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Acommanderguy
06-23-2006, 01:22 PM
Hey guys have a question. I bought this tahoe last year and have only used it once to tow to havasu. I know that next week is going to be really hot. I do not drive during the day. Anyways I have 119,000 on my 5.3 motor and It has a 8 inch lift with 36 inch super swampers.(not regeared) Anyways I have some concerns with it maybe over heating towing up the grapevine the truck likes to run at 230 or so. One guy that is fine and that in some cases the truck will run to 240. Another guy told that I shouldnt let it get up to 230. Also what kind of oil I should run? I run valoline 5w-30 in it, and change the oil every 3,000 miles.Its always clean. I was thinking of going with synthetic. Has anyone had any problems with this motor. I used it memorial day weekend and the truck did great. I have noticed that when I get on it the truck will climb up to 5500 and than shift. Chevy told me that is normal. I dunno any info that you guys have would be great.
Thanks Anthony
here is a pic
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b230/Anthonyccicchetti/havasupics078.jpg

MagicMtnDan
06-23-2006, 01:27 PM
Dang, 5.3L motor, 8 inch lift, 36 inch tires towing up the Grapevine! :rolleyes: You need a new truck!
Good luck!

Acommanderguy
06-23-2006, 01:29 PM
Dan she cruises. I must say it pulls very well up the grapevine

Acommanderguy
06-23-2006, 02:10 PM
anyone please?

YeLLowBoaT
06-23-2006, 02:15 PM
1st turn off the AC
2nd if you start to get hot turn on the heater. It will cool of the coolent.
Take your time going up the hill... if you get any1 honking and sh*t... tell them too "fook off, i'm going boating."

Jyruiz
06-23-2006, 02:15 PM
I would be more concern with the tranny overheating than the motor, but just keep it in tow mode and take it easy up the grapevine.

MrsSigEpMock
06-23-2006, 02:15 PM
anyone please?
I would recommend using a heavier oil, maybe 10 50 with those miles and the heat. If you've always regular don't switch to synthetic and visa versa.
Does yours have a Tow/Haul button? use it.
Have you considered getting a programmer for it?
Also, maybe ask about changing the thermostat to a cooler running one.
look under tow rig sections, guys like to give advice all day long on there! Good Luck! :cool:

Acommanderguy
06-23-2006, 02:18 PM
Thanks guys maybe I should clearify. I am going to havasu. I use to the grapevine to go to pyramid. I was just worried about the heat since its going to be real hot going to havi nextweekend

voodoomedman
06-23-2006, 02:32 PM
Why don't you regear it. I have a 4.8 with 35" tires but I have a 4.56 gear. My boat is kept in Havi but the few times I have brought her home I had no problems going up Cajon pass and all the grades on the 40. The dang thing purrs along at like 2200 rpm.

CHEETAH24
06-23-2006, 02:35 PM
Use the tow/haul button it increases trans line pressure so it takes longer to shift(5500 would be normal).use synthetic oil and take your time.
p.s. when using tow/haul take it out of overdrive.

Havasu Hangin'
06-23-2006, 02:36 PM
If you keep it in a lower gear and slow down...it's much easier on the engine and transmission.

Big Kahunaa
06-23-2006, 02:43 PM
new thermostat flush the rad and mabey a new temp sender and check your fan clutch

Cole
06-23-2006, 02:48 PM
dang...5500 rpm????

Acommanderguy
06-23-2006, 02:50 PM
ya 5500. I guess redline is 6300 rpm. or something like that. Thats what the chevy dealer says

djunkie
06-23-2006, 02:57 PM
DO NOT USE OVERDRIVE. YOUR TRANSMISSION WILL THANK YOU. :crossx:

ChumpChange
06-23-2006, 02:59 PM
One year old truck with 119,000 miles? I guess you bought it used.
The only thing that would concern me on the vehicle is if it has a body lift. A body lift will lift the body making the radiator fans not line up with the grill vents. As long as they are still lined up, I think you'd be fine with the advice previously written.

Jyruiz
06-23-2006, 02:59 PM
I have a Chevy with a 4.8 as well so let me ask this question. If the shifter is in the D postion and you engage the tow/haul button on the shifter, that disables OD rigth?

djunkie
06-23-2006, 03:01 PM
I have a Chevy with a 4.8 as well so let me ask this question. If the shifter is in the D postion and you engage the tow/haul button on the shifter, that disables OD rigth?
No. Shift it manually into 3rd.

voodoomedman
06-23-2006, 03:02 PM
I have a Chevy with a 4.8 as well so let me ask this question. If the shifter is in the D postion and you engage the tow/haul button on the shifter, that disables OD rigth?
I don't believe so but I could be wrong. If your towing or hauling even without the tow/haul mode on put that stick in the 3 position. D is actually overdrive.

Jyruiz
06-23-2006, 03:03 PM
No. Shift it manually into 3rd.
So shift it to 3rd and engage the tow/haul button on the shifter?

djunkie
06-23-2006, 03:05 PM
The tow haul mode just increases the line pressure in the trans and it usually shifts at a higher rpm thus holding it into a lower gear longer. If you are gonna tow something heavy with a 4L60 transmission I would highly recomend towing in 3rd gear instead of overdrive and just keep it at a reasonable speed. This is experience talking. :cry: :cry:

plaster dave
06-23-2006, 03:06 PM
Drive at night or early morning and you will be fine. That is a fine temp considering all the stuff done to the truck. GL and have fun.

djunkie
06-23-2006, 03:09 PM
So shift it to 3rd and engage the tow/haul button on the shifter?
Yes sir. Even though you will be crusing at a little higher RPM it is allowing the trans to cool better thus saving it.

Jyruiz
06-23-2006, 03:13 PM
The tow haul mode just increases the line pressure in the trans and it usually shifts at a higher rpm thus holding it into a lower gear longer. If you are gonna tow something heavy with a 4L60 transmission I would highly recomend towing in 3rd gear instead of overdrive and just keep it at a reasonable speed. This is experience talking. :cry: :cry:
Sounds good. I have yet to tow this boat with my truck (we always use my wifes Armada) but there will be trips I go to Havi with out the wife. I guess another good thing is I only tow two miles each way. I did use to tow my 18' boat and jetski in the back of my truck though and never had a problem doing it that way. I do change the tranny fluid every season though and I installed a bigger tranny cooler than stock before I started towing with it.