Its the truck I use at work, 2001 Chevy 1500 4x4 with the 5.3 Vortec, 188k miles. For the last 2 weeks, whenever started cold, it idles real rough and sometimes dies unless you keep your foot on the gas for a minute or two. After that, and after it warms up, it will idle, run and start fine all day long. Only the first start of the morning will it run rough. The CEL was on for a long time before I started using the truck, tomorrow I will bring my code reader and see what codes I get. I'm thinking intake gaskets, seems like these engines are known for it. What do yall think?
2001 5.3 Vortec
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Intake Gaskets, Get the Metal/Rubber ones from Fel-Pro, Check the Knock Sensors for water intrusion/corrosion.
I usually recommend a LS6 Valley cover with a built in PCV for better oil control as well.
I usually recommend a LS6 Valley cover with a built in PCV for better oil control as well.
Sure, not a hard job. And you can check on your knock sensors, blast the cylinders with carb cleaner or your favorite piston/ring soak while the intake is off.
I would start with the code reader too. Could be many different parts... At 188k, I'm sure you thought of the usual suspects: plugs, wires, throttle body intake, sensors etc...
My 5.3 has 206k on it now. I've owned it since 62k. The only idle issue I have had was due to a gunked up throttle body, dirty mass airflow sensor (CRC MAS cleaner works great) and oily intake from the EGR. As long as it is up on the standard maintenance items like these, start with the codes and keep your money in your pocket.
My 5.3 has 206k on it now. I've owned it since 62k. The only idle issue I have had was due to a gunked up throttle body, dirty mass airflow sensor (CRC MAS cleaner works great) and oily intake from the EGR. As long as it is up on the standard maintenance items like these, start with the codes and keep your money in your pocket.
Its not my personal truck, its a work truck, but yes, the company is very cheap when it comes to fixing things. I'll let yall know what the codes are tomorrow.
Raise [censored] with the shop superintendant
Originally Posted By: clinebarger
Intake Gaskets, Get the Metal/Rubber ones from Fel-Pro, Check the Knock Sensors for water intrusion/corrosion.
I usually recommend a LS6 Valley cover with a built in PCV for better oil control as well.
ABSOLUTELY! Exact same symptoms on my 01 Tahoe 2 Autumns ago.
Fel Pro for sure.
With the falling temps, you will now notice a failing intake gasket. Less noticeable in warmer weather.....
Intake Gaskets, Get the Metal/Rubber ones from Fel-Pro, Check the Knock Sensors for water intrusion/corrosion.
I usually recommend a LS6 Valley cover with a built in PCV for better oil control as well.
ABSOLUTELY! Exact same symptoms on my 01 Tahoe 2 Autumns ago.
Fel Pro for sure.
With the falling temps, you will now notice a failing intake gasket. Less noticeable in warmer weather.....
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I went with MAHLE ORIGINAL/VICTOR REINZ MS16340 for the IMG. GM technical service bulletins call for green gasket material. And this one clips to the intake, which really helps during install.
Today I was able to remove the intake. The first knock sensor came out easy, but was full of rust. The second knock sensor was completely submerged in water, and after sucking out all the water with a shop vac, the hex part of the sensor broke off, leaving nothing to grab onto. Should I try using an EZ out? I think itll run alot better with new sensors, sensor wiring harness and gaskets, but my question is, how can I be positive that the manifold isnt warped? I've seen it on a Vortec before.
You jumped right into a pita job before doing more diagnostics? What codes did you get? There is an idle air solenoid that might be gunked up, a 10 minute job. Now you have no truck for work tommorrow?
Originally Posted By: mobilaltima
Today I was able to remove the intake. The first knock sensor came out easy, but was full of rust. The second knock sensor was completely submerged in water, and after sucking out all the water with a shop vac, the hex part of the sensor broke off, leaving nothing to grab onto. Should I try using an EZ out? I think itll run alot better with new sensors, sensor wiring harness and gaskets, but my question is, how can I be positive that the manifold isnt warped? I've seen it on a Vortec before.
Best bet is to remove the lifter valley cover and get at it from the base of the knock sensor.
Today I was able to remove the intake. The first knock sensor came out easy, but was full of rust. The second knock sensor was completely submerged in water, and after sucking out all the water with a shop vac, the hex part of the sensor broke off, leaving nothing to grab onto. Should I try using an EZ out? I think itll run alot better with new sensors, sensor wiring harness and gaskets, but my question is, how can I be positive that the manifold isnt warped? I've seen it on a Vortec before.
Best bet is to remove the lifter valley cover and get at it from the base of the knock sensor.
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