The GM LT engine family is the successor to the legendary LS engines. Found in Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra, Camaro, Corvette, Tahoe, Suburban, and Cadillac SUVs, the LT engines are Gen V small-block V8s featuring direct injection, variable valve timing (VVT), and AFM/DFM cylinder deactivation.
These engines deliver excellent power and efficiency, but they are known for lifter failures, fuel injector issues, timing chain stretch, and excessive carbon buildup.
At DK Auto & Diesel Service in Magnolia, TX, we service, rebuild, and upgrade GM LT engines for daily driving, towing, and high-performance builds.
Common GM LT Engine Problems
1. AFM/DFM Lifter Failures
• Symptoms:
◦ Misfires under light load
◦ Ticking/knocking noise from valvetrain
◦ Check engine light with cylinder deactivation codes (P0300, P030x)
• Causes:
◦ Collapsed AFM/DFM lifters
◦ Sticking lifter oil control solenoids
• Fixes:
◦ AFM/DFM delete kits (new camshaft, lifters, valley cover)
◦ ECM tuning to disable cylinder deactivation
◦ Upgraded lifters for longevity
2. Direct Injection Carbon Buildup
• Symptoms:
◦ Rough idle
◦ Loss of power
◦ Misfires on cold start
• Causes:
◦ Oil vapors and fuel residue build up on intake valves (no fuel wash in DI engines)
• Fixes:
◦ Walnut blasting or chemical intake cleaning every 60k–80k miles
◦ Catch can installation for performance builds
3. Fuel Injector Failures
• Symptoms:
◦ Hard starts
◦ Lean/rich codes (P0171, P0172, P0300)
◦ Poor fuel economy
• Causes:
◦ High-pressure direct-injector clogging or failure
◦ Low-pressure fuel system contamination
• Fixes:
◦ Replace high-pressure injectors with updated parts
◦ Fuel system cleaning & injector coding
4. Timing Chain Stretch
• Symptoms:
◦ Rattling noise on cold start
◦ Cam/crank correlation codes (P0016, P0017)
◦ Erratic VVT operation
• Causes:
◦ Chain stretch from oil breakdown
◦ Weak tensioners in high-mileage motors
• Fixes:
◦ Timing chain kit replacement (chains, guides, tensioners)
◦ Regular oil changes with Dexos-approved oil
5. Oil Consumption
• Symptoms:
◦Blue smoke on startup or acceleration
◦ Low oil pressure warning
• Causes:
◦ AFM/DFM oil control rings sticking
◦ Valve seal leakage
• Fixes:
◦ AFM/DFM delete & re-ring
◦ PCV system service or upgrades
GM LT Engines We Service
LT Truck Engines
- 5.3L L83 / L82 / L84 → Silverado, Sierra, Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon
- 6.2L L86 / L87 → Silverado/Sierra 1500, Yukon Denali, Escalade
LT Performance Engines
• LT1 (6.2L) → Camaro SS, Corvette Stingray
• LT2 (6.2L) → C8 Corvette
• LT4 (6.2L Supercharged) → Corvette Z06, Camaro ZL1, CTS-V
• LT5 (6.2L Supercharged) → Corvette ZR1 (highest output LT)
How DK Auto & Diesel Fixes GM LT Engines
We provide repair, rebuild, and upgrade solutions for LT motors:
- AFM/DFM delete kits & ECM tuning
- Timing chain, VVT, & oil pump upgrades
- Direct injection carbon cleaning & injector replacement
- Forged internals for boosted LT builds (LT4/LT5)
- Preventive maintenance for high-mileage trucks
- 24-month / 24,000 mile warranty
Schedule Your GM LT Engine Diagnostic in Magnolia, TX
If your GM LT engine is misfiring, consuming oil, or suffering from lifter/timing chain problems, bring it to DK Auto & Diesel Service for expert diagnostics and upgrades.
Serving Magnolia, Montgomery, Conroe, The Woodlands, Tomball, Willis, and Spring.
Book an LT Engine Diagnostic Today
FAQ About GM LT Engines
What’s the most common LT engine failure?
- AFM/DFM lifter collapse is by far the most common — especially on the 5.3L and 6.2L.
How can I prevent LT engine failures?
- Disable AFM/DFM with tuning, perform regular oil changes with Dexos-approved oil, and keep up with carbon cleanings.
Can the LT handle boost like the LS?
- Yes, but forged pistons and rods are recommended above ~700 hp. The LT4/LT5 come factory with forged internals and superchargers.










