Stutaeng's 1999 Silverado

stutaeng · Jul 5, 2026

Uff...head gaskets on these Pentastars look like a major surgical operation job! Not like an LS head job (which I can handle.)

But like I said, it is what it is. I'd read may be easier to do an engine swap altogether? It's definitely not a dead miss because the cranking sounds normal and it idles smoothly. But who knows?

I'd rather look for a new (used) engine that a new wife! Lmao!

ORVietVet · Jul 5, 2026

You should do what you feel you should do. IIRC, the block is iron and the heads are aluminum. Blown head gaskets are 99% the result of a problem. they usually don't just give up by themselves. You could have a malfunctioning radiator fan. You could have a clogged radiator, that is not flowing coolant. You could have any number of problems, even a stuck thermostat. If you put a used engine in there, remember this. You already have a used engine and you have no history on that used engine.

If you have a shop that you trust, have them diagnose the problem. Make sure to give any shop or mobile tech a complete step by step, in chronological order, series of what took place and when. Any previous work. NO guesses. You need to "interview the wife".

ORVietVet · Jul 5, 2026

If you can do LS head work, you can do the 3.6 head work. Look at videos and become familiar.

Marky Dissod · Jul 5, 2026

When was the H2Opump last changed?

stutaeng · Jul 5, 2026

I'm down to the last few items on the OBS. I was going to post for sale the overhead console.

Although it looks identical to the GMT800s, and checking it out to swap into my 04 Suburban, the front little compartment is smaller on tbe OBS. The Suburban has the rear controls for the AC, so the OBS won't work.

My buddy suggested I try it on my Silverado and it does fit, the only difference is the map lights connectors are different.

stutaeng · Jul 5, 2026

Marky Dissod said:
When was the H2Opump last changed?

No sir, it has not. I'll do additional diagnostics to rule out thermostat and water pump, but I'm kinda sick of messing with that vehicle.

I'll update later this week if I find anything.

stutaeng · Jul 10, 2026

Well darn. I took out the thermostat on the Chrysler minivan and it's no longer overheating.

I drove it in like 102F ambient temperature during rush hour it peaked at 122F on the coolant temperature, but it ran closer to 210F-215F average, or cooler.

I'd replaced that thermostat not long ago due to a code not getting up to temperature with a Mopar. Stock value is 203F. Dorman sells an updated aluminum housing and it comes with a 185F version. I think I'll order that one, along with the aluminum Dorman crossover pipe.

stutaeng · Jul 17, 2026

The bowtie on my grill somehow became MIA...not sure what happened. Maybe a rock took it out, it did have a few cracks, so IDK?

I ordered one from Ebay for like $30 shipped...good enough.

ORVietVet · Jul 17, 2026

stutaeng said:
The bowtie on my grill somehow became MIA...not sure what happened. Maybe a rock took it out, it did have a few cracks, so IDK?

I ordered one from Ebay for like $30 shipped...good enough.View attachment 6365 View attachment 6366

Yea, they are very easy to swap out. Especially if the old one is gone.

SK101 · Jul 17, 2026

I need a new grille emblem too. I don't think I've seen one of these trucks with a good one in the last 10 years

stutaeng · Jul 24, 2026

Just got from a round trip to Austin for a job from my office. Our company F150s were getting some sort of recall work. A tree fell on a condominium, but it was pretty minor stuff and not a lot to see..."another day at the office (field, actually.)"

Silverado drives so nice. Absolutely no problem keeping up with the maniacs on I35 going 85 mph+ [head explosion emoji].

I did go to In-and-Out while I was down there because I was kinda early to my inspection. The first and last time I'd gone there was when my oldest son was born. He's 14 now. I remember it was pretty generic burgers and my Mom was with me and she wasn't impressed either...

Well, I guess I didn't miss anything in 14 years. Same thing...lol

ORVietVet · Jul 24, 2026

Had my first and last Chick-fil-A sandwich about a year ago. It was crappy.

stutaeng · Jul 24, 2026

ORVietVet said:
Had my first and last Chick-fil-A sandwich about a year ago. It was crappy.

Ya. I'm not a big fan of Chick-fil-a even tho they are immensely popular around here.

My now-favorite grilled chicken sandwich is from Whataburger (Waterburger, lol). You can add jalapeños as an option (unlike their competitors!) and their sauce/dressing is pretty good. I recommend it if they have those in the PNW?

ORVietVet · Jul 24, 2026

No Whataburger in Oregon.

The thing about Chick-fil-A, is that they had been open, with a new store, for about 4-5 months. Several lines to place and pick up order. Got home, 5 minutes away, and the sandwich was crap.

stutaeng · Jul 24, 2026

ORVietVet said:
If you can do LS head work, you can do the 3.6 head work. Look at videos and become familiar.

Oh, I forgot to update on the minivan...

I ordered and installed a Dorman upgraded metal housing thermostat (with a lower 185F vs factory 203F thermostat,) also the Dorman metal upgraded crossover thingy part, and a new radiator cap. The crossover pipe is kinda of PIA because you have to remove tbe engine mount.

I also lowered the temperature cut-in on the electric fans on the ECU tune via HP Tuners. 230F for the high fan speed is just too damn hot, but that's what the factory uses! Lowered to 219F.

It's been hotter than hell here the whole week and I drove the minivan to work and in my horrendous evening traffic congested commute, the coolant temperature went from 219F to 210F at stand still, lower driving. I'll drive it a bit more to make sure things are good before handing it back to my wife, but she already "borrowed it" to a doctor's appointment yesterday...

Long story short: it was a stuck thermostat!

ORVietVet · Jul 24, 2026

stutaeng said:
Oh, I forgot to update on the minivan...

I ordered and installed a Dorman upgraded metal housing thermostat (with a lower 185F vs factory 203F thermostat,) also the Dorman metal upgraded crossover thingy part, and a new radiator cap. The crossover pipe is kinda of PIA because you have to remove tbe engine mount.

I also lowered the temperature cut-in on the electric fans on the ECU tune via HP Tuners. 230F for the high fan speed is just too damn hot, but that's what the factory uses! Lowered to 219F.

It's been hotter than hell here the whole week and I drove the minivan to work and in my horrendous evening traffic congested commute, the coolant temperature went from 219F to 210F at stand still, lower driving. I'll drive it a bit more to make sure things are good before handing it back to my wife, but she already "borrowed it" to a doctor's appointment yesterday...

Long story short: it was a stuck thermostat!
View attachment 6385 View attachment 6387 View attachment 6388 View attachment 6389

My girl, Linda, has been in North Richland Hills for over 2 weeks now and supposed to be home by Sunday night. She sure misses the Oregon summer when she goes to Texas. No humidity here and over the last 2-3 weeks, our 3-4 hot days were low 90's here in Eugene. Gonna be a high tomorrow of 77 and then 80 on Sunday. Just rubbin' it in a bit.