03 silverado with 6.0 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**richard2717** · 07-12-2015, 08:29 PM

I just purchased a 6.0 Silverado (2003) that was supposedly overheated. The story I got was they busted a hose and the driver ran it till it quit. They had it towed back and I ended up buying it. I know less than nothing about the 6.0 engines but I decided to give it a look see before just parting the truck out. Long story short, it wasn't a hose that busted but rather the D/S plastic tank on the radiator. Once I got the battery charged up I filled the radiator with water ( not knowing at the time that was what was busted) and the truck fired right up and seems to run pretty good until I got out and came around to the front to see where the water was spraying from. Once the water ran out of the radiator it ran rough for a few seconds and then cut off.

My question is this, do these trucks have some sort of sensor for low water level that shuts them down before they run hot? My 00' 6500 Chevy does but I didn't know about the light duty trucks. I don't want to go spend a lot of time or money on new radiator if it doesn't fix the problem, but I feel like this might be the only problem since it seems to run fine while the tank is full.

If the engine is good I am thinking about pulling it and the transmission to put in my 68' panel truck.

Thanks
Richard

**richard2717** · 07-14-2015, 06:47 AM

Anyone?

**AMERICAN PICK-UP** · 07-15-2015, 05:44 PM

you could put a good used radiator on it and drive it a while and see if the engine s good...

**richard2717** · 07-17-2015, 07:30 AM

I went to napa yesterday and bought new radiator and hoses to put on truck. When I pulled the air intake off the TB I noticed a small amount of engine oil around the opening of the TB. What causes this and should it be cause for alarm?

I thought I also made a decent score for tires and rims. I saw an ad on Craigs list for some new take off chrome rims, tires and center caps that came off a 2013 GMC 2500 HD only to get them home and find out that some engineer decided it would be a good idea to change the 8 lug bolt pattern so that they wont fit my 03'. Oh well back to craigs list they go.

95 S_Trucker · 07-17-2015, 08:45 AM

They changed the lug pattern in 2011 to provide heaver duty components and larger brakes.

The oil in the throttle body is most likely from the PCV System. The suction hose comes from the right valve cover and enter the intake system right at the throttle body.

There may be a coolant level sensor, that indicates on the DIC. But the engine will not be shut off when the coolant gets low, or when the engine gets to hot. That would be a safety hazard if your overheating truck shuts off in the middle of a busy intersection.

The engine could shut off when it gets hot enough and the clearances get tight.

Did you run it after the you put the radiator in?

**AMERICAN PICK-UP** · 07-17-2015, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by richard2717

I went to napa yesterday and bought new radiator and hoses to put on truck. When I pulled the air intake off the TB I noticed a small amount of engine oil around the opening of the TB. What causes this and should it be cause for alarm?

I thought I also made a decent score for tires and rims. I saw an ad on Craigs list for some new take off chrome rims, tires and center caps that came off a 2013 GMC 2500 HD only to get them home and find out that some engineer decided it would be a good idea to change the 8 lug bolt pattern so that they wont fit my 03'. Oh well back to craigs list they go.

A small amount of oil is prolly nothing to be concerned about....... drive it a while and see how it runs... you can also do a compression check on it..

**richard2717** · 07-17-2015, 08:50 AM

I have not gotten everything buttoned back up on it yet, ran out of time last night, still cleaning up as I go. Should have it all back together later this afternoon.

So would you say it needs a new PCV valve or is there a larger problem with the oil residue?

I will post again when I get it back together.

Richard

95 S_Trucker · 07-17-2015, 10:39 AM

I was wrong about the locations. The PCV valve(if it has one) is at the left valve cover. The fresh air inlet is at the right valve cover.

I would run it before you replace parts. There are a lot of trucks I have worked on that have some residue after they sit for a while.

**richard2717** · 07-17-2015, 10:48 AM

Thanks Guys will let you know how I make out

**richard2717** · 07-17-2015, 01:03 PM

OK I got it all back together and seems to run good but I think I may have found the initial cause of the radiator busting. When I 1st fired the truck up the clutch fan was spinning very slow, I figured this was probably normal because it was not warm yet. I have a 2k foot lane that I drove the truck up and down several times trying to get it up to temp, but the gauge never got above 165-170. I pulled back in the shop and popped the hood and the clutch fan is not spinning at all. I realize if it had electric fans they shut off at times but this truck still has clutch fan and I have never seen one not spin while running. I am going to get a new clutch for it and see if that helps. Other than the fan not spinning everything seems to be pretty good.

Richard

**richard2717** · 07-21-2015, 08:07 PM

Got the new clutch fan on and all seems to be good now.....except for truck slipped off 2 post lift (luckily about 2 feet off the floor) and crushed up the front driver side bed area. I checked all the pads before lifting and everything was good. I usually lift a couple feet in air and check everything again. I had just stopped the lift to check everything when it slid off man it pisses me off just glad it was not in the air with me under it.

**AMERICAN PICK-UP** · 07-22-2015, 07:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by richard2717

Got the new clutch fan on and all seems to be good now.....except for truck slipped off 2 post lift (luckily about 2 feet off the floor) and crushed up the front driver side bed area. I checked all the pads before lifting and everything was good. I usually lift a couple feet in air and check everything again. I had just stopped the lift to check everything when it slid off man it pisses me off just glad it was not in the air with me under it.

it sounds like you might have gotten a good engine and trans in this one....i hate to hear about the truck falling...

**richard2717** · 07-22-2015, 03:52 PM

here is what happens when you don't have the pads in the correct place once the wheels leave the floor. I normally stop it at about the 2' mark and do my walk around, guess I will have to do it at the 6" mark from now on. Oh well at least it was only the truck damaged.

07-12-2015, 08:29 PM	#1
richard2717 Equal opportunity joke ofender Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Eastern Shore of MD Posts: 9,957	03 silverado with 6.0 I just purchased a 6.0 Silverado (2003) that was supposedly overheated. The story I got was they busted a hose and the driver ran it till it quit. They had it towed back and I ended up buying it. I know less than nothing about the 6.0 engines but I decided to give it a look see before just parting the truck out. Long story short, it wasn't a hose that busted but rather the D/S plastic tank on the radiator. Once I got the battery charged up I filled the radiator with water ( not knowing at the time that was what was busted) and the truck fired right up and seems to run pretty good until I got out and came around to the front to see where the water was spraying from. Once the water ran out of the radiator it ran rough for a few seconds and then cut off. My question is this, do these trucks have some sort of sensor for low water level that shuts them down before they run hot? My 00' 6500 Chevy does but I didn't know about the light duty trucks. I don't want to go spend a lot of time or money on new radiator if it doesn't fix the problem, but I feel like this might be the only problem since it seems to run fine while the tank is full. If the engine is good I am thinking about pulling it and the transmission to put in my 68' panel truck. Thanks Richard __________________ Members I have met. Dually Jams, OlBlue60, ScottH, Tommyboy24, Dujobo, Warbucket, 2003 Silverado, Notsolo, my90k5, 6t727t2, Special-K ,Jack_71C10, tabarcus,72blazer_mud_bogger,pwdcougar,RSavage,EricSean,1Rippen6,invicta455,tennaragtop71,arks, Kendal,Bennett68C10, Perpendicular, Chainsawman, McGeesCustomMinis,ShortbedClayton,longblue72,6768chevylover,Tim71,Travisarmenta,Ol' Drippy,fleetmitch,georgieb51,Dave,bcnya2,Dadsburb https://paypal.me/6772GMtruckparts Most women like the strong, silent type… Fortunately for me, my wife prefers the out-of-shape, mouthy type. Last edited by richard2717; 07-14-2015 at 06:47 AM.

07-14-2015, 06:47 AM	#2
richard2717 Equal opportunity joke ofender Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Eastern Shore of MD Posts: 9,957	Re: 03 silverado with 6.0 Anyone? __________________ Members I have met. Dually Jams, OlBlue60, ScottH, Tommyboy24, Dujobo, Warbucket, 2003 Silverado, Notsolo, my90k5, 6t727t2, Special-K ,Jack_71C10, tabarcus,72blazer_mud_bogger,pwdcougar,RSavage,EricSean,1Rippen6,invicta455,tennaragtop71,arks, Kendal,Bennett68C10, Perpendicular, Chainsawman, McGeesCustomMinis,ShortbedClayton,longblue72,6768chevylover,Tim71,Travisarmenta,Ol' Drippy,fleetmitch,georgieb51,Dave,bcnya2,Dadsburb https://paypal.me/6772GMtruckparts Most women like the strong, silent type… Fortunately for me, my wife prefers the out-of-shape, mouthy type.

07-15-2015, 05:44 PM	#3
AMERICAN PICK-UP Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: paragould,arkansas Posts: 856	Re: 03 silverado with 6.0 you could put a good used radiator on it and drive it a while and see if the engine s good...

07-17-2015, 07:30 AM	#4
richard2717 Equal opportunity joke ofender Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Eastern Shore of MD Posts: 9,957	Re: 03 silverado with 6.0 I went to napa yesterday and bought new radiator and hoses to put on truck. When I pulled the air intake off the TB I noticed a small amount of engine oil around the opening of the TB. What causes this and should it be cause for alarm? I thought I also made a decent score for tires and rims. I saw an ad on Craigs list for some new take off chrome rims, tires and center caps that came off a 2013 GMC 2500 HD only to get them home and find out that some engineer decided it would be a good idea to change the 8 lug bolt pattern so that they wont fit my 03'. Oh well back to craigs list they go. __________________ Members I have met. Dually Jams, OlBlue60, ScottH, Tommyboy24, Dujobo, Warbucket, 2003 Silverado, Notsolo, my90k5, 6t727t2, Special-K ,Jack_71C10, tabarcus,72blazer_mud_bogger,pwdcougar,RSavage,EricSean,1Rippen6,invicta455,tennaragtop71,arks, Kendal,Bennett68C10, Perpendicular, Chainsawman, McGeesCustomMinis,ShortbedClayton,longblue72,6768chevylover,Tim71,Travisarmenta,Ol' Drippy,fleetmitch,georgieb51,Dave,bcnya2,Dadsburb https://paypal.me/6772GMtruckparts Most women like the strong, silent type… Fortunately for me, my wife prefers the out-of-shape, mouthy type.

07-17-2015, 08:45 AM	#5
95 S_Trucker Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: . Posts: 2,180	Re: 03 silverado with 6.0 They changed the lug pattern in 2011 to provide heaver duty components and larger brakes. The oil in the throttle body is most likely from the PCV System. The suction hose comes from the right valve cover and enter the intake system right at the throttle body. There may be a coolant level sensor, that indicates on the DIC. But the engine will not be shut off when the coolant gets low, or when the engine gets to hot. That would be a safety hazard if your overheating truck shuts off in the middle of a busy intersection. The engine could shut off when it gets hot enough and the clearances get tight. Did you run it after the you put the radiator in?

07-17-2015, 08:50 AM	#7
richard2717 Equal opportunity joke ofender Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Eastern Shore of MD Posts: 9,957	Re: 03 silverado with 6.0 I have not gotten everything buttoned back up on it yet, ran out of time last night, still cleaning up as I go. Should have it all back together later this afternoon. So would you say it needs a new PCV valve or is there a larger problem with the oil residue? I will post again when I get it back together. Richard __________________ Members I have met. Dually Jams, OlBlue60, ScottH, Tommyboy24, Dujobo, Warbucket, 2003 Silverado, Notsolo, my90k5, 6t727t2, Special-K ,Jack_71C10, tabarcus,72blazer_mud_bogger,pwdcougar,RSavage,EricSean,1Rippen6,invicta455,tennaragtop71,arks, Kendal,Bennett68C10, Perpendicular, Chainsawman, McGeesCustomMinis,ShortbedClayton,longblue72,6768chevylover,Tim71,Travisarmenta,Ol' Drippy,fleetmitch,georgieb51,Dave,bcnya2,Dadsburb https://paypal.me/6772GMtruckparts Most women like the strong, silent type… Fortunately for me, my wife prefers the out-of-shape, mouthy type.

07-17-2015, 10:39 AM	#8
95 S_Trucker Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: . Posts: 2,180	Re: 03 silverado with 6.0 I was wrong about the locations. The PCV valve(if it has one) is at the left valve cover. The fresh air inlet is at the right valve cover. I would run it before you replace parts. There are a lot of trucks I have worked on that have some residue after they sit for a while.

07-17-2015, 10:48 AM	#9
richard2717 Equal opportunity joke ofender Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Eastern Shore of MD Posts: 9,957	Re: 03 silverado with 6.0 Thanks Guys will let you know how I make out __________________ Members I have met. Dually Jams, OlBlue60, ScottH, Tommyboy24, Dujobo, Warbucket, 2003 Silverado, Notsolo, my90k5, 6t727t2, Special-K ,Jack_71C10, tabarcus,72blazer_mud_bogger,pwdcougar,RSavage,EricSean,1Rippen6,invicta455,tennaragtop71,arks, Kendal,Bennett68C10, Perpendicular, Chainsawman, McGeesCustomMinis,ShortbedClayton,longblue72,6768chevylover,Tim71,Travisarmenta,Ol' Drippy,fleetmitch,georgieb51,Dave,bcnya2,Dadsburb https://paypal.me/6772GMtruckparts Most women like the strong, silent type… Fortunately for me, my wife prefers the out-of-shape, mouthy type.

07-17-2015, 01:03 PM	#10
richard2717 Equal opportunity joke ofender Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Eastern Shore of MD Posts: 9,957	Re: 03 silverado with 6.0 OK I got it all back together and seems to run good but I think I may have found the initial cause of the radiator busting. When I 1st fired the truck up the clutch fan was spinning very slow, I figured this was probably normal because it was not warm yet. I have a 2k foot lane that I drove the truck up and down several times trying to get it up to temp, but the gauge never got above 165-170. I pulled back in the shop and popped the hood and the clutch fan is not spinning at all. I realize if it had electric fans they shut off at times but this truck still has clutch fan and I have never seen one not spin while running. I am going to get a new clutch for it and see if that helps. Other than the fan not spinning everything seems to be pretty good. Richard __________________ Members I have met. Dually Jams, OlBlue60, ScottH, Tommyboy24, Dujobo, Warbucket, 2003 Silverado, Notsolo, my90k5, 6t727t2, Special-K ,Jack_71C10, tabarcus,72blazer_mud_bogger,pwdcougar,RSavage,EricSean,1Rippen6,invicta455,tennaragtop71,arks, Kendal,Bennett68C10, Perpendicular, Chainsawman, McGeesCustomMinis,ShortbedClayton,longblue72,6768chevylover,Tim71,Travisarmenta,Ol' Drippy,fleetmitch,georgieb51,Dave,bcnya2,Dadsburb https://paypal.me/6772GMtruckparts Most women like the strong, silent type… Fortunately for me, my wife prefers the out-of-shape, mouthy type.

07-21-2015, 08:07 PM	#11
richard2717 Equal opportunity joke ofender Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Eastern Shore of MD Posts: 9,957	Re: 03 silverado with 6.0 Got the new clutch fan on and all seems to be good now.....except for truck slipped off 2 post lift (luckily about 2 feet off the floor) and crushed up the front driver side bed area. I checked all the pads before lifting and everything was good. I usually lift a couple feet in air and check everything again. I had just stopped the lift to check everything when it slid off man it pisses me off just glad it was not in the air with me under it. __________________ Members I have met. Dually Jams, OlBlue60, ScottH, Tommyboy24, Dujobo, Warbucket, 2003 Silverado, Notsolo, my90k5, 6t727t2, Special-K ,Jack_71C10, tabarcus,72blazer_mud_bogger,pwdcougar,RSavage,EricSean,1Rippen6,invicta455,tennaragtop71,arks, Kendal,Bennett68C10, Perpendicular, Chainsawman, McGeesCustomMinis,ShortbedClayton,longblue72,6768chevylover,Tim71,Travisarmenta,Ol' Drippy,fleetmitch,georgieb51,Dave,bcnya2,Dadsburb https://paypal.me/6772GMtruckparts Most women like the strong, silent type… Fortunately for me, my wife prefers the out-of-shape, mouthy type.

07-22-2015, 03:52 PM	#13
richard2717 Equal opportunity joke ofender Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Eastern Shore of MD Posts: 9,957	Re: 03 silverado with 6.0 here is what happens when you don't have the pads in the correct place once the wheels leave the floor. I normally stop it at about the 2' mark and do my walk around, guess I will have to do it at the 6" mark from now on. Oh well at least it was only the truck damaged. Attached Images __________________ Members I have met. Dually Jams, OlBlue60, ScottH, Tommyboy24, Dujobo, Warbucket, 2003 Silverado, Notsolo, my90k5, 6t727t2, Special-K ,Jack_71C10, tabarcus,72blazer_mud_bogger,pwdcougar,RSavage,EricSean,1Rippen6,invicta455,tennaragtop71,arks, Kendal,Bennett68C10, Perpendicular, Chainsawman, McGeesCustomMinis,ShortbedClayton,longblue72,6768chevylover,Tim71,Travisarmenta,Ol' Drippy,fleetmitch,georgieb51,Dave,bcnya2,Dadsburb https://paypal.me/6772GMtruckparts Most women like the strong, silent type… Fortunately for me, my wife prefers the out-of-shape, mouthy type.



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