2016 6.2 Yukon XL Denali broken push rod

[mamalisa08]

Well this is fun. My Yukon started sputtering yesterday and spewing out white smoke/exhaust. I had it towed to the dealer and this is what they found a little bit ago:

"The tech got the Yukon in and found a dead miss on one cylinder. He removed the camshaft cover and discovered the push rod broken in half, with the top half lying in the cylinder head and the bottom half stuck due to a collapsed lifter.Until we’re able to fully tear the engine down, we won’t know the full extent of the damage. If the lifter didn’t damage the camshaft, we could replace just one side of the lifters for around $5,400. However, if the camshaft is damaged, repairs could cost closer to $11,500.Once the engine is torn down, we’ll be committed to whatever repair is needed."

Question for you more experienced folks.... I am ready to buy a new vehicle. Mine is almost 10 years old. I don't need an XL anymore. And I'm tired of putting money in it. I would really like another Yukon but am worried about getting another 6.2L. Should I go with a 5.3? Do something else entirely? Background: single mom of 4 teen kids. I want 4WD, heated seats, etc. No I don't want an Acadia.

As for my current 2016, my 17 year old son likes working on cars. I'm thinking of towing it home and having him work on this one as a good project. I can then sell in whatever condition it's in at that point myself.

What recommendations do you have on a new Yukon or Tahoe? Thanks!

 

[B-train]

A good used 2017-2020 model of what you already have, minus the XL. Cheaper and way less potential gremlins than the 2021 and newer IMO.

 

[Marky Dissod]

... worried about getting another 6.2L. Should I go with a 5.3L?

Better yet, find a 6.0L. Almost as powerful and just as strong on 87, far more reliable and durable than most 6.2L.
Ask the shop how much to find and install a 6.0L, is what I'd do if the rest of the vehicle has not been giving you problems. If it has, buy another, I guess.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

You are getting good advice above.

If this quote is not simply out of frustration because of your current motor situation, then I think a different truck might be a better option for you. "And I'm tired of putting money in it. I would really like another Yukon but am worried about getting another 6.2L."

I will say that with 4 teenage kids, I am surprised that you no longer feel a need for the XL.

Do you have a trusted local auto repair shop on you location? Pricing would be much better.

 

[B-train]

Building off what @Joseph Garcia said above. What other costly repairs have been done? Is there anything else in the "needed" stage at the moment? How has your maintenance routine been for fluids and filters of ALL driveline components?

If the truck has basically been driven and barely maintained, then I would recommend a newer, low mileage replacement and a strict maintenance program going forth. If your current vehicle has been well maintained and doesn't have any lurking gremlins, then for the money quoted for repair, I'd get a couple more quotes for engine replacement with a new GM motor that has a 100k nationwide warranty.

Other things to consider. Overall condition of the body/frame if you live in an area with road salt. At 9 years old in a salt state, very good lifelong prevention is needed to keep it under control. If there is rust present, then I would refrain from putting a lot of money in it.

Lastly, you could have your son try installing a new pushrod and roll the motor over by hand to see if there is binding like a destroyed lifter, or if it acts normal. I had 1 bent pushrod on my 2017 Denali, 6.2L and I had my friend throw in a new rod and crossed my fingers. 20k later still running like a champ. FWIW.