6.2 liter longevity

[tights24]

Howdy folks,

Been a while since I posted. Still have the 2007 Yukon and am now up to 160K miles. I'm considering an Escalade or Denali for my next rig but wanted to check and see what the general stance was on the 6.2. I realize it's been around a while in some variation or another, and I also realize that typically all you see in here are the "problems" with any engine. What I am trying to determine is if there are any years that were more susceptible to issues, and how many miles is too many miles. Needless to say I will not be buying new as they have eclipsed 100K for the things. Crazy. However, I don't want to buy something with 70 or 80 K miles on it if they are not as bulletproof as the 5.3. Yes, every truck is different as to their lifespan, but we do have the added knowledge of things like a carfax that may or may not tell us regular service intervals etc. So, if a truck receives proper regular maintenance, any risks per se to go to a 6.2 that has up to 80K miles used? Again, I get it, with regular maintenance every engine should run fine, but we all know that's not the case. lol. It's like saying burning oil in the 5.3 is normal. Burning oil is NOT normal. The fact that the 5.3 does is. hahaha. Thanks for any and all input and comments.

 

[swathdiver]

Well, The L92 and its successor the L9H both have AFM components but was not active (PCM program) in the trucks until 2010. Being an LS engine it would seem to me they are as durable as the others and can be made more so with the removal of the AFM system both mechanically and from the PCM. Being a car guy, you know what makes them last and what doesn't.

I wouldn't mind an L9H without AFM someday.

 

[tights24]

Thanks for the reply. So to be clear, AFM is active fuel management? Forgive my ignorance. Is this the equivalent to the cylinder deactivation? I have this turned off in my Yukon via my Trinity as I get better mileage with it turned off. lol. Have yet to try the fuel economy setting as I suppose it throws more torque at the 4cyl setting to allow it to remain in that mode longer. No clue. Just wasn't a fan of trying it if that's in fact what it does. Regardless, thanks. I am just trying to figure out if a relatively high mileage 6.2 is something to worry about. I.e., greater than 70k miles. I'm tossed up between the 6.2 and the 5.6 that's in the 2011+ QX56 and QX80. Had a titan before my yukon and that engine is strong.

 

[swathdiver]

Yes, AFM is synonymous with DOD or Displacement On Demand.

The LY6 is a 6.0 iron block motor and does not have AFM at all. The 2010 models have VVT (Variable Valve Timing) as do most engines made then and thereafter.

 

[Denaliz]

As someone who owns both a 2011 Yukon Denali and 2016 Infiniti QX80..I'm way happier with my Denali as strange as it sounds. Sure the QX80 looks nice but I enjoy my Denali more even though its older.

I'm sure the mods help on my end.

 

[Miami-Dade]

As someone who owns both a 2011 Yukon Denali and 2016 Infiniti QX80..I'm way happier with my Denali as strange as it sounds. Sure the QX80 looks nice but I enjoy my Denali more even though its older.

I'm sure the mods help on my end.

IMHO the QX80 is the worst looking SUV on the road..To each their own.

 

[JRH2]

I bought my 07 Denali with 202K on it and now have 215K and I doubt if it uses a quart of oil in 5000 miles and it runs like a top and no leaks.Of course I don't know if anything was done to it previous to me owning it.

 

[cjsmith16]

Howdy folks,

Been a while since I posted. Still have the 2007 Yukon and am now up to 160K miles. I'm considering an Escalade or Denali for my next rig but wanted to check and see what the general stance was on the 6.2. I realize it's been around a while in some variation or another, and I also realize that typically all you see in here are the "problems" with any engine. What I am trying to determine is if there are any years that were more susceptible to issues, and how many miles is too many miles. Needless to say I will not be buying new as they have eclipsed 100K for the things. Crazy. However, I don't want to buy something with 70 or 80 K miles on it if they are not as bulletproof as the 5.3. Yes, every truck is different as to their lifespan, but we do have the added knowledge of things like a carfax that may or may not tell us regular service intervals etc. So, if a truck receives proper regular maintenance, any risks per se to go to a 6.2 that has up to 80K miles used? Again, I get it, with regular maintenance every engine should run fine, but we all know that's not the case. lol. It's like saying burning oil in the 5.3 is normal. Burning oil is NOT normal. The fact that the 5.3 does is. hahaha. Thanks for any and all input and comments.

Purchased my 07 6.2L Yukon Denali 5 years ago with 80K miles. Now have 165,000 miles and it runs great! I have had some minor work done (valve cover gasket, brakes, rear shocks) but it runs great! Especially on the highway. Love having the 6.2, especially if I'm pulling a small trailer. No oil loss!

 

[LADenali]

I have the L9H version (2009), the thing runs like a champ. No oil loss, engine pulls strong after 150,000 miles. I daily drive mines 85 miles a day.

 

[Big Mama]

I have an 07 Denali with 116k and have had zero issues. It doesn't burn a drop of oil. I've used it like a truck. I've had everything from sod to mulch to cement bags and blocks. I also pull my 4000 in boat it's never let me down. Not sure all can say this but 07 model seems fine.

 

[Motu]

How are the 6.2's with AFM doing? (starting in 2010 I believe?)
Looks the the high mileage examples above are all pre-AFM

 

[ronnyballgame]

Thanks for this thread. I have a 2007 GMC Denali with 199,500 (big party at 200K) that I bought with 72K 6 years ago. I LOVE MY TRUCK, and have spent the last year getting some basic work done to it to keep it going (new shocks, front end, and a main seal, that they had to replace the oil pan gasket also). I want to keep the thing at least another 3 years, so I am interested in this topic. I am using oil (a quart to 1.5 between changes), but think that i need to get the valve cover gaskets done to solve part of that problem. It would be a great car for my 12 year old in 4 years though.

Anyone that has had to do a rebuild...what were some costs involved? Did you upgrade the heads or camshaft to give you more hp? This 6.2, from what I understand, is a very desirable motor because of all of the options you an do with power upgrades, and I am wondering what people have done.

Thanks!

 

[MrTeddyBrukShot]

I just purchased a 2010 yukon XL Denali w/ 56k miles on it. Is there any schedule maintenance I have to do soon? And I'm reading about this AFM how does it work and is it beneficial or not?

 

[swathdiver]

I just purchased a 2010 yukon XL Denali w/ 56k miles on it. Is there any schedule maintenance I have to do soon? And I'm reading about this AFM how does it work and is it beneficial or not?

You would do well to read your owner's manual. If the truck did not come with one you can download them or purchase them on ebay. At the GM Hertitage Center website you can download the Suburban and Tahoe files for 2007 that go into great detail all the features of this generation of trucks. AFM provides for better fuel economy but in the long term at the expense of reliability.

 

[MrTeddyBrukShot]

Yea I didn’t not get one. I’ll definitely download it. Thanks

 

[intheburbs]

Yes, AFM is synonymous with DOD or Displacement On Demand.

The LY6 is a 6.0 iron block motor and does not have AFM at all. The 2010 models have VVT (Variable Valve Timing) as do most engines made then and thereafter.

Not sure if VVT started in '07 or '08, but my '08 LY6 has VVT.

I had no qualms buying my L9H non-AFM Denali with 70k miles. I fully expect it to go to 200k miles, if I keep it that long.

 

[Alan2017]

I am v worried regarding bad news of AFM 6.2 engines being Not reliable! My both 2011 Yukon Denali & 2013 Escalade EXT are AFM 6.2s!! Is this simply lousy bad engineering by GM ? Sadly I recently learned ( After my Yukon & Escalade purchase ) about the horror stories of the AFM system can sometimes lead to costly engine damages or even failures!!

 

[kwOH]

I have 2 2007’s with 6.2’s, bought both used, one I had more access to the records and had one owner with regular maintenance & the other had 3 owners and I had limited access to the records, both over 100k miles, and i wouldn’t hesitate to buy another one any day.

 

[swathdiver]

AFM failures do happen but is nearly always caused by poor maintenance habits. Keep clean oil in your motor and it shall serve you well.

 

[Alan2017]

AFM failures do happen but is nearly always caused by poor maintenance habits. Keep clean oil in your motor and it shall serve you well.

I remember Upon collection of both my Yukon & Escalade the very first thing I did change engine oil Mobil 1 0-40 and new filter even though the oil was Not dirty and due yet but its for my peace of mind. After reflection now I wish had bought pre AFM models but my both trucks are low miles and v clean thats a blessing.