Drivers side valve cover **SOLVED**

[opfor2]

Is there any way to determine if my 2011 has the new improved valve cover per GM TSB# 10-06-01-008M without actually removing the cover?

 

[Big Mama]

@Doubeleive may know.

 

[Doubeleive]

Is there any way to determine if my 2011 has the new improved valve cover per GM TSB# 10-06-01-008M without actually removing the cover?

You might be able to tell by the pcv hole location, maybe..... You would have to compare a photo of them side by side and not sure if you can tell from the topside or not

 

[swathdiver]

Is there any way to determine if my 2011 has the new improved valve cover per GM TSB# 10-06-01-008M without actually removing the cover?

When was the truck built? If memory serves, the new valve cover design was introduced in March 2011. Search the forum or GM TSBs to be sure.

The part number for the new one is 12642655 for 2009+. The earlier years use a different diameter PCV and consequently a different part number.

 

[opfor2]

When was the truck built? If memory serves, the new valve cover design was introduced in March 2011. Search the forum or GM TSBs to be sure.

The part number for the new one is 12642655 for 2009+. The earlier years use a different diameter PCV and consequently a different part number.

If I go by the emissions sticker that is located on the driver's side door it has a date of November 2010, so I think I'm in need of a new valve cover.

 

[donjetman]

Is there any way to determine if my 2011 has the new improved valve cover per GM TSB# 10-06-01-008M without actually removing the cover?

The TSB link I provided you has part #s and pictures of the original & updated valve covers.
Here's a pic of mine. Round hole bad, square hole good.
Here's the TSB again: https://f01.justanswer.com/ebrock63...il+Consumption,+MIL+ON,+Engine+Runs+Rough.pdf

 

[swathdiver]

Here's the TSB again: https://f01.justanswer.com/ebrock63...il+Consumption,+MIL+ON,+Engine+Runs+Rough.pdf

Yep, right in Don's post of the TSB, it says February 1st, 2011 for the valve cover and October 2010 for the AFM shield in the oil pan.

I have the new cover but not the shield in my pan.

 

[rdezs]

That TSB is an interesting read. I was a little bit shocked to read that when addressing oil consumption issues, and when they replace pistons and rings they are stating it is not necessary to hone the cylinder walls. Then in the same section, it mentions it might take two or three thousand miles for the rings to seat.
(!!!) The stated reason for this is simply because if the is hone incorrectly, it can damage the rings for whatever, especially if the cylinders work cleaned properly afterwards. Are you kidding me? Is this how the dealerships work on engines? Very glad now I have never let a dealership into any engine I've had.

Also, I think the dates on the TSB are questionable. When I did the AFM delete on my wife's 2014 Escalade, there is no deflector on the oil pressure relief valve. Never had any oil consumption, so maybe they figured out it's not necessary? 168,000 mi now, AFM delete done at 142,000 mi, mobile one 5W-30 every 3500 to 4500 miles since new. It's had an oil bypass filter for almost 100,000 miles.

I firmly believe the oil consumption issues were directly tied to the PCV system and fixed with the updated valve cover. Our 2003 Hummer H2 with the lq4 engine, 118,000 miles, was using about a half a quarter of oil every 3,000 miles.... Until I updated the valve covers at 112,000 miles. Absolutely no oil consumption since then.

 

[j91z28d1]

yes. if you can help it you never never never want a flat rate mechanic at a dealership inside your engine replacing rings and stuff.

 

[rdezs]

I've pretty much always felt that way.... But after reading that TSB, that absolutely confirmed it. GM's logic is clearly messed up. It's like advising against having the cylinder head resurfaced in case the machine shop screws it up, and just go with what you have! Incredible to actually read such instructions on the cylinder prep...

 

[swathdiver]

I firmly believe the oil consumption issues were directly tied to the PCV system and fixed with the updated valve cover. Our 2003 Hummer H2 with the lq4 engine, 118,000 miles, was using about a half a quarter of oil every 3,000 miles.... Until I updated the valve covers at 112,000 miles. Absolutely no oil consumption since then.

Mine used to consume a lot of oil when running regular Mobil One. Switched over to ACDelco and Quaker State which have higher viscosity numbers and no oil consumption since.

 

[opfor2]

Well, today I removed and replaced the Valve cover with OEM GM part #12642655, per TSB# 10-06-01-008M. My 2011 Tahoe had a build date of November 11, 2010, and it did not have the new improved cover. This would explain why my intake looked like the attached photos. There is really no way to tell if the cover is the new design or old from the outside it MUST be removed to properly tell. I'm hoping that this clears up some of my disappearing oil issues, besides the rear main seal leak lol. Forgot to mention that in the process of removing the valve cover my dumbass broke the plastic hose leading to the purge valve. A small piece of 3/8" fuel hose will serve as a temporary fix.

 

[strutaeng]

Great job. My 06 had a similar hose+hose clamp repair for the EVAP line.

You can get a replacement from RockAuto. The other end is at the firewall near the fuel lines, and the connector is similar where you press the tab and it comes out.

 

[opfor2]

Great job. My 06 had a similar hose+hose clamp repair for the EVAP line.

You can get a replacement from RockAuto. The other end is at the firewall near the fuel lines, and the connector is similar where you press the tab and it comes out.

Ya I wasn't sure if it terminated in the engine compartment or went all the way to the charcoal canister. I just needed to get this thing up and running.

 

[donjetman]

I installed a catch can in 2018 just before I did the TSB & valve cover. CC was catching 1 oz per 100 miles. After the TSB & valve cover, and still today, it catches 1-2 oz per 5,000 miles.

I left the CC on as a diagnostic tool. If it ever starts catching a lot of oil again i'll know something is wrong.

 

[opfor2]

An Update: before I replaced my valve cover, I would go through about one quart of oil every 2.5k to 3000k miles but now I have no more oil loss. Best investment I have done. If you have an older Tahoe this project well worth investigating.

 

[donjetman]

An Update: before I replaced my valve cover, I would go through about one quart of oil every 2.5k to 3000k miles but now I have no more oil loss. Best investment I have done. If you have an older Tahoe this project well worth investigating.

Yep, that's GREAT!

like I said 6+ yrs ago when we bought our oil burning & leaking 07 Denali and I did the TSB, "if I hadn't seen it for myself I wouldn't believe it."

Ours is still going strong today at 199k miles and doesn't need any makeup oil between oil changes.

 

[89Suburban]

Well, today I removed and replaced the Valve cover with OEM GM part #12642655, per TSB# 10-06-01-008M. My 2011 Tahoe had a build date of November 11, 2010, and it did not have the new improved cover. This would explain why my intake looked like the attached photos. There is really no way to tell if the cover is the new design or old from the outside it MUST be removed to properly tell. I'm hoping that this clears up some of my disappearing oil issues, besides the rear main seal leak lol. Forgot to mention that in the process of removing the valve cover my dumbass broke the plastic hose leading to the purge valve. A small piece of 3/8" fuel hose will serve as a temporary fix.

I know I am late to the party here but DANG BRAH that intake!

 

[donjetman]

In case anybody missed it, here is what all 8 of my spark plugs looked like in 2018 before I did the TSB, etc: