Will my 5.7 motor "break" before 300,000 miles??

**phoebeisis** · 12-20-2008, 12:50 PM

OK, I know there is no way to actually know, but folks out there have lots of experience, so I'm looking for best guess.

I've only had one motor actually "break" enough to leave me on the side of the road, and that was a 1964 MG1100 that I was running at full throttle(84 mph) in 1967.There was a big bang, huge cloud of smoke steam, and a cruse to a stop. There was a decent sized hole in the oil pan-never knew what actually broke-I was a kid-16 yo with no interest in cars other than driving them full throttle.

I also managed to blow a head gasket on a 1969 Toyota Corolla(1000 or 1100 cc motor), but it continued to run despite blowing lots of steam out the exhaust and despite having heavily oiled fouled plugs which made it very hard to start.

My question-
Is the actual motor in my 1998 Suburban likely to "break" before it hits 300,000 miles? It runs just fine-21 mpg highway- and uses about 1 quart 5w30 syn oil per 2500-3000 miles? I drive it gently, and the PO apparently did the same. It has 208,300 miles on it- 13,000 are mine.

I ask because I'm wondering if I should put a new motor in ( GM Goodwrench )new motors are just $2300 delivered). I "need' as much reliability as I can afford,since once a year we drive 3000 miles roundtrip from New Orleans to Flagstaff AZ. W TX panhandle and NM are pretty deserted and breaking down there would be bad news. It would cost waaaaay more than the vehicle is worth to "fix' a motor or replace it out there. It would probably take a week also. We aren't young,and travel with a dog,so breaking down is a big deal.

Does anyone have a story of a 5.7 actually breaking and leaving them stranded. I gotta admit I can't remember hearing about one breaking.

If I could afford it, there is a 2004 70,000 mile 2wd Suburban locally for $9400- probably could get it for under $10,000 OTD. Still $10,000 is at least $8000 more than my Suburban would sell for( worth close to zero on a trade in,so I would sell it.

So do motors break nowadays-especially a late 5.7?Best guess? I know that there is an unlimited number of ways for a vehicle to break down-cooling system hose ,FI, electronic stuff all more likely I guess.

Thanks,
Charlie

**tbplus10** · 12-20-2008, 01:01 PM

Odds are yes it'll break before 300K. I dont recall seeing many 350's run past 225K miles, even well maintained. but there is always the one out there that defies the odds.
One of our Fleet Isuzus at work has a GM 350 with 296K, gets treated terribly and run 3 qts low on oil almost every other week but somehow keeps running and maintaining 16 mpg with a 20' box on the back. So I'd guess it's possible to run 300K with a well maintained engine.

**retired2001** · 12-20-2008, 02:47 PM

I have not put but 112000 on my '04, but had 150000+ on a '96 and a '99 w/o any major problems. My son has 320000 on a 4.3L V6 which is 2/3s of a 350, in his '89, but it is WEAK. I would really do some more looking for a used one before I headed on a long trip.

**bassalive** · 12-20-2008, 02:48 PM

yeah i'll second that

**JMoney02** · 12-21-2008, 03:41 AM

So do motors break nowadays-especially a late 5.7?Best guess? I know that there is an unlimited number of ways for a vehicle to break down-cooling system hose ,FI, electronic stuff all more likely I guess.

Well, this would be my fear before the motor decides to stop working on your trip. You can take the newest vehicle on a trip and have it fail, it is everyones worst nightmare. As far as your vehicle goes, I will take a stab in the dark and make this statemnet. Appears that with your concerns you take care of it very well but are concerned since it's up in the miles and do not wish to test its strenght again on your up coming trip. Well how about this, not knowing before your or when you are leaving, is it feasible on your wallet to rent a truck of this size instead? Do you have numerous family/friends and baggage to take with you? If not renting a truck, can you deal the locals down to your price range, don't mention the trade in until you have gotten the price you are willing to pay! Then talk about your trade, as I did and they worked the deal I wanted. (2002 Burban, 60k, loaded, clean, listed 37.5k, 98 Tracker trade with 150K miles for 1535.00, out the door they wanted 9900.00 for the Burban and 200.00 for the Traker, so I walked with a price of 9700.00(Tax, title, paperwork, fees etc)), so you can do it. Buyers are still leary about the big trucks and you sound like a person who likes his trucks, so what do your think now?
And if this does not convince you, rebuild the motor before you go, brake it right and enjoy your trip and still worry about everything you mentioned above, with a NEW Motor could still happen....I say
your truck is still healthy and enjoy the trip, keep AAA handy if you have it, if not, get it....

Jeff

**phoebeisis** · 12-21-2008, 09:46 AM

So we agree- more or less- lotta miles.
I think I see a new motor in my future before the next trip. We travel heavy and sleep in the back of the Suburban at rest stops,so big is good.You can fit a queen sized mattress in the back, and the 2 adults sleep back there with a tallish dog.

Thanks,
Charlie

**JMoney02** · 12-22-2008, 01:10 AM

Originally Posted by phoebeisis

So we agree- more or less- lotta miles.
I think I see a new motor in my future before the next trip. We travel heavy and sleep in the back of the Suburban at rest stops,so big is good.You can fit a queen sized mattress in the back, and the 2 adults sleep back there with a tallish dog.

Thanks,
Charlie

Check, why change what works for you, just modify it some, you like it, the family and the dog likes it,
So GM Crate Motor here we come??????

Jeff

**phoebeisis** · 12-22-2008, 01:04 PM

JMoney,
Yep, the Goodwrench new motor is the smart play. A newer 2004 with just 70,000 for about $10,000 out the door is tempting,and if I was in better $ shape, maybe it would be the way to go.
However,this Suburban has proven itself to be a winner-13,000 miles with no trouble despite all the miles.The radiator did leak(replaced it with a new one for $155) same story on the water pump($56), belt tensioner ($40),brake booster($135). The vehicle kept running with all these things leaking or not working.
The PO had the trans rebuilt at 185,000 miles(have receipt-$2000) the intake manifold gasket lots of AC stuff and alternator done at 155,000(another $2000),so it has some new parts.

Delivered to my doorstep the Goodwrench motor is $2230- can't beat that. I could spend a month doing it in my driveway, but a mechanic who works for himself will do it for $1000.So I figure for $3500 or so I get a new motor.

I like this truck-I especially like white color (hot in the summer outside new orleans).No telling what sort of problems I would have with a 70,000 mile 2004.It might be better, but this one has sorta' proven itself,so I'll go with it.

Big aside- I spent 3 freakin' hours pulling off the passengers side door panel-What a PITA!! I did have the trim tool-helped a lot -and a manual(helped a little). I only broke one tab and one of those white fasteners.
The POS door handle- made of that pot metal crap- broke. On the bright side I ordered a new one-$19- on Ebay.
GM parts are CHEAP- a huge plus for DIY types.

Thanks-Merry Xmas-
Charlie

**JMoney02** · 12-23-2008, 08:12 AM

Originally Posted by phoebeisis

JMoney,
Yep, the Goodwrench new motor is the smart play. A newer 2004 with just 70,000 for about $10,000 out the door is tempting,and if I was in better $ shape, maybe it would be the way to go.
However,this Suburban has proven itself to be a winner-13,000 miles with no trouble despite all the miles.The radiator did leak(replaced it with a new one for $155) same story on the water pump($56), belt tensioner ($40),brake booster($135). The vehicle kept running with all these things leaking or not working.
The PO had the trans rebuilt at 185,000 miles(have receipt-$2000) the intake manifold gasket lots of AC stuff and alternator done at 155,000(another $2000),so it has some new parts.
And its paid for, no truck paymnet with interest, parts do wear out and for the time you've had it it has paid off...

Delivered to my doorstep the Goodwrench motor is $2230- can't beat that. I could spend a month doing it in my driveway, but a mechanic who works for himself will do it for $1000.So I figure for $3500 or so I get a new motor.
Now this is good price. Is he doing all the work? Are you helping, just becasue you want to! Are you good friends with this person, if so is he giving any warranty for hi work?

I like this truck-I especially like white color (hot in the summer outside new orleans).No telling what sort of problems I would have with a 70,000 mile 2004.It might be better, but this one has sorta' proven itself,so I'll go with it.
Mine's white as well, seems lately white is in my color collage for some reason.It could or it couldn't, so it's the chance we take....Hope for the best.....

Big aside- I spent 3 freakin' hours pulling off the passengers side door panel-What a PITA!! I did have the trim tool-helped a lot -and a manual(helped a little). I only broke one tab and one of those white fasteners.
The POS door handle- made of that pot metal crap- broke. On the bright side I ordered a new one-$19- on Ebay.
GM parts are CHEAP- a huge plus for DIY types.
Broke only one fastener, good job! Trim tools are a good friend and perform well, have several styles.... I can not understand why they do not put better quality metal on a piece of equipment that is used all the time, oh to save money.......

Thanks-Merry Xmas-
Charlie

Merry Christmas to you as well! Thank you for posting this, I have enjoyed it and hope everything gives you another long time friendship. Any problems let us know.....

Jeff

**rfdillon** · 12-23-2008, 02:06 PM

Our 1990 GMC Suburban has 336,000 miles on it, and the engine doesn't burn nor leak a drop of oil. I have put two transmissions and two rear ends in it, but the engine is like new. I use Mobil 1 synthetic oil, and a 2 quart oil filter, which I have used since purchasing the burb, back in 1996. It had 100,000 miles on it when I purchased it, and we have put another 236,000 miles on it since having purchased it.
By the way, we load up the Suburban every year at Thanksgiving with 5 adults and 2 big dogs, and take it across the country from Texas to Ohio and back. I always give it a good look over before the trip, and take it to a trusted mechanic to have them give it a look over, then load it up with the family and take off. We discovered last year that the rear end had some slippage, and we knew that we were going to be pulling a trailer back from Ohio, so we replaced the rear end, but have never had trouble with it on the road. We also have AAA, just in case however!