2007 Tahoe 5.3L Engine Part 1 - EricTheCarGuy

[@ericthecarguy]

@grock1980 Perhaps understand it's not oil that is leaking but the compression in the cylinder, the leak down measurers the compression loss. You might want to watch the Octane ratings video for the 4 stroke engine cycle as that might help with understanding how compression works.

[@ericthecarguy]

@AeroDurbanite I'm not swapping the ECU, going to stick with the one in the truck to avoid just such an issue. Good point and thanks for the comment.

[@ericthecarguy]

@BIGRAE93 I'm going to be honest and say that this is the first 5.3 that I have ever worked on. Finding a noise can be tricky but in a situation like yours you might try and get your hands on a chassis ear. I did a video on Finding A Noise that might help you. Good luck and thanks for the comment.

[@ericthecarguy]

@killman1971 I agree, thanks for the comment and the story of 540K! My dad had a 77 Suburban with a 350, the speedo broke at 150K years before it was retired and that engine hardly ever had a problem, leaky water pump was about it.

[@ericthecarguy]

@TheTexasCoder Thank you. It always feels good to have a clean shop.

[@ericthecarguy]

@moparmurderer I think a lot of it was the heavy usage (this was used for towing) AND a lack of maintenance. Thanks for the comment.

[@RamblinAround]

Doesn't it feel great to look around and see a clean and organized shop. When you're done it always seems worth the effort. That engine is clean enough to eat off of.

[@ericthecarguy]

@vipermech I was planning on using the new cats for sure. Thanks for the tips on the transfer case, I'll have a look when I take it out. Your comments and advice are very much appreciated.

[@ericthecarguy]

@TheTexasCoder It does seem like lack of maintenance and perhaps heavy use may be the cause of the failure. I didn't notice anything abnormal with the coolant. As for the condenser it really didn't look that bad and to be honest I'm more focused on swapping the engine and trans than the condenser at the moment. I too like the engine. Thanks for the comment.

[@ericthecarguy]

@EricWaterTruck I agree, I'm happy to, hoping for no comebacks and an engine/trans like this is a very good start.

[@ericthecarguy]

@grasscutter88 He also tows a boat, I don't know how big but I'm sure that contributed too. Thanks for the comment.

[@ericthecarguy]

@IIGrayfoxII Good salvage yard for one. There are a variety of reasons it may only have 10 miles, I've seen cars get wrecked as they drove off of the lot, I've also seen cars that were damaged on delivery. Perhaps it will help not to think of cars as expensive things that you buy but rather as 'products' that can be damaged and discarded.

[@ericthecarguy]

@jackeline152001 I wouldn't say that you don't necessarily need a repair but rather do your best to keep up on the oil changes. I'm really not sure what the mechanic was referring to but I would say keep up on your oil changes and perhaps change your PCV valve as that is what helps vent the crank case of unwanted gasses that may contain humidity and moisture.

[@ericthecarguy]

@Vanuatoo It has a core charge on it so it's going back to the yard. I have already asked them if I could take the piston out to inspect it so I'll be able to make that video before I send it back.

[@ericthecarguy]

@chevyshaun454 Sweet, thanks for weighing in on this as I've had a lot of questions about what caused it to fail, my guess is rough use and lack of maintenance. This is the best GM I've worked on in some time, I still have nightmares about those Northstar head gaskets.

[@ericthecarguy]

@Explainagainhow Unfortunately that is not just the UK that has that problem, the states are full of opportunists but for the most part I think mechanics are honest but they may lack knowledge in certain areas that gets them into trouble from time to time. Thanks for the comment.

[@ericthecarguy]

@Falewick I'm sorry but did you watch the entire video? I often keep the fasteners with the parts that they go with after removal. Organization is key to a repair like this.

[@ericthecarguy]

@spelunkerd Hence the reason I make these videos, not all books are written well and I don't know about you but I understand the things I see a lot better than the stuff I read in books sometimes.

[@ericthecarguy]

@MrSidnasty Hard to say, it's not good to run a tank empty with an electric pump as the sediment in the tank gets concentrated at the pump inlet and the lack of fuel makes it so the pump overheats. I would start by checking the fuel pressure just to be sure fuel pressure is the issue before replacing any parts.

[@ericthecarguy]

@LarryDavidFreak It is quite nice inside, after I get the engine in I'll be taking it out for a drive to see how she does.

[@ericthecarguy]

@christo930 No, just didn't maintain it very well. Thanks for the comment.

[@PacificDark]

I looked it up: LY5 Introduced in 2007, the LY5 Vortec 5300 is the replacement for the LM7 Generation III engine. For SUV applications, it is rated at 320 hp (239 kW) and 340 lb·ft (461 N·m) of torque; for pickup truck applications, it is rated at 315-320 hp (235-239 kW) at 5200 rpm and 335-340 lb·ft (454-461 N·m) at 4000 rpm Nice hot rod engine with a gang of torque. Love your handle, btw.

[@ericthecarguy]

@Camaro17k Not at all, this was lack of maintenance at it's best.

[@ericthecarguy]

@regionrat39 I hate to type this out cause I don't want to be held liable. But lets say hypothetically that an automatic transmission is dependent on the fluid within it, without fluid it won't last long.

[@ericthecarguy]

@infinity3jif Glad your having fun, me I'm freezing my butt off working sometimes well into the night. It's all for you and the rest of the fans though cause I wouldn't have it any other way.

[@ericthecarguy]

@MrJsowa This is my first experience with one of these but I like the truck. I think these problems may be the result of rough use and lack of maintenance personally but I'll find out when I crack it open. Thanks for the comment.

[@toonrunedudehobby]

Awesome video Eric. You don't see a whole lot of videos on professional engine swaps with modern day cars (most are with hot rods, etc), so this is awesome. I would LOVE to see you disassemble the bad engine, would be sweet. Thanks so much Eric, keep it up!

[@ericthecarguy]

@RandallFlaggNY Mine too, thanks for the comment.

[@ericthecarguy]

@toonrunedudehobby I've set that up but it may be a few weeks after the last video as I have a lot of work lined up for the next few weeks. Thanks for the comment.

[@ericthecarguy]

@RamblinAround Yea, maybe after I get it in the truck I'll take it for a test drive and make some engine hot dogs. Thanks for the comment.

[@ericthecarguy]

@kyle51895 You need to swap more stuff to increase the engine size but I see where your coming from. Actually though this guy could benefit from a better maintenance schedule.

[@ericthecarguy]

@MidCity29Loonatik Lack of maintenance and rough use will kill just about anything quick, conversely if you take care of something it might just last forever.

[@ericthecarguy]

@dinks102 I'll check with them to see how they feel about it. Personally I'd rather wait till after it's in and running before I pass judgement.

[@ericthecarguy]

@Smartymcnotsosmart Not me, I'm broke, had to sell my projects a couple years back, I miss them but I know I'll get back to it at some point, perhaps I'll pick up a nice sponsor to help out.

[@ericthecarguy]

@EpiDemic117 He tows a boat with it and I think it wasn't maintained well, those 2 things will kill just about any engine.

[@ericthecarguy]

@qaz3000 Just cheep parts I think. You may have to pry the cap off after you turn it. Based on the Hyundai's I've seen lately they use some pretty cheep coolant that tends to corrode things inside the cooling system, in your case the rad caps may be suffering. Keep me posted on what you find.

[@ericthecarguy]

@quakerebel Yea that's the 'peek hole'. Thanks for the comment.

[@ericthecarguy]

@valy4m Hello Romania! Thanks very much for your comment.

[@edenfieldjared0]

Thanks for all your videos Eric we appreciate you. I cant afford to pay someone to work on a vehicle and own one so it helps to watch your videos

[@ericthecarguy]

@valhala56 I hope to, it would be a good companion to the leak down video which I consider the first part of this series. It may be a few weeks though cause I have some other projects to finish before I can get back to this one.

[@ericthecarguy]

@jackeline152001 I don't think cleaning would be sufficient but if you have extended oil change intervals it may contribute to the problem. If your worried about a head gasket problem watch the Diagnosing an Overheat video I did for the test.

[@ericthecarguy]

@noriceformeplz I've seen cars drive off the lot for the first time and get killed so who knows, I've also seen them delivered damaged. No matter, the owner of this truck will surly benefit.

[@AndrewsGarage]

I have a 2003 Chevy Tahoe with 143k miles, I also tow with it, and she runs beautiful. From what i believe the engines are almost identical, mine also being a 5.3L Vortec. I do all the maintenance myself. Biggest issue i ever had with it was a computer malfunction requiring a new computer.

[@alisaleh4758]

Andrew Ness any knock?

[@TheTexasCoder]

Oh, and not to forget, kudos on the clean shop! I just cleaned my garage, and it was like a breath of fresh air! Looks good man!

[@ericthecarguy]

@chevylover432 I've seen people crash new cars as they leave the lot. I've also seen cars delivered damaged, sometimes badly, some end up in the boneyard if the damage is bad enough to total out.

[@ericthecarguy]

@fenixflat1 Debo enviar el video la próxima semana si todo va bien. Buena suerte con su motor

[@vipermech]

A bit of advise, Use the 10 mile converters. Those trucks have an issue with plugged converters. Also check the transfer case for a leak on the passenger side close to the top and rear of the case. They have a washer inside that rubs through the case and leaks. No need for a gasket at the transfer case when reinstalling, just a bit of silicone will be fine.

[@ericthecarguy]

@flipmodeOptimus New parts excite me.

[@ericthecarguy]

@Diesel1Dee I'll do my best but as you said I have time constraints most times to deal with so for this one it will just be an overview. The Civic however I plan to make a full length out of which should be interesting. Thanks for the comment.

[@ericthecarguy]

@mh89780 Thank you, I really appreciate the comment.

[@traxxasmaxx33]

great vids eric! chevy's do this kind of stuff all the time. Chevy:Cheap-Heap-Eats-Valves-Yearly! can't wait for part 2!

[@SlaughterOtter]

Thinking about dropping a 5.3l LSx with a T56 into a '72 Chevy Nova. Great vids, keep up the good work.

[@noriceformeplz]

Love that new engine, only 10 miles i wonder what happened with that deal to only have 10 miles. Good work always nice to see your videos

[@spelunkerd]

I appreciate that advice regarding the leak down test. If you study books, you get the wrong idea about how things are done in the practical world.

[@MrMrbean86]

i love watching your videos eric so educational and entertaining. cant wait to see this project im glad is going well so far

[@ericthecarguy]

@JDMshawty I got it from a local salvage yard.

[@Diesel1Dee]

Ahhhh another engine swap...nice. i like these engine swaps. alittle more step by step would be nice but im sure most people understand that this is a customer's car so. time is money. as always great video and hope to see more soon. cheers.

[@deeman52586]

Gotta love LS based engines!! 2004 gmc pickup with 4.8 for me, and its great to work on!! Cant wait for the rest of the vids.

[@quakerebel]

Hi Eric! Like the practical use of duct-tape and cardboard over door window. Great videos! Keep gettin dirty.

[@ericthecarguy]

@heliraisers9 I might start by looking for vacuum leaks.

[@ericthecarguy]

@kenman1717 It was not that easy but much easier since I took the front end off first but I know the exact bolt you are talking about I think.

[@rowebil00]

2:22 -- it looks like it weighs a good amount too lol. I don't know if I could figure out what to connect on that engine. I'm glad you know all of that!

[@ericthecarguy]

@wigsplittin26 Yea, I'm keeping the engine around for a bit after I swap it so I can get a look inside.

[@matthewjeschke]

I am dreaming... Do you have to remove the core suppprt? I am doing a 6.0 swap in my 2001 tahoe.

[@ericthecarguy]

@ncrdisabled You can find such things at carpart dot cum, that's where I found this one but they have a listing for all available engines not just one particular yard.

[@ericthecarguy]

@integraz32lover Computer. Couldn't find a used one cheep so he scrapped it.

[@MegaThunder70]

I work at a car wash in north Alabama and yesterday we had a 2001 Chevy Silverado come through and the guy and I got to talking and he said it had 346,000 miles on it he was the only owner and all he had ever done to it besides routine maintenance was to put one alternator on it

[@sethh8892]

I have an 01 with 256k miles and all I've done is an alt too, but that's because I upgraded to a 370A Mechman Alt

[@Smartymcnotsosmart]

rite on, LOVE chevy trucks! put together right! what kind of projects do you have going on? All mechanics have a couple ongoing junkers, right? At any given moment, I have 2 or 3. And My 93 k1500 shortbed is ALWAYS seeing shop time. Show us a project or two, love to see them.

[@ericthecarguy]

@TheTim123456789 I'll keep that in mind. I've already shot part 2, I think you will find it interesting what I ran into. Look for that one Monday. Thanks for the comment.

[@ericthecarguy]

@integraz32lover I've seen them get crashed leaving the car lot, who knows.

[@ericthecarguy]

@melvin77055 Considering it included the trans, less than the Dodge engine I did in the last series.

[@ilxch]

@EricTheCarGuy I'm from Romania too,I kwnow you don't care about that but we apreciate you alot.

[@ZRider3591]

@service1956 Dexos is now required by GM on ALL 2011 and newer vehicles. It really helps with what GM calls the High Feature V6 engines which have timing chain issues. AFM as far as i know doesn't cause loss of compression issues which is what this truck has. The oil shield update i believe is actually a valve cover update on the driver side. AFM lifters were the next parts replaced. And my dealer never tore down an engine to replace pistons and rings we just replaced the engine.

[@GhettoWagon]

@BIGRAE93 The belt tensioners go bad on them and they rattle pretty bad.. A 5.3 I have is doing it now. The main drive belt rattles around like crazy

[@killman1971]

My father is an expediter and drives Chevy Express vans. These vans usually last a long time with low engine repair. He had the front most cam lob get wipeout out @ 515k miles, several water pumps and radiators, and a few problems with sensors before it was totalled out @ 540k miles. The only problem that is a major problem GM has with these engines is the mickey mouse small little exhaust manifold bolts which randomly break. The engine in the video was not taken care of.

[@Flysohighx21]

I love watching your videos..they are so educational yet entertaining..Please keep up the great work!

[@Falewick]

Hey Eric, random question .. where do you put the little parts you remove during the repairs? Nuts, bolts, etc.. ? Every time I repair anything, not just cars, I'm worried about losing track and not knowing how to put it back toghether. Aaaaand, uh.. that's what usually happens. Any tricks? Love the video btw, and the new engine, the chevy owner is lucky to have you.

[@ericthecarguy]

@service1956 Interesting info, thanks very much for the input.

[@valhala56]

Did I understand you correctly that you are going to do a "engine Postmortem"on the old engine to see what malfunctioned?

[@SamPostema]

I really liked your video. Well done, good quality, not a hack job like many of the auto repair videos I see on KZbin.

[@ericthecarguy]

@30GB So far this is easier than the Dodge I did in the last series.

[@ericthecarguy]

@bossthadal It has a core on it so it's getting sent back.

[@mlima521]

Eric, where did you get the engine from? I am looking to get one as well and it seems to me that you found a good source for that motor. Please let me know... really enjoy your videos. thanks

[@ZRider3591]

My dealer has only replaced 3 engines i think for this concern. Also it's pretty much impossible to run one these engines out of oil for this. A message appears in the Driver Information Center saying low engine oil, add oil. There is a bulletin that runs you through a long list of checks. Also, Eric if you read this. Why did you fight with the fuel lines down by the ABS modulator and not just remove them from the fuel rail on the intake? Would of been alot easier.

[@rexburn1955]

this is a very common problem in the 07 to 09 Chevy's with the active fuel management. there's a few things that happen. the pressure relief valve inside the oil pan will spray oil onto the underside of the piston rings and they will start to stick allowing blow bye and oil consumption. this is usually on cylinders 1 and 7. GM sells a shield that goes over the oil pressure relief valve to correct this problem.

[@LoneWolfAngling]

the heads off the 5.3 you pulled out are worth 350-500 alone for the pair! the intake goes for 250-350 with the Throttle body still attached and both are considered an upgrade to the older 5.3 models!

[@ericthecarguy]

@PS3cobrastang88 Weather is warmer too, life is good.

[@RandallFlaggNY]

A new ETCG Video. My life has meaning again...

[@Bajaheat]

@EricTheCarGuy where did these motors come from? 10 miles that is awesome

[@grock1980]

Dude Eric you are very well maintained in your career. Im having trouble understanding the leak down test. Im just not listening well maybe. I cant see how you know where the oil is leaking from. Ill go back and see if I can get a better understanding. You explain yourself well. Im just missing it.

[@jackeline152001]

Hello Eric, this may be off topic from the video I am replying to, but I have a question. I have a 01 Chrysler PT Cruiser;I took it for an oil change about a month ago and the mechanic advised me that the oil seemed a bit "humid" and advised I was soon to have gasket problems. What do you suggest I do? I am unemployed, and I, as any other person does, rely on my vehicle. I am trying to find the most economic/helpful way of repairing this. I hope to hear from you soon.

[@Vanuatoo]

And what's about the old engine. Who will own it after swap? If it's a broken ring, is it possible to rebuild the engine and make it usable? What plans do you have about that?

[@MrJsowa]

dude look at that friggin engine.....eric the vortec 5.3 is like one of my favorite motors,got a 2000 sierra with a 5.3 160000 thousand miles and runs like a champ,and my mom has a hard time driving it cuz she still chirps the tires everytime she hits the gas.in my opinion one of the better engines available....if takin care of.Btw i got a good story about our 5.3 and a good fix most people prolly havent had 2 get into on these......

[@kenman1717]

awesome. i know when i took the engine out of the 07 avalance, rebuilt it and put it back in i left the ac in the vehicle. i unbolted the ac compressor from the side of the engine and lifted the engine out. the bottom bolt at the back is a pain on it, had to use a 15mm ratchet wrench and it probably took me an hour, and the thing was up in the air.

[@billcoley8520]

Dude I wish you were still around. Does a 2007 5.3L have a pvc valve that is replaceable

[@regionrat39]

@EricTheCarGuy With out going into too much detail, thanks Eric and it is totally understandable.

[@blaster1812]

Wow cleanest yard engine I've seen lol. But once again fantastic video Eric.

[@Bear1097]

Hey Eric, when you show the oil cap at 3:40, my dip stick looks like that but I'm not sure about the cap, but the oil looks fine, do you think I could have a problem? Or could it be water got past the seal on the dip stick because my engine compartment has got very wet!

[@TravelandFoodieWarriors]

Hey Eric, I'm doing an engine swap on my 02 Silverado, I noticed one of my a/c lines going to the condenser is a hard line, how did you rotate it up out of the way with damaging the lines. I'm about to the point you are at, at 5:08 in the video but with the condenser still in place. I'm trying to keep from getting into the a/c system as well. Were you just able to bend it out of the way? Thanks for the great videos!

[@VolatileMass]

I am really looking forward to watching this engine swap!