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Davis · 09-16-2007, 05:57 AM

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

overlander63 · 09-16-2007, 06:22 AM

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.

Davis · 09-16-2007, 11:47 AM

Thanks for the reply. Davis

Ken J · 09-16-2007, 11:50 AM

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

davidz71 · 09-16-2007, 01:02 PM

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.

Davis · 09-16-2007, 04:45 PM

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

dano · 09-16-2007, 05:50 PM

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.

Ed Emerick · 09-16-2007, 05:55 PM

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

wayne.yl · 11-11-2007, 11:27 PM

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.

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

boondockdad · 11-12-2007, 03:38 AM

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

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

slowmover · 11-12-2007, 04:03 AM

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.

starflyte1 · 11-12-2007, 08:23 AM

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.

wayne.yl · 11-14-2007, 02:13 PM

Fellas,
Thanks for the comments and advice.
I will do the oil analysis and see what it says.
I will let you know.
Wayne

craftsman · 11-14-2007, 02:17 PM

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.

Mike Lewis · 11-14-2007, 04:12 PM

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

Phil Gobie · 11-14-2007, 04:26 PM

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.

wayne.yl · 11-14-2007, 04:32 PM

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

Mike,
I will check these out. thanks for the help.
Wayne

Brad Hunt · 11-17-2007, 07:24 AM

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.

Ken J · 11-17-2007, 08:14 AM

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.

jacarape · 12-07-2007, 05:54 PM

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?