Advice needed: 09 Yukon 103.5K miles check up

[farhanm]

I bought an 09 Yukon XL SLT at 101.5K miles last September. I have driven it a couple thousand miles and its around 103.5K.

the dealer did the oil change right around the time i bought the car. The oil life in the dash says 70% remaining.

I had done a generic outside inspection of the car when i bought it and everything seemed good.

Luckily the car has been running good without any issues. Due to work commitments i couldn't really spend time on getting the car thoroughly checked.

However, I am thinking of getting the car looked at and get any preventive maintenance work done if required.

just needed some advice on what should i be looking out for, Fluid flushes? suspension or joint etc work? Just some general items for a car this age and mileage.

also if anybody can recommend a decent mechanic in the Oklahoma City area, that would be great.

Thanks
--
Farhan

 

[farhanm]

Just as i was thinking of getting it checked, yesterday I noticed something really weird

when I started the car last couple of days, i saw a puff of white smoke come out. It only happens when the car when the car is started next day. During the day, any starting stopping doesnt create the issue.


any idea what could be the issue?

thanks
==
Farhan

 

[farhanm]

Ok so I took the car in for an oil change and asked the dealer to check that smoke coming out issue after a cold start.

They kept the truck overnight and checked it today.

From what they told me there is definitely oil leaking into the engine. And they think it's the left bank valve cover that needs replacement. PCV valve or some thing. I am not too familiar with the technical info.

They said an oil consumption test shouldn't be needed as the car doesn't get driven that much.


Last oil change was in September when I first bought it at 101.5k miles. It's at 103.5k miles now.



They said it would be $449 + tax to get that left bank valve cover replaced.

Based on general diagnostic checkup they also recommended an alignment ($99)and a transmission fluid flush (back flush?) ($192) and 4 wheel drive service ($360 something)

I'm thinking to leave the 4 wheel drive servicing alone and get the other stuff done.

So overall I am looking at like a $800 something bill.

I was just curios to know if that stuff makes some sense? Or any pointers on what to ask them etc. or anything to be concerned about.


Thanks
--
Farhan

 

[ezdaar]

They are correct. the part number for that valve cover is listed here some where deep in a thread.

And it costs less than 100$ and the best part is YOU can swap it in 10 minutes with nothing more than one 10mm socket wrench..

Do not, I repeat DOnot let them flush your trans. You can do it in 30 mins the correct way with a friend and not even get your hands dirty. That wont destroy your trans. it will cost ya the price of 13 quarts of fluid and some simple clear hose..

Do you want to learn simple maintenance procedures that a one armed, 2 fingered monkey can do? Do you want to save a crap ton of $$???
With all that $$$ you can save, you can buy and install a catch can. Read about it here and [URL="http://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=51393"]here.[/URL], and here, annnddd finnaly one more here. As you can see its a very popular mod. This thing will stop 99.99% of oil entering your engine and completely stop the burning of oil. when combined with the updated valve cover.
Finnaly read the oil consumption thread for the valve cover part number.

 

[farhanm]

Thanks for the quick reply.



would someone be able to guide/help me find the left valve cover replacement thread/discussion

regarding the transmission fluid flush... what do the dealership do during the flush that is a big issue, whats the better way to do this?

Thanks
--
Farhan

 

[ezdaar]

The valve cover can be explained in 5 mins via phone call.


The trains flush the dealer does disturbs the debris in the trains, causing all sorts of problems.
The correct method is to let the trains pump out its own fluid.

Read about it here.

http://www.gmfullsize.com/forum/showthread.php?t=179148

 

[992dr]

ez linked the thread for the valve cover
http://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=69682&highlight=oil+consumption

GM recommends NOT flushing your trans, just drain.

If you are mechanically inclined in any way, this is a DIYer kinda job.
Drain, drop pan and replace filter. Install new filter, reinstall pan and filler up.

 

[farhanm]

Thanks a lot guys, Appreciate the quick responses. Ill get my car back from the dealer.

though i havent done any of that work before it seems pretty straigh forward. I will do the changes my self with a friends help.

i am surprised the dealer is charging $450 + tax for the valve cover change.

 

[992dr]

Its all just nuts and bolts my friend. Take your time and you should be fine.

Wow, $450 to replace the valve cover. That's a bit ridiculous. Then again at roughly $100 an hour and parts. Yeah, I can see that.

 

[farhanm]

Just got the Oil Change and Rotation done at the dealer. will get my car back today.

based on the threads for the valve cover I need to get GM P/N 12642655 for 2009 - *2011. Since mine is a 2009 Yukon XL SLT

Do I need to order other parts as well like some valve cover gasket etc when I replace the valve cover?

sorry for being such a pain... I haven't done anything car mechanical work before but am definitely eager to learn and do it.

thanks in advance

Thanks
--
Farhan