Chevrolet Silverado 1500

LV3 4.3L V6 EcoTec3 285 hp Automatic Pickup 2019–2021

✔ Good Choice

Engine LV3 ✔ Good Choice 5,200–16,400 $

4.3L V6 EcoTec3 — solid base engine with 250k+ km potential. AFM deactivates two cylinders — lifters are the weak point as with all GM EcoTec3, though less affected than the 5.3L V8. Direct injection without port: valves coke from ~80k miles. Straightforward, dependable truck engine.

Fun Factor? Decent

4.3 V6 T1XX — being phased out, 2019-2021 only

Same V6, final years before discontinuation. For used buyers: cheaper than V8, less lifter risk.

Engine Weaknesses 4

!! Timing Chain Wear

Cold start rattle from chain tensioner/guide wear.

Symptoms: Cold start rattle, P0008/P0016 codes

800–1,800 $ from 160,000 km

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!! AFM Lifter Tick

Cylinder deactivation wears lifters — same issue as 5.3L, but less frequent.

Symptoms: Ticking/knocking, misfires, check engine light

1,500–4,000 $ from 120,000 km

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!! High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure

High-pressure fuel pump can fail — bad fuel or clogged filters accelerate wear.

Symptoms: Hard cold start, stalling, power loss, engine hesitation

600–1,500 $ from 100,000 km

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! Intake valve carbon buildup

Direct injection without port spray: intake valves carbon up from ~80k miles. Walnut blasting cleans but doesn't prevent reoccurrence. Regular oil changes slow the process.

Symptoms: Rough idle, power loss from ~80k miles, engine hesitation

300–600 $ from 130,000 km

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Vehicle Weaknesses 1

!! Gearbox 10-Speed Auto Shudder — Class Action

10L80/10L90: shudder, harsh shifts, rear wheels momentarily lock. Class action filed.

2,000–8,500 $ from 50,000 km

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