6.2 Blew Up: Decision Time - Keep or Buy?

Alpinglow

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So, I have a 2019 Sierra AT4 with 67k miles which I have been very happy with. Last week it went into the shop with major engine failure and it looks like the lifters are blown. Known GMC problem, and luckily, I think it will be covered under an extended warranty I bought at the time of purchase.

The warranty company is suggesting that they just drop a new 6.2 in the truck as opposed to doing the lifter work.

My question is, if all of this happens as planned, do I have the dealership re-value the truck with the new engine, trade it in and buy a new AT4 or AT4x?

If yes, thoughts on switching to the Duramax 3.0L? I'm obviously not a fan of the 6.2 with these lifter issues, not the mention the ocean of gasoline I've dumped in that thing over the years. That being said, Diesel comes with its own complications and is more expensive at the pump.

Just curious to get some opinions from others on this.
 

More expensive on the gallon but I imagine with the increased fuel economy it will be cheaper in the end. Can't speak on reliability of the babymax but I'm sure plenty here can.

I had the lifters replaced at 12k then the whole engine last week at 52k. I do love the truck but keeping it mainly because with what new ones cost and current rates (1.9% for 36mths is still a hefty sum on a $70k truck) now isn't the time for me. Hoping to still have some fun with it and get another few years.

How long does your extended warranty run for?
 

More expensive on the gallon but I imagine with the increased fuel economy it will be cheaper in the end. Can't speak on reliability of the babymax but I'm sure plenty here can.

I had the lifters replaced at 12k then the whole engine last week at 52k. I do love the truck but keeping it mainly because with what new ones cost and current rates (1.9% for 36mths is still a hefty sum on a $70k truck) now isn't the time for me. Hoping to still have some fun with it and get another few years.

How long does your extended warranty run for?
Runs out in October, so lucky as hell it happened when it did. That being said, I have zero faith in these 6.2s at this point. Seems like the trend now is to replace the entire engine when the lifters go bad...do you know if they've made any changes to address this issue on the new engines?
 

Runs out in October, so lucky as hell it happened when it did. That being said, I have zero faith in these 6.2s at this point. Seems like the trend now is to replace the entire engine when the lifters go bad...do you know if they've made any changes to address this issue on the new engines?
No changes that I'm aware of. A few years ago when a bank of lifters went in mine they just replaced them. There was a 2 day delay in getting it back and when I finally did they said that when test driving it after reassembly one of the brand new lifters was bad. So they were using the same ones to replace the failures. It's not the lifter itself it's how the system is designed. And since new '24s are already having engine replacements it doesn't seem a real solution has been addressed.
My engine was replaced under factory warranty and was told it wasn't even a new one, just a remanufactered unit. Said that what GM sends them?
Hopefully someone can chime in on the 3.0. I've heard of some issues there too but I really don't know.
 

I have had the 2022 LM2 3.0l with only minor emissions issues. I can't speak for the newer LZ0 motor, but the LM2 is sensitive to air leaks that cause emissions codes. Mine were a loose intake clamp and a N0x sensor not being seated correctly. The dealer dealt with both quickly. Other than that, the engine has been awesome!
 

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I love the V8 as well, but the GM 6.2 has become far too unreliable over the years. And yes, I too have had the lifter issues, fuel injectors, and other misc issues. With the 3.0l LZ0 being an excellent all around engine, it's a pretty easy choice if you can make the numbers work for you on a new truck. I love mine.
 

I don't have any "long term" reviews of the babymax, but my wife had one in her 2022 Tahoe, and over the life of 25,000 miles, it averaged 26.5 MPG. That Tahoe got totaled and she requested I find her another Tahoe specifically with the 3.0. Her new 2024 has been great for the 7,000 miles on it so far.

This spring when my Silverado "work truck" (with the 6.2) was nearing 50k miles, so I start looking for a new truck. With all I've seen on here recently of the issues with the 6.2s, I decided to sell it and got me an AT4 with the babymax. I've only got like 1,500 miles on the truck so far, but I'm going to start racking up the miles here in the next week for the season.

I loved the sound and power of the 6.2 and I never had a single issue, I just couldn't fully trust it anymore.

Also, diesel is typically the same if not cheaper than the recommended premium, at least around me in WI.
 

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So, I have a 2019 Sierra AT4 with 67k miles which I have been very happy with. Last week it went into the shop with major engine failure and it looks like the lifters are blown. Known GMC problem, and luckily, I think it will be covered under an extended warranty I bought at the time of purchase.

The warranty company is suggesting that they just drop a new 6.2 in the truck as opposed to doing the lifter work.

My question is, if all of this happens as planned, do I have the dealership re-value the truck with the new engine, trade it in and buy a new AT4 or AT4x?

If yes, thoughts on switching to the Duramax 3.0L? I'm obviously not a fan of the 6.2 with these lifter issues, not the mention the ocean of gasoline I've dumped in that thing over the years. That being said, Diesel comes with its own complications and is more expensive at the pump.

Just curious to get some opinions from others on this.
Not sure where you live, but in Texas Diesel is 50-75 cent cheaper than the premium required to run a 6.2. I would upgrade to the AT4X 3.0 personally but you gotta do whats best for you. I knew the 3.0 would have some minor issues, but couldn't risk having issues with the 6.2 after dealing with two F-150 lemons in a row.
 

Great feedback everyone, thanks! Much of this decision will depend on the valuation of the truck with the new engine in it, but I'm defiantly leaning towards a trade in and picking up the AT4x with the babymax. Will keep you posted.
 

Great feedback everyone, thanks! Much of this decision will depend on the valuation of the truck with the new engine in it, but I'm defiantly leaning towards a trade in and picking up the AT4x with the babymax. Will keep you posted.
Let us know how the valuation goes. Interested to know what impact the motor swap has on it whether up or down.
 

So, I have a 2019 Sierra AT4 with 67k miles which I have been very happy with. Last week it went into the shop with major engine failure and it looks like the lifters are blown. Known GMC problem, and luckily, I think it will be covered under an extended warranty I bought at the time of purchase.

The warranty company is suggesting that they just drop a new 6.2 in the truck as opposed to doing the lifter work.

My question is, if all of this happens as planned, do I have the dealership re-value the truck with the new engine, trade it in and buy a new AT4 or AT4x?

If yes, thoughts on switching to the Duramax 3.0L? I'm obviously not a fan of the 6.2 with these lifter issues, not the mention the ocean of gasoline I've dumped in that thing over the years. That being said, Diesel comes with its own complications and is more expensive at the pump.

Just curious to get some opinions from others on this.
Where I live, diesel is roughly 15% more than regular gas. But my increase in gas mileage with the baby duramax over my old Sierra with 5.3 is roughly 40-50% better so diesel ends up being way cheaper for me. It’s not even close when comparing 3.0 turbo diesel to 6.2 running premium. But many will say that one isn’t buying one of these trucks looking for great gas mileage and if you can afford the cost of the truck, the extra cost of fuel is a non-issue. I’m one who is concerned about mileage
 

Where I live, diesel is roughly 15% more than regular gas. But my increase in gas mileage with the baby duramax over my old Sierra with 5.3 is roughly 40-50% better so diesel ends up being way cheaper for me. It’s not even close when comparing 3.0 turbo diesel to 6.2 running premium. But many will say that one isn’t buying one of these trucks looking for great gas mileage and if you can afford the cost of the truck, the extra cost of fuel is a non-issue. I’m one who is concerned about mileage
I think this is kind of where I am. I'm really not that interested in the performance aspects of the 6.2 if they cost me more in gas. This is a functional vehicle for me and I like the factory lift when chasing snow storms in New England.
 

I guess I'm a lucky one. Here is southern California diesel is the same or less than premium. Right now I can get diesel for $0.50 - $1.00 less per gallon. I do have to pay the exorbitant taxes and higher CA rates though... so not too lucky.
 

Traded: 2022 6.2 AT4X, 20k miles.....issues in this order:
Left me stranded X2 with OTA updates, intermittent sunroof close(would open but not close periodically), rear seat rattle(HVAC cabin flapper behind driver rear seat), oil pan leak replacement(X3 - expedited oil pans from neighboring city for repair), rear brake line corroded and leaking brake fluid(live in Texas). When they pulled the oil pan it changed my alignment...steering wheel dipped to the left from factory...flipped to the other side post repair(no alignment necessary according to dealer - entire front axle has to be unbolted/displaced for oil pan install). Lastly, cold start up valve train noise: was told that I should run it to failure as warranty has you covered, Duratrac tires: rotated every 5K and then every 2.5k(felt like I was driving a tractor to work and was another deciding factor to trade - $1400 replacement with Falken tires if I pursued).

Truck did ping with all octane less than 91 octane: no fuel cost advantage to drive a gasser and the avg mileage for me was around 15 mpg. The valve train noise was the last straw for me...It's a ticking time b........ I was in love with the interior for sure...also really enjoyed the precision engineered console shifter and the shocks were impressive.

Purchased a 24 GMC 2500 HD AT4 oil burner/Sterling Silver.....I am very, very happy with the purchase and they gave me very good $ for the trade. Local dealer is discounting all 2500 HD's approx $10K right now. Truck has a similar body footprint and with the elephant ears retracted, it fits in my garage with the necessary room to spare. Duramax: It will "pull the arms off an elephant"!

Have owned n=4 diesels(2 GM's & 2 F's) in the past and now will stay with that engine design/offering as a go forward. Very familiar with diesel care and MX and enjoy servicing the big fella. Everyone wants to scare you with the cost of ownership on a diesel....the extra cost is there a little(I expect a 20% improvement in mpg with diesel) but wont break the bank and it is easy for me specifically to manage.

Again, this was my experience with my 2022 GMC AT4X. The 6.2 is a "fire breathing dragon" but the AFM and valve train design/failure was it for me. Let me also say I used nothing but Amsoil signature series oil/oil filter and changed the oil post 2k break in and 5k post only pulling utility trailers moving kids in and out of college living accommodations.
 

Traded: 2022 6.2 AT4X, 20k miles.....issues in this order:
Left me stranded X2 with OTA updates, intermittent sunroof close(would open but not close periodically), rear seat rattle(HVAC cabin flapper behind driver rear seat), oil pan leak replacement(X3 - expedited oil pans from neighboring city for repair), rear brake line corroded and leaking brake fluid(live in Texas). When they pulled the oil pan it changed my alignment...steering wheel dipped to the left from factory...flipped to the other side post repair(no alignment necessary according to dealer - entire front axle has to be unbolted/displaced for oil pan install). Lastly, cold start up valve train noise: was told that I should run it to failure as warranty has you covered, Duratrac tires: rotated every 5K and then every 2.5k(felt like I was driving a tractor to work and was another deciding factor to trade - $1400 replacement with Falken tires if I pursued).

Truck did ping with all octane less than 91 octane: no fuel cost advantage to drive a gasser and the avg mileage for me was around 15 mpg. The valve train noise was the last straw for me...It's a ticking time b........ I was in love with the interior for sure...also really enjoyed the precision engineered console shifter and the shocks were impressive.

Purchased a 24 GMC 2500 HD AT4 oil burner/Sterling Silver.....I am very, very happy with the purchase and they gave me very good $ for the trade. Local dealer is discounting all 2500 HD's approx $10K right now. Truck has a similar body footprint and with the elephant ears retracted, it fits in my garage with the necessary room to spare. Duramax: It will "pull the arms off an elephant"!

Have owned n=4 diesels(2 GM's & 2 F's) in the past and now will stay with that engine design/offering as a go forward. Very familiar with diesel care and MX and enjoy servicing the big fella. Everyone wants to scare you with the cost of ownership on a diesel....the extra cost is there a little(I expect a 20% improvement in mpg with diesel) but wont break the bank and it is easy for me specifically to manage.

Again, this was my experience with my 2022 GMC AT4X. The 6.2 is a "fire breathing dragon" but the AFM and valve train design/failure was it for me. Let me also say I used nothing but Amsoil signature series oil/oil filter and changed the oil post 2k break in and 5k post only pulling utility trailers moving kids in and out of college living accommodations.
Thanks for the detailed response. You aren't the first to have issues with the AT4x. Been hearing this a lot. I'm still waiting for an "approval" from the 3rd party warranty company that GM used when they sold me the extended warranty. Three weeks so far of me providing repair and oil change records, inspectors coming out, etc. Getting annoyed.

Looks like they are leaning towards dropping in a new 6.2 and replacing the cam shaft, which is damaged. No firm timeline on getting those parts but all i've heard is "it could be potentially months".

I guess that tells you how many of these 6.2s are blowing up. If I do trade in I cant buy another one in good faith. Would have to go with the babymax.
 

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