Finally happened: '19 Escalade lifter failure

[SpareParts]

The video you posted sounds exactly like a lifter to me.

 

[fasteddy]

The video you posted sounds exactly like a lifter to me.

It does. 180K miles on DOD is pretty good! I don't think I would do just a DOD delete on a 180K engine. I'd pull it, have it rebuilt, or swap in a long block. Depends where you live and if there are any competent shops nearby to do the work. Or.....try to dump it for $9K-$10K and go get a Silverado 2500. I've seen used 21-23 - Work/Customs, for $35Kish or a new one is around $55K which is half of a new ESV. Depends who you are.

 

[ZKWBQD]

Well, after 180K miles (yep, that's no typo) on my 2019 L86 Cadillac Escalade ESV, my lifters finally failed. Or, what I'm sure is the lifter/s failed. This is after religious maintenance every 5K miles, the best quality oil/filters you can throw at it, having a catch can, etc.

Yesterday afternoon, I remote started my truck while I was standing right by it. When the engine turned over, there was a loud bang, and now, my vehicle is suffering from what sounds like lifter failure. Banging noise on the right (passenger) side, at the top of the engine, that increases/decreases in rhythm based on engine speed. I idled the engine for a very short while after, revved it a tiny bit (NOT A LOT) because I thought it was something else, then when it didn't change, immediately recognized what it was, and then simply had the engine on shortly to move it to a parking position easily out of the way on the driveway.

I do ALL my own work on my truck...but this is one that I do not think I will be able to tackle myself, as I don't have the garage space or time to do it, as I need my truck. What am I looking at, a full DOD delete, new cam, new lifters, pushrods? I have a place that I'm going to call on Friday morning to make the inquiry.

I'm not impressed with 180K miles, I had Toyota V8 engine go 410K miles. Still running great when I sold it. Did nothing but change the oil and replace filters.

 

[TonyS1203]

New truck as in another monthly payment? Any new truck I get, I'm going to have these same issues.

Tough situation to be in. On the positive end, you do know the maintenance/service the history on the engine. However, if you purchase a newer (used) SUV you will not know the service history (I wouldn't trust car fax). This is where numbers crunching comes in. Whomever came up with this AFM system ought to be keel Hauled. Personally, I am starting to explore getting into another To Tahoe but if they are still putting them out with the AFM it may take me into another brand that doesn't have the AFM system. It's a shame because I really like my Tahoe. Wishing you the best of luck with this dilemma

 

[Runfor5]

1. Anywhere in the DMV proper is going to charge a fortune for this work given the amount of money around here. Have you tried shops further up 270 or in PA? Might find better pricing. I couldn't find a good LS tuner I was comfortable with around here (based on online research) during my LS-based DoD delete last summer that I did myself, so I ended up doing e-tuning with PCM of NC (who may also do shop work for you if you towed it down there idk).

2. If you decide to tackle this yourself, you're welcome to borrow my harbor freight foldable engine stand that just sits in my basement after buying it for a Subaru EJ swap last year just DM me if interested.

3. No offense, but if you are talking about replacing the truck with a Sierra 2500 or Escalade V, why are you sweating spending $9-12k on a replacement motor/shop work? Ha

4. If helpful, this is the noise mine experienced last summer due to lifter failure. It's akin to a high pitched chirping noise - at least on my LS-based 6.2 (yours being an LT):

 

[jyi786]

3. No offense, but if you are talking about replacing the truck with a Sierra 2500 or Escalade V, why are you sweating spending $9-12k on a replacement motor/shop work? Ha

I mean, it's a dilemma. It's 12k sunk on a platform that has already repeatedly failed me, that might do so again.

 

[Runfor5]

I mean, it's a dilemma. It's 12k sunk on a platform that has already repeatedly failed me, that might do so again.

That's fair, never fun when you can't trust your vehicle on out of town trips! GM's new stuff doesn't seem to be doing so hot though, unless you're buying new with factory warranty then I wouldn't hesitate

 

[fozzi58]

I found you a reman 6.2 with DOD already deleted. 3 Year warranty.

6.2L CHEVY, GMC, CADILLAC DOD DELETE ENGINE FOR SALE | Fraser Engines and Transmissions

6.2L GMC, CHEVY, CADILLAC DOD DELETED ENGINE FOR SALE Fits Years (2014-2024) 6.2L GMC, CHEVY, CADILLAC DOD DELETED ENGINE FOR SALE FITS GM VEHICLES (2014-2024) $ 6999 00 UNIT COST FULLY REFUNDABLE CORE DEPOSIT - $2500.00 SHIPPING (ROUND TRIP) - PLEASE CALL FOR RATE WARRANTY - 3 YEAR / 100K MILES...

fraserengineco.com

Also check out Fraser engines and Michigan Motors

I have been reading up on where to buy a 6.2 cause I am going to need to rebuild my 5.3 eventually and figured I'd be better off just getting a 6.2 and rebuilding that while the 5.3 is still in. I kept seeing reman'd 6.2 with DOD deletes prebuilt so I thought I would hunt one down for you since I was doing this search a few days ago.

 

[jyi786]

I appreciate everyone's help and assistance. I got the 2 quotes back, with a ridiculous timeline and no promise that it would be fixed from each place I asked.

I decided to cut my losses and traded it in for a 2026 GMC Sierra 2500HD Denali Ultimate. My first diesel and first pickup. Stoked.

It was awesome being part of this community. I will certainly miss you all!

 

[fasteddy]

I appreciate everyone's help and assistance. I got the 2 quotes back, with a ridiculous timeline and no promise that it would be fixed from each place I asked.

I decided to cut my losses and traded it in for a 2026 GMC Sierra 2500HD Denali Ultimate. My first diesel and first pickup. Stoked.

View attachment 475720

It was awesome being part of this community. I will certainly miss you all!

Very Nice! No DOD there! LOL Just as an FYI, I ran into a guy at the gas station today with a for sale sign on his ESV ($10K). 2018 with 370K miles OMG. DOD deleted at 100K. Same engine, 2nd transmission. I'm thoroughly convinced that the gen 5 engines without DOD have good longevity. Good Luck with the truck. Now ya need $10K in lift and new 37" wheels....right?