2009 Yukon Denali 6.2 L9H Engine Replacement

[Geotrash]

I’m still in the camp that this is valvetrain related because the frequency is wrong for a rod knock. And I would have pulled the heads for a look. But that ship has sailed.

It’s a big repair bill but that truck will last you many, many more years with a new engine and torque converter in it.

 

[KraftMatic87]

Non-AFM doesn’t eliminate the risk of lifter failure, just greatly reduces it. Back in 2010, I bought our 2007 Denali XL with 100K from my work. No AFM either. It had been maintained well as the guy at work responsible for taking care of it was very particular about vehicles. There was showroom ready and then there was Steve Doud ready. Come 150K, and I was in the same boat as you. Loud knock, wouldn’t run. Dealer said it was likely a lifter failure and found metal in the pan. Put in a GM reman with 100K warranty. Fast forward to 272K, and I get a nasty noise in the motor that sounded like a lifter had gone bad. I tore it down myself because I wasn’t going to put another motor in at 272K. Found that the roller on the #5 intake lifter had locked up and was scrubbing the cam. No metal in the pan or filter. Was able to swap out the cam, replace the lifters and all the associated parts and drive it for 25K more miles and traded it.

I’m not trying to add to your worries. My point is, any vehicle, no matter how well they are taken care of, can have stuff like this happen. Stop kicking yourself. You took the steps needed to try and avoid this, and life happened.

Damn I’m sorry to hear about your experience brother. Although if I get 250k+ miles out of my new engine I’ll be happy! I’m getting past the beating myself up stage and now I’m working to get this back on the road. I’ve already paid the deposit on the Jasper reman so it’s just a matter of when I get my truck back now. I know other things will break over time on the vehicle because it’s 2009 but I knew that going into it.

Calling today to make sure I get a new TC added and then I’m just going to wait for everything to be done. Now that I know it’s getting fixed I need to take a break from the stress and reading forums until my eyes bleed. Gotta get back to being a Dad and being present with my kids. It’s been a rough ride the past 8 weeks but things are finally moving in the right direction.

+ Update : Just talked to Thomas the SM this morning and he told me he will get me a quote for a new torque converter and let me know what my options are. Feeling better now!

 

[Geotrash]

Damn I’m sorry to hear about your experience brother. Although if I get 250k+ miles out of my new engine I’ll be happy! I’m getting past the beating myself up stage and now I’m working to get this back on the road. I’ve already paid the deposit on the Jasper reman so it’s just a matter of when I get my truck back now. I know other things will break over time on the vehicle because it’s 2009 but I knew that going into it.

Calling today to make sure I get a new TC added and then I’m just going to wait for everything to be done. Now that I know it’s getting fixed I need to take a break from the stress and reading forums until my eyes bleed. Gotta get back to being a Dad and being present with my kids. It’s been a rough ride the past 8 weeks but things are finally moving in the right direction.

Good job getting the family transportation situation sorted out, dad. It’s what we do!

 

[KraftMatic87]

Good job getting the family transportation situation sorted out, dad. It’s what we do!

So excited to take my first road trip with my wife, kids and parents in late August with this rig. My parents hate driving up in the mountains so being able to fit all of us in one car is a big deal for us to go on trips together. We’re just a few weeks away from finally living the dream!

 

[petethepug]

Nice navigation around the stormy seas of a L9H overhaul. Your story outlines exactly why I sold our pristine 08 YXL Denali for an 09 Esky with both @ 140k miles.

If I ever had to do a trans or motor replacement, I knew I’d want those new, high priced components in a 09 vs the 08 due to resale. Sure enough the 09 needed a new trans 3 years after purchasing it so it’s an absolute best case scenario.

In hindsight, you also have to realize that you got it for $10k. Would you rather of paid $16k for the same vehicle knowing there was no motor problems? You purchased a foundation to build any way you wanted and now you’ve got peace of mind and a warranty on a highly sought after, one year only truck. Throw that new torque converter in and drive away knowing that’s a $20k+ vehicle here in Cali. e85 is almost half the price of our 91 or $85 vs $160 for a 30 gal fill up.

I’m enjoying the miles with you in those heated seats brother.

 

[KraftMatic87]

Nice navigation around the stormy seas of a L9H overhaul. Your story outlines exactly why I sold our pristine 08 YXL Denali for an 09 Esky with both @ 140k miles.

If I ever had to do a trans or motor replacement, I knew I’d want those new, high priced components in a 09 vs the 08 due to resale. Sure enough the 09 needed a new trans 3 years after purchasing it so it’s an absolute best case scenario.

In hindsight, you also have to realize that you got it for $10k. Would you rather of paid $16k for the same vehicle knowing there was no motor problems? You purchased a foundation to build any way you wanted and now you’ve got peace of mind and a warranty on a highly sought after, one year only truck. Throw that new torque converter in and drive away knowing that’s a $20k+ vehicle here in Cali. e85 is almost half the price of our 91 or $85 vs $160 for a 30 gal fill up.

I’m enjoying the miles with you in those heated seats brother.

You’re right, and I’ve been coming to this realization over the last week or so. My wife and I are just excited to put this episode behind us and get the truck back. Financially this did set us back quite a bit but in the end we figured it out and my goal is to hang on to it and keep it running well past my loan payoff in 3 years. Also the FlexFuel capability is really nice because a 33 gallon tank of E85 in Colorado right now would only run me around $90 like you said.

Everything in the passenger cabin is in pristine shape except for the chrome is peeling off the door handles but that’s an easy fix. The dash is cracked like every GM truck in this generation but I was going to take it in later this year for the airbag recall so I’m not gonna put a dash skin on it until that is completed. The drop down DVD player works and I even plugged up my old N64 to the RCA connections and was able to play Smash Bros off battery power lol. I can see that coming in handy in the next few years! The frame is in good condition because this truck has lived its entire life in Colorado so that’s a huge plus. The body is in great shape except for a small rust spot the size of a nickel behind the passenger rear door that I’ll fix later this year before winter. Overall besides this BS with the motor we love the vehicle. I’m just glad we’re gonna be able to keep it on the road for years to come.

 

[KraftMatic87]

Got a call from the service manager this morning that they had really high winds last night and a dumpster in their parking lot was blown into the side of my truck, resulting in some dents and scratches. They had the truck outside for just the night because they needed the bay for another vehicle. I haven’t gotten the pictures yet but I’m frankly so discouraged right now. They said they would repair everything at no cost to me but it’s going to mean I might have to wait an extra few days before the motor gets installed and I can get the truck back. The Jasper 6.2 is coming in on the 17th, and I was supposed to get it back Friday, July 21st but I might have to wait until the following week.

UGGGGGGGGH WTF I cannot catch a break with this damn Denali I can only laugh at this point. With my luck tomorrow an asteroid will fall from the sky and total it after sinking all this money into it lol

 

[Tonyrodz]

Got a call from the service manager this morning that they had really high winds last night and a dumpster in their parking lot was blown into the side of my truck, resulting in some dents and scratches. They had the truck outside for just the night because they needed the bay for another vehicle. I haven’t gotten the pictures yet but I’m frankly so discouraged right now. They said they would repair everything at no cost to me but it’s going to mean I might have to wait an extra few days before the motor gets installed and I can get the truck back. The Jasper 6.2 is coming in on the 17th, and I was supposed to get it back Friday, July 21st but I might have to wait until the following week.

UGGGGGGGGH WTF I cannot catch a break with this damn Denali I can only laugh at this point. With my luck tomorrow an asteroid will fall from the sky and total it after sinking all this money into it lol

At least they were honest enough to tell you about the damage. I've known plenty of mechanics and shops that knowingly damage your vehicle and never say anything about it. Says a lot about his character imo. All you can do is shrug it off. Did you ask if that'll delay you getting back your truck? Could be a fast turnaround.

 

[B-train]

Hopefully it was on the side with the small rust spot LOL. Maybe you'll get new door handles too!

 

[Tonyrodz]

Hopefully it was on the side with the small rust spot LOL. Maybe you'll get new door handles too!

Gotta think positive!!

 

[KraftMatic87]

Well, I was supposed to pick up the truck this Friday, and as they were installing the Jasper 6.2 today, a strong gust of wind blew into the shop through the open garage door and literally bent my hood to the point where it won't close. After DumpsterGate last week I didn't think I would have another weather related event damage the vehicle, but here we are! Thomas the service advisor called and gave me the news today that they will be sourcing an OEM hood for me, and I still should be able to pick up the truck next week some time. Attached are some pics from the damage the dumpster did. They are giving me $800 off my final repair bill for the trouble.

I can only laugh at this point. Still looking forward to picking up the truck but I'm definitely hoping NOTHING ELSE HAPPENS TO IT BEFORE I PICK IT UP

Here's the security cam footage of that dumpster rolling into the truck last week. Insurance said they would cover the damage if I paid my deductible but I'll probably just leave it and maybe fix on my own time. This has been such a damn ride. I'm just looking forward to picking this thing up and finally getting to send it!

 

[swathdiver]

Been away and just catching up, did you get the torque converter you wanted? I would have had one drop shipped to them.

As for the door handles, interior or exterior? We just did the exterior handles and changed out the stereo speakers since the panels were off. We did the interior handles back in 2018.

I've spent a ton of money on my truck and it isn't going anywhere in my lifetime. Don't fret about that, it's a platform and a platform gets parts replaced and repaired all the time to keep them running. Think of it like a tank or a fighter jet. They have a 30+ service life and lots of components need overhauling during that time, sometimes it's planned, often times it's not planned, like in your case.

You will have to overhaul the transmission someday as well as the differentials, transfer case, air conditioning and seats, etc. To maintain this level of luxury, you can buy a $110K truck and pay out $1500 a month in car payments or do as you did, and for the most part, make repairs and do maintenance on your schedule with an older platform for a fraction of the price.

 

[KraftMatic87]

Been away and just catching up, did you get the torque converter you wanted? I would have had one drop shipped to them.

As for the door handles, interior or exterior? We just did the exterior handles and changed out the stereo speakers since the panels were off. We did the interior handles back in 2018.

I've spent a ton of money on my truck and it isn't going anywhere in my lifetime. Don't fret about that, it's a platform and a platform gets parts replaced and repaired all the time to keep them running. Think of it like a tank or a fighter jet. They have a 30+ service life and lots of components need overhauling during that time, sometimes it's planned, often times it's not planned, like in your case.

You will have to overhaul the transmission someday as well as the differentials, transfer case, air conditioning and seats, etc. To maintain this level of luxury, you can buy a $110K truck and pay out $1500 a month in car payments or do as you did, and for the most part, make repairs and do maintenance on your schedule with an older platform for a fraction of the price.

Trust me, after all the money I’ve put into this land-yacht we’re gonna be keeping her forever! We did get a remanned torque converter thrown in yesterday that LT sourced from a GM dealership before they put the Jasper in. They should have the new motor running today. They will test drive the vehicle before I come and pick it up after they get the new hood put on. I should be able to pick it up Tuesday next week. When I get it back I’ll be changing the front and rear diff fluid, as well as the transfer case fluid.

I know there will be other repairs to make further down the road. For now I’m feeling good that we’ve taken care of some of the big ticket items. Thanks @swathdiver for your help with the referral to LT’s shop, he and the service manager there have been a pleasure to work with through this crazy repair process!

 

[swathdiver]

Trust me, after all the money I’ve put into this land yacht we’re gonna be keeping her forever! We did get a new torque converter thrown in yesterday that LT sourced from a GM dealership before they put the Jasper in. They should have the new motor running today. They will test drive the vehicle before I come and pick it up after they get the new hood put on. I should be able to pick it up Tuesday next week. When I get it back I’ll be changing the front and rear diff fluid, as well as the transfer case fluid as well.

I know there will be other repairs to make further down the road. For now I’m feeling good that we’ve taken care of some of the big ticket items. Thanks @swathdiver for your help with the referral to LT’s shop, he and the service manager there have been a pleasure to work with through this crazy repair process!

My pleasure sir! I learned all about these trucks mostly from the guys on this forum. Keep us posted!

 

[petethepug]

You definitely got the short straw from this dealer. However paint & body work on these trucks is something you really never want to deal with except collision time. You got a free pass to someone else paying for huge panels of paint & prep.

The hood is extremely venerable to clear coat peeling. Have the dealer replace it with an OEM hood and take it as a win. Get receipts as it will increase the value having a dealership do the work. If the roof is peeling clear there’ll never be a cheaper time to have it resprayed to stave off future rust.

Set up an appointment to bring it back to get one of their vehicles as a comparable loaner. That ensures you have leverage over them to get it done right and promptly. The longer they take, the more it costs them to loan their vehicle out. It motivates them to get it done right.

 

[KraftMatic87]

You definitely got the short straw from this dealer. However paint & body work on these trucks is something you really never want to deal with except collision time. You got a free pass to someone else paying for huge panels of paint & prep.

The hood is extremely venerable to clear coat peeling. Have the dealer replace it with an OEM hood and take it as a win. Get receipts as it will increase the value having a dealership do the work. If the roof is peeling clear there’ll never be a cheaper time to have it resprayed to stave off future rust.

Set up an appointment to bring it back to get one of their vehicles as a comparable loaner. That ensures you have leverage over them to get it done right and promptly. The longer they take, the more it costs them to loan their vehicle out. It motivates them to get it done right.

The engine replacement and suspension work is being done by an independent repair shop. The cosmetic damage happened as a result of weather related events while my car was parked inside and outside the shop. As far as the damage caused by the wind blown dumpster, I’m content with them giving me $800 off my repair bill and having that fixed on my own time. As for the hood, I’m actually glad I’m getting it replaced because it did have some hail dents and the clear coat had some UV damage, so I’d probably have to take care of that at some point down the road. Even though it delayed my picking by a week I think I’m coming out ahead with a free OEM hood.

The roof of the truck is probably the area of the body that needs the most attention later down the road, but I’ll probably have that taken care of next year with a respray. There is no rust but the clear coat has been compromised in a few spots as well as some UV damage and I’d rather have it taken care of sooner than later. Colorado sunshine has taken its toll for sure over the past 15 years.

Update : Hood came in today 7/25 for priming, getting resprayed tomorrow and I’ll be ready for pickup on Thursday 7/27 of this week.

 

[KraftMatic87]

Today was the day I finally got to pick up my Denali! The hour and a half drive back home was very smooth, with no issues at all. I definitely can tell the difference with the Jasper reman, and I think the transmission shifts much more smoothly with the new torque converter as well. The truck runs much quieter, and I’m not hearing the metallic piston slap that I was hearing under throttle with my original engine.

We don’t know for certain what was making the knocking noise at idle (might have been valve train as some have said), but after getting a glimpse of my old leaky core I’m glad I have a fresh L9H. Might have had something to do with my rear main seal puking oil!

Here’s a list of what we had replaced:

• Remanufactured Jasper 6.2 L9H
• Water pump
• Replaced all belts
• Radiator hoses
• Fuel pump
• NAPA Thermostat / radiator cap
• Oil / fuel and air filters
• PCV Valve
• Distributor cap
• Plug wires and spark plugs
• Remanufactured GM Torque converter
• Transmission cooler lines
• Transmission filter / fluid change
• Flex plate bolts
• Engine mounts
• Upper and lower ball joints
• CV axles
• Rack & pinion assembly
• New OEM Hood

I’m real happy we were able to get this truck back on the road. It was great to meet LT and talk for a good half hour before I hit the road. Thanks to everyone on this thread who provided guidance and input. I know I’ll be back with more questions because I have a laundry list of other fixes I’ll taking on myself soon!

 

[mattbta]

When’s he posting it to YouTube? Glad you are back in the road, sorry for the trouble/costs.

 

[Tahoe14]

Glad you got it back, been following your post from the beginning. What a roller coaster ride. How is the hood they replaced?

 

[KraftMatic87]

When’s he posting it to YouTube? Glad you are back in the road, sorry for the trouble/costs.

LT is not doing a video on my truck unfortunately but I did get to see a Jeep Wagoneer that they are putting a 6.6 in that will be featured in the next video. Bummer for me but I was just excited to meet him and talk shop for a little bit. He’s had a lot of family stuff going on and he recently lost his mother so that’s why he hasn’t been uploading much lately. I did get to look at the Ugly Truck which was cool, but unfortunately my Denali will not be YouTube famous lol. I’m just happy to have it back. I am taking it back down there for my 500 mile oil change in two weeks. I’m driving it up to the mountains this weekend finally so I’m excited to see how it does for sure!