Dreaded 6.2 Lifter Issue

[JrOnE]

Hello,

1st post here. I have a 2017 GMC Yukon Denali XL. Right during covid, lucky me, we had the lifter issue on the vehicle. GMC covered the cost and replaced all the lifters. It took about 2 months, but they got it done. We have taken multiple cross country trips with no issue and the vehicle ran pretty good. About 2 weeks ago the vehicle started running rough while my wife was driving home. She made it home and I scanned the vehicle with my OBD2 scanner. The 0304 code popped up with Cylinder 4 misfire. I thought maybe we have a coil or sparkplug issue so I quickly changed out both parts. Scanned again and still have the same issue, nothing fixed. Realizing the issue is above my level of skill to diagnose and fix, I brought the truck to the shop. They diagnosed cylinder 4 as having 0 compression.

My question is if the lifter is shot and caused major damage, #1.What would be the cost to replace the engine? #2. If replacement is required should I buy a 6.2L engine that has the DOD/AFM deleted?

The lady at the shop threw out $15k to replace the engine. I see one I can buy for $7k with the DOD/AFM Deleted. Would there legitimately be $8k in labor?

Thanks

 

[swathdiver]

Shop time is about 15-16 hours on the previous generation. How much do they charge an hour or is the swap a flat rate job?

Where are you located?

 

[Miami-Dade]

@JrOnE Moved you here from Intro Section.
Welcome from Miami&Queens NY!

 

[JrOnE]

Shop time is about 15-16 hours on the previous generation. How much do they charge an hour or is the swap a flat rate job?

Where are you located?

I'm the Kansas City, Mo. I'm not sure how she quoted me. She seemed to just throw out $15k without much explanation. I'll know a little more later today. They were digging into the engine today.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Welcome to the Forum from NH.

Lots of knowledgeable folks here who freely share their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives. Knowledge is power.

I hope that you will become a participating member in the Forum's discussions.

Pics of the truck, please.

You are already receiving clarifying questions from the knowledgeable folks on this Forum.

 

[swathdiver]

I'm the Kansas City, Mo. I'm not sure how she quoted me. She seemed to just throw out $15k without much explanation. I'll know a little more later today. They were digging into the engine today.

In the interest of THEIR time and money, independent shops want to replace an engine rather than repair an engine. Their mechanics, generally speaking, are not as skilled and doing it this way mitigates their risks and if something goes wrong with the replacement engine, it's not their fault.

$15K is a nice round number for a $10K engine, fluids, labor, etc.

This sounds like an AFM failure. Was the VLOM changed out the first time? It's SOP to replace it every time. It's the solenoids getting out of time that causes the lifters to fail. If yours were mine, I'd delete AFM and enjoy the truck and the massive savings in cash. You might spend $5K total to do an AFM delete. I would seek out a specialty shop for that.

I know of people hundreds of miles away from you in several directions, but nobody close.

@gooffeyguy Know anyone out that way Tom?

 

[JrOnE]

In the interest of THEIR time and money, independent shops want to replace an engine rather than repair an engine. Their mechanics, generally speaking, are not as skilled and doing it this way mitigates their risks and if something goes wrong with the replacement engine, it's not their fault.

$15K is a nice round number for a $10K engine, fluids, labor, etc.

This sounds like an AFM failure. Was the VLOM changed out the first time? It's SOP to replace it every time. It's the solenoids getting out of time that causes the lifters to fail. If yours were mine, I'd delete AFM and enjoy the truck and the massive savings in cash. You might spend $5K total to do an AFM delete. I would seek out a specialty shop for that.

I know of people hundreds of miles away from you in several directions, but nobody close.

@gooffeyguy Know anyone out that way Tom?

Thanks for the info. I'm finding out this shop really doesn't want to repair the lifters. They want me to get a new engine. Today I asked them a few questions they couldn't answer. Simple questions like what is telling you the lifters can't be replaced, how many hours in labor are they charging for an engine swap, where are you getting the replacement engine, does it have the DOD Delete with upgraded parts? The front desk lady keeps giving me the run around and not answering my questions. If it needs an engine swapped, I found one at Fraser that has what I would want. The dealer who previously did the lifters said if they replace the engine it would have a 3 year/100k warranty. Not bad. That dealer also said they could replace all the lifters no problem and offered a decent warranty. Right now the dealer is looking a lot better warranty wise.

I'm going to stop in tomorrow and chat with the manager and see what the hold up is. If they can't do what I need. I'll tow it home and find another shop or take it to the dealer. The truck was almost $90k new. The body is in great shape. I'd like to hold onto it.

 

[swathdiver]

Thanks for the info. I'm finding out this shop really doesn't want to repair the lifters. They want me to get a new engine. Today I asked them a few questions they couldn't answer. Simple questions like what is telling you the lifters can't be replaced, how many hours in labor are they charging for an engine swap, where are you getting the replacement engine, does it have the DOD Delete with upgraded parts? The front desk lady keeps giving me the run around and not answering my questions. If it needs an engine swapped, I found one at Fraser that has what I would want. The dealer who previously did the lifters said if they replace the engine it would have a 3 year/100k warranty. Not bad. That dealer also said they could replace all the lifters no problem and offered a decent warranty. Right now the dealer is looking a lot better warranty wise.

I'm going to stop in tomorrow and chat with the manager and see what the hold up is. If they can't do what I need. I'll tow it home and find another shop or take it to the dealer. The truck was almost $90k new. The body is in great shape. I'd like to hold onto it.

Don't forget, the dealer has professionally trained mechanics and they are more familiar with your vehicle than the average independent shop. Sounds like a good plan.

I guess Tom is on hiatus, he hasn't been on here in a while.

 

[L8T BURB]

Hello,

1st post here. I have a 2017 GMC Yukon Denali XL. Right during covid, lucky me, we had the lifter issue on the vehicle. GMC covered the cost and replaced all the lifters. It took about 2 months, but they got it done. We have taken multiple cross country trips with no issue and the vehicle ran pretty good. About 2 weeks ago the vehicle started running rough while my wife was driving home. She made it home and I scanned the vehicle with my OBD2 scanner. The 0304 code popped up with Cylinder 4 misfire. I thought maybe we have a coil or sparkplug issue so I quickly changed out both parts. Scanned again and still have the same issue, nothing fixed. Realizing the issue is above my level of skill to diagnose and fix, I brought the truck to the shop. They diagnosed cylinder 4 as having 0 compression.

My question is if the lifter is shot and caused major damage, #1.What would be the cost to replace the engine? #2. If replacement is required should I buy a 6.2L engine that has the DOD/AFM deleted?

The lady at the shop threw out $15k to replace the engine. I see one I can buy for $7k with the DOD/AFM Deleted. Would there legitimately be $8k in labor?

Thanks

I see that you mentioned the timeline of the previous lifter repair as "during covid". Do you remember specifically which year? I know it's likely a shot in the dark, but I believe GM parts installed at the dealer come with a 2 year, unlimited mileage warranty. I assume you are likely past that threshold of 2 years, but I figured it would be at least worth mentioning because if you're within that 2 year mark and the failure can be traced back to lifter defect, any reputable GM service manager can easily get this covered under that warranty.

As others have suggested, I would recommend the AFM delete on your current engine. Sinking 10k or more into your vehicle, whether you believe it or not, will cause you resentment. Just ask me how I know lol!

 

[JrOnE]

I see that you mentioned the timeline of the previous lifter repair as "during covid". Do you remember specifically which year? I know it's likely a shot in the dark, but I believe GM parts installed at the dealer come with a 2 year, unlimited mileage warranty. I assume you are likely past that threshold of 2 years, but I figured it would be at least worth mentioning because if you're within that 2 year mark and the failure can be traced back to lifter defect, any reputable GM service manager can easily get this covered under that warranty.

As others have suggested, I would recommend the AFM delete on your current engine. Sinking 10k or more into your vehicle, whether you believe it or not, will cause you resentment. Just ask me how I know lol!

I took the truck to the dealer in January of 2020. I got it back March 2020 with repairs completed. Right at the height of COVID. Parts delays, labor delays, and flattening the curve caused it to take longer than normal.