Just learned my 06 GMC Yukon XL Denali needs the camshaft replaced. Ouch. $5100 of ouch (at the dealership). So, now comes the decision. It has 137,500 miles and we were planning to put at least 200k on it. I can probably get the engine replaced for $3500-6000 at a local garage. Since we have 4 kids, we're stuck with needing a large SUV type TV to pull our 5100 lb travel trailer. We're thinking we're going to just bite the bullet and replace the engine with a remanufactured or used one since we'd rather not take out a vehicle loan. Are we silly to put that kind of cash into this vehicle? What would you do?

You gan get a complete turn key engine through jegs cheaper and have someone install it.then everything is new and under warrenty

I think it will be easier for others to try to help advise (though still a hard decision!) with more info, rest of vehicle condition: body- do you live where cars/trucks rust out (not sure where Wentzville is), condition of tranny, any other gremlins that haven't been fixed yet- electrical?If all else is ok, I would weigh the new cam vs. rebuilt with cost and warranty. Also factor in how much a replacement truck would run minus what you could sell the current beast for in that condition.If everything else is a-ok, I think I would go for the rebuilt motor w/ a warranty vs used/ probably no warranty.Good luck!

I'd probably go for a Jasper engine.Is it a 1500 or a 2500?

locally it is common for one shop I frequent to be installing used motors. They come from a local wrecking yard. My neighbor is driving one of those replacements and he is happy as a lark with it.

Yea, it kinda hinges on the condition of the vehicle, and how much longer you plan on keeping it. If alls well and it's still in great condition, I see nothing wrong with putting in a new remanufactured motor and driving the wheels off it. If its starting to show its age, or your going to be trading off in a year or two, then id see if a used/salvaged motor is any cheaper then repairing the one in the truck.

what would you do? | Good Sam Community

Carluvr
Explorer
May 29, 2014
The Denali version of a Yukon XL (a Suburban) is a really nice vehicle. Replacement Suburbans/Yukons are really expensive, even used, and new ones are going for $70k plus! I'd replace the engine/tranny (after a second opinion) and you'd still come out way ahead financially speaking.
BTW, doesn't the Denali version have the 6.0L V8?
oughtsix
Explorer
May 29, 2014
$6000 for a vehicle you would feel comfortable driving for another 60,000 miles? Sounds like a no-brainer decision to me!
Mr_Beebo
Explorer
May 28, 2014
Something to say about owning a paid for vehicle. I'll just echo what others have said- if the GMC is in basic good condition, fix it and you are money ahead.
APT
Explorer
May 28, 2014
GM made and still makes a lot of 6.0L engines. I bet you can find a good one at a junk yard for $1000 and swap for less than $1000 labor. Then you have the current one for parts or to part out/sell.
Carluvr
Explorer
May 27, 2014
Dave H M wrote:
I would be quiet about the first opinion when getting the second one. let them start from scratch and not have their minds clouded with the stealer information.

X2
Dave_H_M
Explorer II
May 27, 2014
I would be quiet about the first opinion when getting the second one. let them start from scratch and not have their minds clouded with the stealer information.
mjmeyers
Explorer
May 27, 2014
Thanks Everyone. I'm going to be getting a second opinion from a local garage with a good reputation.
time2roll
Nomad
May 27, 2014
First get a second opinion on the repair. What is the issue? Just a timing chain? Dealer will tend to overstate repairs when ever possible in my experience.

I would get used or rebuilt over the repair for keeping the vehicle. Issue could more easily repeat with repairing the existing. JMHO.

Repair and trade if you must but have a independent give a quote.
gmw_photos
Explorer
May 27, 2014
Dave H M wrote:
Well I guess I am guilty of adding a thread that started the "junk Yard" syndrome.

Locally the used engines come from a salvage yard. You know the kind of vehicles that get rear ended or whatever at an early low mileage age. With replacement warranty also.

Do what makes you feel right. I was only giving an option that has worked locally.

happy camping

Yeah, my buddy bought a used powerstroke diesel from a low mileage tow truck that had been in a rollover accident. His logic was, "hey, it was upside down for a while....that got oil up into the topend, so it's well preserved" :B
Turned out to be a good engine indeed.
Dave_H_M
Explorer II
May 27, 2014
Well I guess I am guilty of adding a thread that started the "junk Yard" syndrome.

Locally the used engines come from a salvage yard. You know the kind of vehicles that get rear ended or whatever at an early low mileage age. With replacement warranty also.

Do what makes you feel right. I was only giving an option that has worked locally.

happy camping

Forum Discussion

what would you do?

About Travel Trailer Group

Related Content