Miklo's 2001 Silverado 2500HD Build Thread

ORVietVet · Jul 12, 2026

Start with your basics, like you are saying. Pull plugs and number them and post pics. When ALL plugs are out, do a compression test. Maybe even a cylinder leak down test if results warrant it. Do you have a bore scope? Look for leaks, too.

stutaeng · Jul 12, 2026

X2 on what @ORVietVet suggested.

Remind us again what was done to the engine? Bored over and new pistons? Remachined heads? The shop assembled the shortblock and you bolted the heads, right?

Mikloangelo · Jul 12, 2026

Bored over, new flat top pistons, new rings new connecting rods, grind polish and balance crank, new cam. Engine machined, heads machined. New push rods new rockers. Short block put together at machinist and i put the heads on and accessories. No fluid leaks found and sealed up tight. All fluid levels good minus the oil since its burning oil.
I will pull the plugs and do compression testing as well. Probably scope it while im at it. Never done a leak down test before. Watching a few videos on it seems pretty straight forward. Just need to get the tester. Will probably change the oil to see if I see anything there as well.

Mikloangelo · Jul 15, 2026

So before I start any of that. I think my problem might be the PCV valve, or lack of. When putting on the intake manifold fold and the new valve covers i didn't think to put one on. I connected straight from the valve cover nipple to the intake manifold. Reading up on it, it seems to fit my issues. Will report back once I've installed an inline PCV.

Mikloangelo · Jul 15, 2026

On another note, the $50 amazon 40k tranmission cooler is fantastic. When not towing im never above 150 degrees. When towing im never above 175. Before the new cooler When towing i was at or above.

Tonimus · Jul 16, 2026

Mikloangelo said:
So before I start any of that. I think my problem might be the PCV valve, or lack of. When putting on the intake manifold fold and the new valve covers i didn't think to put one on. I connected straight from the valve cover nipple to the intake manifold. Reading up on it, it seems to fit my issues. Will report back once I've installed an inline PCV.

I would suggest a cheap Amazon catch can. https://www.amazon.com/EVIL-ENERGY-Universal-Reservoir-Aluminum/dp/B081N392BN

All the benefits of running it straight without the oil consumption. Also allows you to monitor the amount of oil vapor you're creating. And the dip stick built in is pretty damn handy. I have one installed on my Camaro since we gapped the rings for power adders.

stutaeng · Jul 16, 2026

Yes, that's the same catch can I installed on my DIY-rebuilt LQ4 on my 06 Suburban that @Tonimus just posted. It works! I check it every now and then and there's always some oil in it. I think I had to buy additional hose and I replaced the hose clamps with some heavier duty versions I get from the Lowe's plumbing department (edit: they are the stainless steel Ideal-Tridon brand in case anyone is interested), but otherwise no complaints.

Mikloangelo · Jul 16, 2026

I actually just installed the J&L 3.0 catch can. I think it will help for sure. i think i can also add the valve as a redundancy as well. Ill play that ear.

Mikloangelo · Saturday at 11:36 PM

Catch can and PCV Valve installed. Drove it around today not much but enough to fill up the tank and warm it up. Tomorrow will be the real test when I drive 2 hours to drop off some stuff at my moms house. Praying that I quit burning through the oil now and my hard starts go away.

Mikloangelo · Sunday at 9:39 PM

240 miles round trip today. No smoke, no oil burning, and only a drop of oil in the catch can. Seems to run much better, and sounds great during idle. I had one hard start this morning when I left. But none since then. Hopefully that means tomorrow's cold start will be good too.
Im relieved that I dont have to tear down the engine now!