұрын

If you're using it to tow, we would advise sooner rather than later. But if it doesn't line up with your budget, then just keep listening to it to make sure it isn't getting worse. This leak isn't the end of the world, but you will certainly have decreased performance because of it.

@LifeIsBetterOutside 8 ай бұрын

@@8020Media thank you

@toads_ride845 6 күн бұрын

I’m looking at a 2009 with 140k on the motor SLT package should I consider it they want 15k to buy

@8020Media 6 күн бұрын

T - Could be worth it, but we aren’t going to advise on a purchasing decision. Make sure to get maintenance records regardless.

@aurorathekitty7854 11 күн бұрын

Saw a 2019 Chevy van with the 6.0 in it and looking to see how that motor is

@8020Media 10 күн бұрын

A - What kind of van?

@michaelohara2161 3 ай бұрын

How do you know if a vehicle has AFM. I am going to look at a 2018 2500 HD passenger van with 6.O vortec.

@8020Media 3 ай бұрын

M - Best way to find out is by looking up the VIN.

@ep6606 11 ай бұрын

The AFM is the reason I got rid of my 2011 Silverado. I do miss it though.

@8020Media 11 ай бұрын

Ep - AFM will do that to you.... We completely agree.

@ramaswamynarayanaswamy4806 3 ай бұрын

@@8020Media AFM needs consistent oil changes and the right type of oil.

@8020Media 3 ай бұрын

R - Completely agree!

@firebirdlover4460 7 ай бұрын

My understanding is that L96 does not have AFM.

@8020Media 7 ай бұрын

I believe it had all of the oil passages for AFM but just didn't use them.

@firebirdlover4460 7 ай бұрын

Yeah, I believe that was the case. @@8020Media

@jdinnis 4 ай бұрын

@@8020Media Neither the LY6 nor the L96 had AFM. Only the L76, L77, LFA and LZ1 code engines had this. They all use essentially the same block, but the LY6 and L96 do not have the AFM lifters installed, so less prone to failure than the engines with those lifters installed. Both versions also have the larger LS3 style head ports. They did have Variable Valve timing, but that system does not seem to have been as troublesome as the AFM. A lot of hot-rodders will get a L96 motor, delete the VVT and change over to an LS3 cam. Cheap performance. You can easily get these upwards of 480hp and 500ft/lbs.

@8020Media 4 ай бұрын

J - Thanks for taking the time to add this insight!

@younbullhd 6 күн бұрын

I’m looking at a 2013 2500hd with 167k for 16k is that a good deal. Its literally immaculate

@8020Media 6 күн бұрын

Y - Sounds like a good deal. Just make sure to get maintenance records.

@kimrowoon2474 Жыл бұрын

How many miles Per gallon does it consumed?? Because my friend had a GMC savana explorer

@8020Media Жыл бұрын

The Savana Explorer probably got pretty mediocre gas mileage. These things typically get around 13-16mpg.

@helloeveryone906 6 ай бұрын

Would 2016 Passenger van 3500 6.0 have cylinder deactivation?.

@8020Media 6 ай бұрын

Hello - It shouldn't have. But not a bad idea to pull the VIN to confirm.

@helloeveryone906 6 ай бұрын

@@8020Media thanks so much 🙏 like others imo GM AFM is a mistake.

@8020Media 6 ай бұрын

Couldn't agree more unfortunately.. They aren't built like they used to be, that's for sure.

@jasonslaughter2811 24 күн бұрын

Now i can be wrong but I’ve heard the L96 is the closest thing you can get to a Lsx block

@JESUSK17JL 2 ай бұрын

Ram 5.7 vs ford 6.2 vs chevy 6.0 ???

@8020Media Ай бұрын

J - What about them?

@stevemino142 14 күн бұрын

There really isn't any cons to owning a 6.0 vortec 364 cubic inch as long as basic maintenance is followed your pretty well set for a very long time as an owner of 3 six-o vortecs they really are superior to anything else on the market then or now

@8020Media 14 күн бұрын

S - Well said. Thanks for sharing your experience!

@williamwolff4684 10 ай бұрын

The newest is a 6.6 gas.

@8020Media 10 ай бұрын

W - Thanks for the insight!

@docrx1857 3 күн бұрын

It is misleading when you say the Gen 4 motors have AFM, making them less reliable. AFM does make them less reliable, but not all the Gen 4's have AFM. Both the L76 and L96 do not have AFM.

@8020Media 2 күн бұрын

D - The L76's do in fact have AFM.

@docrx1857 2 күн бұрын

@@8020Media Only the L76 in the half tons had AFM. I honestly forgot about those smaller trucks.

@8020Media 22 сағат бұрын

D - yep.