any problems?

Just wondering if anyone has experienced any problems with these vans past 150,000 miles? We own one that has a 454 vortec engine and its a 3500 series model 1998 for the year, we use to pull our 28foot race car trailer with. Does a fine job at it!! It is nearing 200,000 miles and my worry is the motor going in it. Just want some replys on ppl who have own one with this great amout of miles or how many miles does it probably have left?

Thanks,
Scott 02

Sorry no first hand exp. but if you have taken care of the general maintainence and treated it right, there is no reason to expect any problems. If you are curious about the shape that the inside of the engine is in do a compression test. I don't doubt that some of the bearing are probably starting to show some wear though. Glad to hear that you are happy with your van.

Suggest doing a cylinder leakdown test. That will give you a better idea of its state of health but I agree, you may wanna take a weekend and drop the pan and inspect or even replace the bearings and pump just because.

We had to put a new water pump on it just lately, wouln't hurt doing a compression test as well.

My '02 one ton has 180k (5.7, 8.5:1 comp), and I've never checked the oil (it runs 24/7, except for the oil change). Your 454 has 8.0:1 comp, so may last longer, given regular oil change.

You also might send a sample of the oil to an analysis place....

My '92 has 257,000 miles. 350 crate, as the old one threw a rod. The transmission was rebuilt several years ago (previous owner - and it probably didn't need rebuilding then). The majority of problems that I am having with it are related to aging electronics (wires and connectors going bad, usually) and rust. It is a local driver and suits my purposes just fine, but it is too old to take really far out of town. I can't complain given its age in years and miles. A new engine is still cheaper than a new van, and the 454's are, in my opinion, longer lasting than the 350's.

Good Luck with it!