6.0 LS with low compression - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**richard2717** · 09-27-2020, 12:58 PM

I am looking at a 2005 GMC Savanna van with an arial boom mounted on it. It has the 6.0 LS engine and the seller is stating it has low compression but runs. It only has 156k miles on it. I know nothing about the LS platform so figured I would ask here. With 156k should I be looking to rebuild or just replace the engine? It is going to be my main work truck and traveling quite a bit as well as idling quite a bit (hydraulic pump mounted to engine) running the boom. My gut says go with a crate vs rebuild but have no clue who offers the best bang for the buck. I will most likely have someone else install it since it appears you have to disassemble it pretty much to a long block to get it in and out.

thanks
Richard

vince1 · 09-27-2020, 02:05 PM

https://www.onallcylinders.com/2018/...ads-cam-specs/

I'd probably give it a quick look over and start with a compression check. Rings, bearings gaskets, lifters and timing set usually doesn't cost that much. I guess these days one also needs to check the cam.

Everyone is different though in how much time is available and what they expect out of it.

**truckster** · 09-27-2020, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vince1

https://www.onallcylinders.com/2018/...ads-cam-specs/

I'd probably give it a quick look over and start with a compression check. Rings, bearings gaskets, lifters and timing set usually doesn't cost that much. I guess these days one also needs to check the cam.

Everyone is different though in how much time is available and what they expect out of it.

LS engines use roller cams. They're not subject to the low-zinc problems of flat tappet cams. Of course, everything should be checked, but roller cams live incredibly long lives.

vince1 · 09-27-2020, 03:43 PM

Even better.

Hopefully the engine was never cooked.

kipps · 09-28-2020, 04:53 PM

Good chance that it's just valve issues. Do a full leak-down test before assuming you have to pull the short-block.

If it just needs a valve-job, great. But if it's losing compression past the rings, it'll be cheaper to just find another junkyard engine with good compression.

09-27-2020, 12:58 PM	#1
richard2717 Equal opportunity joke ofender Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Eastern Shore of MD Posts: 9,867	6.0 LS with low compression I am looking at a 2005 GMC Savanna van with an arial boom mounted on it. It has the 6.0 LS engine and the seller is stating it has low compression but runs. It only has 156k miles on it. I know nothing about the LS platform so figured I would ask here. With 156k should I be looking to rebuild or just replace the engine? It is going to be my main work truck and traveling quite a bit as well as idling quite a bit (hydraulic pump mounted to engine) running the boom. My gut says go with a crate vs rebuild but have no clue who offers the best bang for the buck. I will most likely have someone else install it since it appears you have to disassemble it pretty much to a long block to get it in and out. 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.

09-27-2020, 02:05 PM	#2
vince1 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Calgary Alberta Posts: 1,164	Re: 6.0 LS with low compression https://www.onallcylinders.com/2018/...ads-cam-specs/ I'd probably give it a quick look over and start with a compression check. Rings, bearings gaskets, lifters and timing set usually doesn't cost that much. I guess these days one also needs to check the cam. Everyone is different though in how much time is available and what they expect out of it.

09-27-2020, 03:43 PM	#4
vince1 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Calgary Alberta Posts: 1,164	Re: 6.0 LS with low compression Even better. Hopefully the engine was never cooked.

09-28-2020, 04:53 PM	#5
kipps Registered User Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: North-central Virginia Posts: 1,099	Re: 6.0 LS with low compression Good chance that it's just valve issues. Do a full leak-down test before assuming you have to pull the short-block. If it just needs a valve-job, great. But if it's losing compression past the rings, it'll be cheaper to just find another junkyard engine with good compression. __________________ 1987 C6P V20 truck, 2010 LMG 5.3, AFM delete, 2010 Camaro exhaust manifolds, 1997 nv4500, 1991 np241c, hydroboost, 2005 14bff axle & driveshaft, drop-n-lock gooseneck, 4.10 gears, stock suspension, rims, and tires. Still a work in progress. Any questions or suggestions are welcome!



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