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09-16-2007, 05:57 AM
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#1
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4 Rivet Member
1996 34' Excella
Americus
, Georgia
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 317
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Need info on 2500 Suburban w/8.1 eng.
I am looking at a 2004 Chevrolet Suburban 2500 4X4 with the 8.1 engine and 41,000 miles on it. I have read some posts on here about the 8.1`s using oil, which year models were affected or is it all 8.1`s. Does the oil consumption decrease the longevity of the engine ? ALso is there any issues with the 4 wheel drive componets for these vehicles ? Any other tips would be appreciated. Thanks Davis
__________________
1991 Airstream Excella 1000 34ft (SOLD)
1994 Chevrolet Crew Cab dually 2WD 6.5td
2005 Chevrolet Suburban LT 1500 2WD 5.3
WBCCI # 10219 Georgia Unit
AIR # 5131
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09-16-2007, 06:22 AM
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#2
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Retired.
Currently Looking...
.
, At Large
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 21,276
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The 4x4 components are usually very reliable, on a par with the other manufacturers' stuff. As far as the oil consumption, it won't adversely effect the lifespan of the engine, unless, of course, you run it out of oil. If that happens the engine's lifespan reaches zero very quickly. The 8.1 does have a reputation of being a "noisy" motor. If it has low miles on it, and doesn't make any noises, start using Mobil1 or comparable lube oil in it, and change it regularly.
__________________
Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy, and taste good with ketchup.
Terry
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09-16-2007, 11:47 AM
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#3
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4 Rivet Member
1996 34' Excella
Americus
, Georgia
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 317
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Thanks for the reply. Davis
__________________
1991 Airstream Excella 1000 34ft (SOLD)
1994 Chevrolet Crew Cab dually 2WD 6.5td
2005 Chevrolet Suburban LT 1500 2WD 5.3
WBCCI # 10219 Georgia Unit
AIR # 5131
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09-16-2007, 11:50 AM
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#4
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Rivet Master
1956 22' Flying Cloud
Durango
, Colorado
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: 1975 25' Tradewind
Posts: 3,491
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I have the 8.1 in my Avalanche and love it - yes it is very chattery when you first start up - and I do use a quart or so between oil changes - thats been the way since new, but have had zero problem with the motor - gets about 16-17 on highways, which I think is great and have almost 80,000 on it - and yes I do use Mobil 1
Ken
__________________
1956 Flying Cloud
Founder :
Four Corners Unit
Albuquerque National Balloon Fiesta
Rally
Vintage Trailer Academy - Formerly the original
restoration rally
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09-16-2007, 01:02 PM
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#5
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Rivet Master
1986 25' Sovereign
Southern Middle
, Tennessee
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,319
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I have the 8.1 in an '01 2500hd and have had zero problems with the engine at 68,000 miles. I have heard that some early 8.1's had problems with excessive oil consumption, around a qt. per 1,000 miles and they went to a PCV valve with a smaller hole in the PCV body. I'd say that 1 qt. per 3-4,000 miles is about average. There are also a few TSB's out on the 8.1 and one of them was concerning the manifold bolts working loose and another was the manifold gasket. Neither problem has surfaced with my 8.1 so I am happy.
__________________
Craig
AIR #0078
'01 2500hd ext. cab, 8.1 litre gas, 5 sp. Allison auto
3.73 rear end
Mag-Hytec rear diff cover
Amsoil Dual by-pass oil filtration system
Amsoil synthetics all around
265 watt AM Solar, Inc. system
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09-16-2007, 04:45 PM
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#6
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4 Rivet Member
1996 34' Excella
Americus
, Georgia
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 317
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Thanks ya`ll for the info. I think this will make a great vehicle to tow my 34ft trailer with. I had pondered over the 6.0 liter engine but this one came along and seems like it has been taken care of although I wish it had the towing mirrors but I can add those if I buy it.Thanks Davis
__________________
1991 Airstream Excella 1000 34ft (SOLD)
1994 Chevrolet Crew Cab dually 2WD 6.5td
2005 Chevrolet Suburban LT 1500 2WD 5.3
WBCCI # 10219 Georgia Unit
AIR # 5131
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09-16-2007, 05:50 PM
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#7
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2 Rivet Member
Join Date: Sep 2002
Posts: 32
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Ken J, On your Avalanche, what gear ratio do you have that you get that kind of mileage, did you do any other modifications? Just curious.
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09-16-2007, 05:55 PM
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#8
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Rivet Master
1968 30' Sovereign
1959 18' "Footer"
1954 22' Flying Cloud
Brussels
, Wisconsin
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 615
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I have the 8.1 in my 04 2500 Suburban and use no oil between changes. (71 K on it) I have had a problem with "vapor lock" when using an ethanol blend and the temps get into the 90's. I have to let it cool and then all is good. If I stay away from ethanol blends it seems to be fine.
Ed
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11-11-2007, 11:27 PM
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#9
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3 Rivet Member
1977 31' Sovereign
1992 34' Excella
Currently Looking...
Salem
, Oregon
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 204
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8.1 using oil
Quote:
Originally Posted by davidz71
I have the 8.1 in an '01 2500hd and have had zero problems with the engine at 68,000 miles. I have heard that some early 8.1's had problems with excessive oil consumption, around a qt. per 1,000 miles and they went to a PCV valve with a smaller hole in the PCV body. I'd say that 1 qt. per 3-4,000 miles is about average. There are also a few TSB's out on the 8.1 and one of them was concerning the manifold bolts working loose and another was the manifold gasket. Neither problem has surfaced with my 8.1 so I am happy.
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Craig,
I am using an average of 1 quart oil per 800-900 miles.
Is this something I just have to live with?
Thanks
Wayne
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11-12-2007, 03:38 AM
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#10
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Rivet Master
2008 30' Classic S/O
Dearborn
, Michigan
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,403
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wayne.yl
Craig,
I am using an average of 1 quart oil per 800-900 miles.
Is this something I just have to live with?
Thanks
Wayne
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that seems like a lot... unless you're towing...
my burb has the 496, and it burns through a quart every 1000 miles, when i'm towing the a/s
not towing... about a quart every 4-5k miles (oil change)
using 5w-30 (recommended)
blend
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11-12-2007, 04:03 AM
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#11
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Vintage Kin
Fort Worth
, Texas
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 8,014
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The big block gasoline motors of the 1960's, 70's and 80's burned oil at 300-500 miles/quart new and it was considered normal, especially towing; plenty of them lasted well beyond 100 even 200,000 miles. I see nothing above that would cause me concern. I'd have oil analysis done by DYSON ANALYSIS, and use Terry's recommendations to keep it in great shape.
I think it'd be a very nice vehicle to have.
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11-12-2007, 08:23 AM
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#12
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4 Rivet Member
2007 25' Safari FB SE
Lady Lake
, Florida
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 355
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Did Davis buy the Avalanche?
IWe have an '05 Avalanche, 8.1 2500 that we have pulled an AS 18,000 miles this year and have used no oil. My husband only has Havoline 10W30 in it now. In the beginning, he used other brands of oil, but had to ad quarts to them.
We are very happy with the Avalanche and Havoline. Always enough power and very comfortable. We towed a 23' Safari 9,000 miles and the other 9,000 miles was a 25' Safari.
__________________
Pat
AIR# 16756
WBCCI# 6167
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11-14-2007, 02:13 PM
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#13
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3 Rivet Member
1977 31' Sovereign
1992 34' Excella
Currently Looking...
Salem
, Oregon
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 204
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using oil
Fellas,
Thanks for the comments and advice.
I will do the oil analysis and see what it says.
I will let you know.
Wayne
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11-14-2007, 02:17 PM
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#14
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Rivet Master
2007 25' Classic
Hydes
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 713
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I had a 2001` 2500 4x4 Suburban with the 8.1 L engine and I wish I still had it. Fantastic motor and mine didn't have any of the piston slap that others complain of and didn't seem to use oil. To bad they no longer offer this engine in the Suburban.
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11-14-2007, 04:12 PM
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#15
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Rivet Master
2006 30' Classic
Farmington
, New Mexico
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 826
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Wayne---My son is a shop foreman at a local Chev dealer---I asked about oil consumption with the 8.1---he said for a while they were having some problems but it seems to have been from intake manifold gasket allowing oil to be drawn in from underneath. new design gaskets and specific torque on bolts seems to have taken care of that---pieman
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11-14-2007, 04:26 PM
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#16
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4 Rivet Member
1977 31' Sovereign
Miami
, Florida
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 279
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I know they had the Alison trans. on the last year or two they offered the 8.0 does the one you are looking at have the Alison? That would be great if it does.
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11-14-2007, 04:32 PM
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#17
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3 Rivet Member
1977 31' Sovereign
1992 34' Excella
Currently Looking...
Salem
, Oregon
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 204
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Gasket and bolts
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike Lewis
Wayne---My son is a shop foreman at a local Chev dealer---I asked about oil consumption with the 8.1---he said for a while they were having some problems but it seems to have been from intake manifold gasket allowing oil to be drawn in from underneath. new design gaskets and specific torque on bolts seems to have taken care of that---pieman
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Mike,
I will check these out. thanks for the help.
Wayne
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11-17-2007, 07:24 AM
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#18
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2 Rivet Member
2007 25' Safari SS SE
Alton
, Illinois
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 75
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Davis: I have never had a vehicle with this engine but I believe it is safely considered very reliable out to 200,000 miles and probably more if you stay on the oil changes. Big blocks burn a little oil. As an aside Chevy used this engine in their Kodiaks. This is supposed to be a good one.
__________________
The "Ann Rutledge"
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11-17-2007, 08:14 AM
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#19
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Rivet Master
1956 22' Flying Cloud
Durango
, Colorado
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: 1975 25' Tradewind
Posts: 3,491
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I'm really pleased with my so far at 82,000 miles - I figure those pistons are the size of gallon milk jugs, so a little oil consumption is no biggy to me.
Ken J.
__________________
1956 Flying Cloud
Founder :
Four Corners Unit
Albuquerque National Balloon Fiesta
Rally
Vintage Trailer Academy - Formerly the original
restoration rally
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12-07-2007, 05:54 PM
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#20
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3 Rivet Member
2006 25' Safari
orlando
, New Mexico, Utah, Colorado
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 156
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OT question on the motor-Mine uses oil (2002 model with 95k miles on the clock), in line with others on the thread. But it also uses water. I can't see a coolant leak, but your can smell anti-freeze. It seems to be losing about a quart every 800 miles, any ideas?
__________________
I'm a true bum, working less and living longer.
WBCCI #3841
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