Ouch...Code PO307

Welp.... day 3 at the dealership. They still haven't gotten it in for a diagnostic. Very frustrating. Messed up by taking it there to begin with. I have already made my mind up that I am not going to keep this truck. It its a lifter failure, then I would probably sell it as is for cheap. If its an easier/cheaper fix, then I will fix it to get it back running and sell it for $6-7k if I'm lucky. It has no trade value with over 200k miles, even if running good, as any reputable dealer near me wouldn't put it on their lot, they would take it straight to the auction. So trade in value would be auction wholesale of probably $3500 if I'm lucky. Honestly at this point, I'm not even sure why I am still waiting to go get something else. Guess I am still hopeful that its worth fixing, just so I can put it up for sale and get a little cash out of it. Even though 3 different mechanics plus you guys and others I know have all told me its a lifter failure and will need a rebuilt or replacement engine. I am excited to get something new, just not excited to have a payment again.

Okay so, busy weekend but I now have an update as they finally completed the diagnostic Saturday afternoon. Good news and bad news.

Bad news is that you were all correct and it is indeed a lifter failure. Dealership has it quoted at $9k for a factory reman motor install or $4800 to rebuild the current motor (with the knowledge that it could be worse once they get in it). I doubt I would let them do the work as I would rather find a smaller independent shop with a good reputation. So now, I will have it towed to my office and it will sit out in the yard until I figure out what to do with it. I have talked to 2 small independent shops as well as a retired GM mechanic and none of them are interested in rebuilding it anyway. May ask my dad who he had rebuild the 4.3L in his 87 square body years ago. I do have a couple people interested in the truck "as is" for cheap and they would try and rebuild it themselves. I don't know what the truck is worth in its current non running condition. Maybe $1500-$2k? If you think I am way off, please let me know. I dont think its worth it to put about $4K in it to get it running just to try and sell it myself for around $7500 (kbb value). I welcome everyones two cents about what they would do with it.

Now for the good news. I work for a very small engineering firm and have been with my employer for 17 years now. He basically hired me right out of high school because I knew Autocad and was interested in Engineering. My boss is aware of my situation and already knew I was going to try and upgrade my ride as soon as the high ass markups started cooling off. He is going to start giving me a monthly truck allowance to get some new wheels, so basically company is paying for it. His way of showing his appreciation for my hard work and loyalty. Just so happens there is a small reputable used car dealer 5 mins from our office. We have been their go to engineer for the last 20 years everytime they do a parking lot expansion or garage add on, etc. My boss has also been buying vehicles from him forever and they go way back. They actually have a truck on their lot right now that fits all my needs and 95% of my wants. They are giving me the family and friends discount just like my boss would get on it. So, I will be picking that up very soon. I will start a new thread on the new ride instead of keeping it on this one.

Quick update for anyone interested. Dad found a solo mechanic that works out of a shop in his backyard basically. Said he could rebuild the motor with non AFM lifters and cam for 3,500 bux. Only catch is, he wont remove or install the motor from the truck. So dad and his old mechanic buddy would have to take the motor out and haul it over to the guy, then come get it when its done and haul it back and reinstall it in the truck. My dad is retired and wanted to take this project on becuase when its done, he will have a 2009 silverado thats been only owned and driven by for the last 10 years, rebuilt under the hood, has leather seats, power windows, etc instead of a truck that he has to work on every other weekend like his current square body. Perfect for hauling his bass boat and four wheelers back and forth to the hunting camp. Plan is to have it be the last truck he ever owns. Although its not funny, he chuckled at it.... I am an only child, so he told me I would get it back one day when he moves to greener pastures and I could drive it some more or by that time, one of my boys could.

With that said, he came and picked it up on Monday. Tuesday they started pulling the motor out. Besides the failed lifter on 7, said there was no metal shavings and everything else looks good. Tomorrow should be delivering it to the mechanic where it will sit behind 8 others for the next few weeks until he gets to it. Dad said he is also going to look into the trans while he is at it because well, why not.