Faults:
Intake gaskets began leaking at 237000. I replaced intake gaskets and valve cover gaskets at the same time.
Transmission lost 2nd gear at 239000. I completely rebuilt it from top to bottom.
Fuel pump quit at 242500. I replaced with new factory unit.
Has developed minor surface rust, but this is typical for my area.
Interior is in surprisingly good condition with only minor wear on seat and rubber floor mat.
General Comments:
This particular Chevy is definitly not a dragster with it's 4.3L V6 engine, but it has just enough power to get the job done and it is very reliable at the same time. For those who know, the 4.3 is a tried and trusted GM power plant.
It is still on the original engine and all that has been needed to be replaced on the motor except for the preventative maintenance items was the intake gaskets and valve cover gaskets.
Note to all those who own Chevrolet's with Vortec engines. Keep your eye on the coolant level. GM Dexcool orange coolant attacks the material that the intake gaskets are made of and it will cause them to leak. It will cause either antifreeze to dump into the oil or it will make antifreeze drip down the back of the engine.
The transmission made it all the way to 239000 miles before it needed to be gone through which is almost unheard of today.
The fuel pump duked it out all the way to 242500 which is extremely rare. Usually Chevrolet fuel pumps go out around 90k or so.
The body has held up extremely well and it only has some minor surface rust and minor paint fade. Interior is also in very good shape with only minor wear in seat and floor, but everything else is excellent.
This particular truck was my father's before I got my hands on it and he bought it new so I know this has been a very good vehicle. I have only had to do preventative maintenance on it up until recently.
It was definitly not built for pulling a backhoe or four wheeling, but if you need a truck that is reliable and will get the light duty job done then this is the truck for you.
25th Jun 2005, 04:05
Vortec didn't come out till 1996.