Cylinder deactivation lifter issues question
 

I am still casually looking for a SUV/sedan so I don't have to drive my diesel dually . A 2008 GMC Envoy Denali has posted for sale . It has the 5.3 with DOD and from some research the DOD can be a hydraulic lifter killer . I know that the system can be disabled . So the question . If at 100k and no apparent issues and the DOD is disabled will the lifters live a long life ? To me long life is another 100k .

Or regardless are the lifters a time bomb waiting to go off ? Is there anything the average hand held scan tool can detect ? Or should these just be ignored as potential used car purchase ?

Do a google search, there are issues with AFM and oil burning on the 5.3 between 2007 and 2014. I had a 2001 5.3 and it was bullet proof, not one issue. Also, stay away from the 3.6L DOHC, they are a ticking time bomb between 2007 and 2012. We had a well maintained 2010 Buick with low miles blow up, haven't bought a GM product since.

Bought my daughter a 2010 Avalanche with 100K on it, she had it for a week then it started making a chirping sound out of the valve train, couldnt get any Indies to look at it so I delved in, lifter had galled and damaged the cam, ended up replaceing all lifters and holders, cam and valve body that controls the lifters, hope it makes another 100k but it has had several niggling issues since
It aint no Toyota

OK I will stay away from cylinder deactivation .

Yep 'AFM' is the worst. Took GM out of contention as a vehicle for me entirely. Dumbasses they are.

If it made it this far. Tune it out and run it.

I have a 17 Tahoe with the 5.3. It has AFM or DOD. It has over 100,000 miles and so far so good. I was told as long as you stay on top of oil changes you should be o/k. I change the oil every 5-6000 miles.
I’d be more concerned with the 6 speed auto and torque converter. I’ve read they’re an issue as well.
I had an 06 Tahoe with a 5.3, it was bullet proof. No DOD.

I run an AFM/DOD disabler. No issues with it and the cost in gas is minimal.

https://www.rangetechnology.com/products/afm-dfm_disabler/