What’s the years with the AFM problems?

[blackjack]

How did you arrive at this oil change interval? I've been thinking the same thing since the motor runs so much better after changing it at 5000 miles.

The 4000 mile oil change number is my opinion - as an ole mopar factory team person in engineering school and a drag racer when it was fun - and offshore boat racer.

The factory try's to get sales by touting "less maintenance" such as 7500 mile+ oil changes, 100,000 mile plugs.. etc..
But, then add the very complex AFM system and you hit an intersection of durability and performance. Just think of all the functions it is supposed to perform per second! a little dirt will clog that. that's why a clean little filter in the VLOM important too.
Well, the long life of spark plugs has improved and 100,000 is possible (we used to get 500 miles on plugs in our "60s" musclecars-misfire galore over 6000 rpm - remember solid lifter small and big blocks chevs, hemi's and hypo 273's wound 7000-7500 no problem at shift points)
but OIL=NO 7500's with AFM if you want them to live.
Some people here even say 3,000 miles - but 4,000 has proven safe for me.
Most important - Mobil1 5-30 or similar and for members in the "frozen north" think 0-30.
You are welcome to call me anytime...relax, I'm not selling any services lol
Blackjack
305-233-7721 (Marshall)

 

[swathdiver]

The 4000 mile oil change number is my opinion - as an ole mopar factory team person in engineering school and a drag racer when it was fun - and offshore boat racer.

The factory try's to get sales by touting "less maintenance" such as 7500 mile+ oil changes, 100,000 mile plugs.. etc..
But, then add the very complex AFM system and you hit an intersection of durability and performance. Just think of all the functions it is supposed to perform per second! a little dirt will clog that. that's why a clean little filter in the VLOM important too.
Well, the long life of spark plugs has improved and 100,000 is possible (we used to get 500 miles on plugs in our "60s" musclecars-misfire galore over 6000 rpm - remember solid lifter small and big blocks chevs, hemi's and hypo 273's wound 7000-7500 no problem at shift points)
but OIL=NO 7500's with AFM if you want them to live.
Some people here even say 3,000 miles - but 4,000 has proven safe for me.
Most important - Mobil1 5-30 or similar and for members in the "frozen north" think 0-30.
You are welcome to call me anytime...relax, I'm not selling any services lol
Blackjack
305-233-7721 (Marshall)

I agree, dirty oil is AFMs worst enemy. Thirty years ago we did 2000-3000 mile oil changes on our Buicks. Then kept it around 5k for our vans. For this truck we've been doing 5K but going to drop it to 4K. Still using M1 even though it's not the same as it once was.

 

[Kevchev]

Refreshing an old thread here, but looking for some clarification. Currently own a 1999 Tahoe. She's been sweet to me, but time to move on. I am looking at purchasing a 2014 Tahoe LTZ that has the 5.3 V8 with AFM at 120K miles. I saw in an earlier post on this this thread that there were changes made to AFM systems in 2011...are these 2014 motors less prone to issues? or?

Otherwise, I might look for another 90's era Suburban or Tahoe to drive!

Thanks for your help!

 

[Baddawg]

Hey y'all, apologies for the dumb questions.
What is the TSB fix and the PPV program?
Thanks!

I have a 2008 and after failure did a driveway rebuild with Comp Cam etc... truck great! See my other post copied below..
2012 should be a SAFE year for AFM. I have it in my 6.0 Caprice and 121,000 no issues. When I get time I'll do Cam swap etc, but no issues. I am going to get 2012 for Granddaughter, safest thing for a 16year old..needs a tank around them lol.. I'd give her 2008, but with the cam and tune...well..no. 2012's around for 10k range.
I have my 6.0 L77 and fresh 6L80 with ALL computers and elecs available from my Caprice, just got totaled by a weird 3/4 front end hit, no airbag deployed
Enjoy the 2012
and
CHANGE OIL BY EVERY 4000, 5-30 MOBIL 1 SYNTHETIC WITH AC DELCO FILTER.
YHAVE FUN
BLACKJACK C-27 RACING
Marshall

other post:
Hey Y'all,
When my 2008 finally gave up (Even after dealer AFM rebuild), I went with Comp Cam etc..and all LS6 stuff etc.. did heads, bypassed cats, custom tune; all easy in the driveway and truck is dynamite.
The dealer rebuild didn't last 30,000 miles, due to fact that dealer ignored the upgraded TSB fix and PPV Program. (That dealer is gone and not GM's fault lol)
In any event, truck is GREAT that way heading for 300k!
By the way, if anyone is having issues and wants an L77 with fresh beefy rebuilt 6L80 and all computer and elec from my front frame damages personal 2012 PPV 6.0 Caprice, get hold of me.. good swap!
Have fun, gotta go to work...
M