6.0 failed in 2500 HD

[davischevy]

The 6.0 in our 2500 HD went down at 162,000 miles to the point of locking up. We found a 62,000 mile engine and had a shop install it. The replacement engine started and ran good then started ticking, then knocking then making all kinds of noises.

The salvage yard says the failure was caused by the oil cooler being clogged by the first engine failure.

Anybody got experience or opinions on the subject.

[71swb4x4]

I lost my 6.0 at about the same mileage as yours. I lost a 4.8 (also an LS) two days after the 6.0. On both engines a cam bearing walked over and covered one of the oil passages. We replaced everything that the oil went through. If you didn't replace your oil cooler, then I would say the salvage yard is correct. From here I can't tell you that the cooler was clogged, I think it's more likely that you ran your bearing filings right back into the new motor, but maybe it was clogged.

[davischevy]

I think your theory of the filings going back in the motor could be a possibility.But at any rate the mechanic should have Changed the cooler or at least flushed it.

[71swb4x4]

The cooler should have been changed. There is no way that I would chance a new motor on a flush, when I know filings have gone through that cooler. But, maybe there is a way to completely flush them. I am surprised the mechanic didn't bring that up to you during the swap.
From my side of the keyboard it's hard to say whose fault it is. If you hired them to swap a short block over, they could argue that you didn't tell them to swap the oil cooler. At the same time you can argue that you hired them swap engines, and that they are the experts, and they should have advised that the cooler be replaced. If at that time you refused to have it replaced then it's on you.

[davischevy]

All the research I've done says change the cooler, which means change the radiator and the cooler.This shop has worked for us for years and they know we don't short cut things. We can't afford to, this is a truck that crews depend on.The Shop has a new owner but as it turns out he was there when the old owner ruined two engines from the same process.

Anyway, he's has agreed to take care of it.

[68C15]

New radiator and cooler hoses are a must. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. I did the motor for 71swb4x4 and he didn't argue with me a bit about changing them. If he did, I would have refused the job

Also, I am very leery about used engines. I refuse to buy them for customers. They can buy it themselves if they insist to go used and I put no warranty on my work then.

From what I see there are two versions of LSx engines. Those that had an oil related failure and those that will

[hugger6933]

What model is your truck I have heard that the 07-09 had trouble with the roller retainers breaking and then the roller will jump sideways and wipe out the cam. The only other oil related problems I have heard of are on the 99 steel headed 6.0 motors. Hope you get it lined out . Jim

[davischevy]

Truck is a 2005. Not sure yet what failed on the original engine, but it was an error by the kid working in the shop that took out the second engine. They took full responsibility and are got another engine.

[special-K]

When an engine blows it pumps all the crap right into the cooler. So, yeah, gotta change those and lines too. You'd be better off looping the (new) line and say to heck with the cooler. They aren't necessary anyway. Just a source for a major oil leak when a silly o-ring fails. IMO they are just a gimmick. Your cooling system regulates the proper temperature, just as always on everything you drove all your life. Now an oil cooler on an air-cooled VW? That should have been mandantory

[davischevy]

I had one of those funky oil cooler/radiator fittings come loose one time on a 2001. Luckily I noticed the blue smoke cloud and pulled over before the tranny fried. That truck, with a 5.3 engine has around 230,000 on it now, with the original tranny and engine.