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05 Sierra 5.3L Tune-up

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Sierra05

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I would like to do a complete tuneup on my 05 Sierra, and would like opinions on what parts or products to use. Also, my engine runs kind of rough even though i have always used fully synthetic oil, and upgraded my stock plugs to the bosch 4 prong plugs in 09.
 
How many miles on it? I ask because my dad had similar rough running issues with his 04 6.0 2500HD. Replaced plugs, wires and still ran the same. Brought it to the dealer and they did a software update or reset the adaptives and it's been good ever since.
 
Always use oem plugs on vortec engines. Is your engine light on? Dont forget to replace fuel filter too. My truck is running pretty rough, but it runs great, mines a 2003 4.8
 
I would have put AC Delco plugs in it,

The intake gaskets leak causing small vac leaks. but yeah, is the check engine light on?
 
the engine light has come on 3 times in the last few months, but only after long trips or driving in the mountains. after it sits awhile the light is gone, but still runs the same if light is on or off
 
You CAN use platinums in these things, I just wouldn't use Bosch anythings... I installed the AC Delco Platinum Professionals in the Burb, runs great, (when the injectors want to work) and with these 5.3's and their individual coil packs, I would think they would like a better sparking plug. When/if I buy platinums, it's always the exposed tip models though, those Bosch ones with the tip encased, suck bad.

Heck, I could have swore that platinums were a factory plug in these newer motors now.
 
Sierra05 said:
the engine light has come on 3 times in the last few months, but only after long trips or driving in the mountains. after it sits awhile the light is gone, but still runs the same if light is on or off
Click to expand...

That's exactly what my dads truck was doing. Spend some time on the highway and the light would come on. I'm pretty sure the dealer showed him a TSB on it. They reset the adaptives, basically restarting the computer. And it relearns how the engine (that now has over 100k on it) runs and adapts to how it runs. I don't know how else to describe it, but that's basically what happens.

Put the proper plugs in it and make sure the wires are still good, or replace them too. Then take it in to the dealer and get that software thing done. No one wants to hear "take it to the dealer" but sometimes that's the fix. We fix cars with software downloads all the time (not GM but Volvo) and it's been that way since 2000 at least.
 
Buy some throttlebody cleaner and clean the throttlebody and wipe it out, spray it out real good. They get real gummed up from not being cleaned, they get a gummed up lip inside that needs to be cleaned out. Also clean the mass air sensor, remove it, spray it out and let it air dry, there is special cleaner for that also, give that a good cleaning since you wont see the dirt. I bought plugs from the dealer for under 5.00 each. Also bought a set of autolite wires, not my 1st choice but all they had. Like said change the fuel filter but also run some lucas injector cleaner thru a few tanks of gas. My 6.0 in my hd stumbled at idle and was getting worse mileage. I get now in the 14-15s with 37 running back and forth to work, thats pretty darn good i think.
 
Alot of these NBS trucks don't have fuel filters anymore. Just the pickup filter in the tank with the pump.
 
I seen that, i thought tho in the middle of 05 was the change. I know my 01 and 03 both have em, and the same style for years.
 
I put those four prong expensive plugs in my 5.3 and thought La Ti Da and immediately ran La Ti Crapo! :eek1: The spark goes the path of least resistance so it mostly goes to the same prong all the time (when removed three were new looking) so the other three just obscure the ignition from the fuel path, as opposed to extending the spark out in the flow. These engines run super lean anyway exacerbating the problem so you end up with less mpg and peak power.

I would put some cleaner @ triple strength and run your stop and go day (clean a little soak a little softening up a little and over again) then put in the factory plugs that are good for 100 K miles and :woot:.
 
if your goin to try to clean your injectors out just take it to a dealer ship, they do a far superior job with there equipment than anyone can do at home by pouring stuff in there tank.

when i worked at a gm dealer we had a thing to clean injectors we hooked up to the shreader valve on the fuel rail and pulled the fuse for the fuel pump and let the engine run off awhile on pure BG fuel injector cleaner, sprayed a nozzle down the intake to clean the intake out and put a addidtive in the gas tank for the fuel system stuff.

not tryin to rain on anyone's parade but thats the GM way to do it
 
This got me thinking - my 2002 5.3 Silverado has 160K on it. So I got the right cleaners for the throttle body and mass air and cleaned them both.
My throttle body look like total ass and was real dirty. Seem to idle smoother now.


""""Buy some throttlebody cleaner and clean the throttlebody and wipe it out, spray it out real good. They get real gummed up from not being cleaned, they get a gummed up lip inside that needs to be cleaned out. Also clean the mass air sensor, remove it, spray it out and let it air dry, there is special cleaner for that also, give that a good cleaning since you wont see the dirt. I bought plugs from the dealer for under 5.00 each. Also bought a set of autolite wires, not my 1st choice but all they had. Like said change the fuel filter but also run some lucas injector cleaner thru a few tanks of gas. My 6.0 in my hd stumbled at idle and was getting worse mileage. I get now in the 14-15s with 37 running back and forth to work, thats pretty darn good i think"""
 
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