Well this week the Durango finally took a crap on me and started leaking oil heavily. Mechanic said likely coming for the cylinders. She worked out well for me for 3 years so I can’t complain.
Today I agreed (handshake deal) to buy a 2007 yukon XL. Has 150xxx miles but the motor was replaced at 90k. Beautiful truck. All the bells and whistles for its day. Very little rust. I’ve been suspect of the 5.3 for a while but I see plenty of them on the road so im hoping it works out well for me.
I sold a buddy my 2004 5.3 Silverado a couple years ago and still going strong at 250,000. Original motor and transmission.
The 07 5.3s where the first year of the active fuel management deactivation on demand lifters. They are known for issues, most likely the reason for replacement at 90,000.
The thing that ruins these engines the fastest is dirty oil. Keeping a strict maintenance schedule is imperative and will help longevity.
The 07 5.3s where the first year of the active fuel management deactivation on demand lifters. They are known for issues, most likely the reason for replacement at 90,000.
The thing that ruins these engines the fastest is dirty oil. Keeping a strict maintenance schedule is imperative and will help longevity.
Correct the first engine was replaced due to oil consumption. A little disheartening to hear the 07s in particular were bad. Guy said the new engine needs about a qt ever 8 weeks which doesnt seem bad to me. I only put about 5000 miles a year on my tow vehicle so if I can get 3-4 years out of it I’ll be ok with the investment. I’ll be sure to keep a close eye on the oil. Thanks for the tip. I typically change oil at 5000 miles would it be better to change oil sooner with this vehicle? Maybe every 3000 miles or so?
YES!!! The 5.3 with active fuel management needs to be changed often. If I owned one I definitely would not run 5000 miles even if it’s synthetic oil. With the little use you mentioned annually Id it were me I’d do 2500 to 3000max
Did they call for 5×30, if so switch to 10w30 and do a change at 3000 mi.
My 2001 8.1 liter was a quart every 2000 mile till I switched it to 10w30.
Did they call for 5×30, if so switch to 10w30 and do a change at 3000 mi.
My 2001 8.1 liter was a quart every 2000 mile till I switched it to 10w30.
The current owner uses full synthetic. Not sure what the manufacturer suggests for this engine. I’ve never used full synthetic in my vehicles but unless there is a good reason not to I’ll probably stick with it.
Everyone selling stuff nowadays have used the most expensive synthetic oils with the best gas and oil changes at 2000 miles religiously since the second they bought it. 
My 5.3 and 6.2 have benefited from high mileage oils with Lucas HD oil stabilizer in them.
I’ve also heard 10w-30 benefiting these engines, but only when they are real worn with lower oil pressure.
Good luck and congrats. Wish I would’ve went with the XL, but been happy with my Yukon.
5w30 or 10w30 every 2000-2500 hundred.If you only ave.5000 a year 2-3 changes a year.I never heard someone say damn the motor took crap because i changed the oil to much.
Tune out the AFM stat. There is literally no benefit and some trucks even get better fuel economy after having it turned off. While you are at it, go through a reputable custom tuner (Blackbear, Diablew) and they can make you vehicle more driveable with mild tuning of the engine and transmission.
You won’t regret it. I have an ‘11 Silverado 5.3L that Lew tuned for me via data logs. Bought it with 11,000 on it and am at 77,000 now. Much less doggy after it was tuned.
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