Engine rebuild suggestion.

[Hook1]

My wife's Tahoe is at 200k miles. I have noticed some smoke when she gets on it hard and it started using oil. I'm assuming it needs an upper end rebuild but I really don't know where to get it done since I've never had one worked on. Any help or advice will be appreciated.

 

[Hook1]

81 views and no recommendations? Think I'll try putting some heavy weight oil in it and see what that does. If anyone knows a good engine guy that won't charge me the value of the car I would appreciate it.

 

[humdinger]

Be careful with "thicker" oil. It's harder to get pushed through smaller ports in the motor and takes longer to drain back down to the pan. It could cause more harm than good. Not to mention the strain on a 200,000 mile oil pump.

 

[jbh3]

Best bet is probably a Jasper reman. Hard to beat the warranty. A GM crate engine is another alternative. Hopefully someone down that way can point you to a good independent shop. I've got one up here, thankfully. (http://www.jonesautoknoxville.com/) Good, honest guys but would be a pretty good drive for you. Good luck.

 

[Hook1]

Yea I checked Jasper engine. Unfortunately I don't have nearly 5K to spend on it. I'll keep looking. The motor isn't on its last leg yet I just don't want it burning oil. My wife has a bit of a heavy foot. She uses all 8 cylinders and almost all the horses lol.

 

[Treed1]

Browns Automotive in Dallas Bay. Honest man,great work. Had him put new motor in my truck. Stay away from the Jasper motors I was told they do not totally rebuild the engine only what is needed (top end rebuild may still have 150k on bottom end) Gregg Brown 843-1000.

 

[Jmax]

Check with Allen Hyde at Hyde's automotives. He is very good and will treat you right. He does do Jasper engines but I found him less expensive then anyone else I could find. I had him put a new Jasper engine in my son's truck. 100,000 mile warranty is hard to beat. It still may be out of your budget but he could look your engine over and maybe give you some other less expensive advice. He is located on Hwy 58 in Harrison. Tell him you are a member on here and he will give you a discount. emoAngel Jmax

 

[MagicMan72]

I second Brown's Automotive. One of the most trustworthy guys Ive had work on my vehicles.

 

[275prostratos]

would depend on the model Tahoe you have , if its the 5.3 that's a pretty expensive little jewel of a motor but if its a older Tahoe it should have the 350 which are a dime a dozen. I installed many of the jasper engines and trans and haven't had one come back yet, like they have said that warrenty is hard to beat. if it smokes when first started up mostly then could very well just be worn valve guide seals. which would be an easy fix on either engine. im sure you will find someone in your area .

 

[humdinger]

I think it's just how far you want to go. Just refurbish the heads or do a complete rebuild. It all depends on how much oil its using and how long you intend to keep the vehicle. Just remember, everything has 200,000 miles on it, rings, main bearings, cam bearings, lifters, ect. A little extra now will pay off later. A
warranty goes a long way.

 

[spnplgr]

If the engine only smokes just after starting, it is usually worn out valve guide seals. If that turns out to be the case, go ahead and have them replaced. But, if the rings are worn out, go with a crate engine. Google "GM crate engines" to find the best deal. Years ago, a GM dealer in Charlotte sold brand new long blocks at unbelievable prices - much better deal that a jasper engine.

 

[stumpy]

Long block from GM is the way to go.

 

[flipper]

browns automotive best there is

 

[jims3000]

what year is it and is it a 4 wheel drive.i would put a rering kit in it and have the heads done by a machine shop.

 

[porthos33]

My buddy's tahoe just did the same thing but it was horrible. It has 315000 miles. He put that stuff that's for a blown head gasket in it and the smoke went away completely

 

[Hook1]

jims3000 - 5/14/2014 6:42 PM

what year is it and is it a 4 wheel drive.i would put a rering kit in it and have the heads done by a machine shop.

It's a 2003 and it's a two wheel drive. Looks like they've been using some cheap crappy oil in it at the Valvoline instant oil change in Ft. Oglethorpe. I changed it myself with some 10W-30 Castrol high mileage oil and it doesn't seem to be breaking down as far as the viscosity goes. I'll keep checking on it weekly and see if it's still consuming oil or not. I received this tip from a well known mechanic near me. He said they sell you one kind of oil yet they'll pump in something WAY cheaper. Crazy!