mich7thm

Hello folks...

I am looking at/considering a used GM van purchase... I am starting to look at the Instrument cluster... I would like to know what readings a healthy 6L engine should be showing on the gauges...

Once upon a time I knew this stuff but I have been driving small import cars with idiot lights so I kinda lost touch with what actual gauges should read.

One van I like is reading:

Oil Pressure 30

Engine Temp 210

Charging System 16

Are these good readings for the 6L..?

Thank you

StanVan

That's about where my '16 is. The oil pressure will rise over 40-45 when revved. I monitor "Coolant Temp" with an OBD device. See this thread;

https://chevroletforum.com/forum/exp...-thread-87881/

I also monitor voltage, among other things, and mine sits upper 13s to mid 14s, so the one you posted seems a bit high.

canucklehead

Do the new ls engines use the usual 195 degree thermostat? If so, 210 is a bit warm. 16 volts is high....

StanVan

Just looked it up in Rock Auto, and the ACD(listed as OEM) was 190. The gauges on the dash don't seem to be all that accurate. My dash says 210, but my ELM says 200-205. I'll try and get a pic of that screen the next time I'm out.

mountainmanjoe

The smart charging system can choose generator outputs between 12.5 and 15.5V depending on electrical conditions.

mich7thm

Thanks guys but I missed the window on that purchase...

But…

I have come across another one that has my interest…

It’s a nice clean looking (no real signs of abuse) 2002 passenger model, 5.7L with almost 160k miles… So that would be around 10K miles annually… Also, no signs of a tow hitch used.

Anybody have a guess on what the life expediency on this engine and transmission might be?

Thank you

Mike

StanVan

I'd need service records to say. It's difficult at that mileage. The price would be the determining factor on a 16 year old vehicle. I would just say that I just got out of a '00 in July that may not have made it back home from the dealer I got my '16 from. And I did the recommended services.

That being said, I'm a confirmed GM guy. I wouldn't buy anything but a GM. I'm just a bit old to do the work myself.