1990 Chevrolet W5500 Tiltmaster

Introduction:

The 1990 Chevrolet W5500 Tiltmaster is a heavy-duty commercial truck with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,000 pounds. It is powered by a 427 cubic inch V8 engine that produces 228 horsepower and 340 foot-pounds of torque. The W5500 is available with a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission.

People like the W5500 for its towing and payload capacity, as well as its durability. However, some people have experienced issues with the vehicle’s engine, transmission, suspension, and electrical systems.

Engine

427 cubic inch V8

• Blown Head Gaskets:
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, white smoke from the exhaust, overheating
  • Solution: Replace head gaskets
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Intake Manifold Gasket Leaks:
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, rough idle, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Manual

• Shifting Issues:
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, grinding noises
  • Solution: Replace worn or damaged synchronizers
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

4-Speed Automatic

• Transmission Slipping:
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle accelerates poorly, shuddering or slipping when shifting
  • Solution: Rebuild or replace transmission
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Leaf Spring Breakage:
  • Description/Symptoms: Sagging suspension, rough ride, metal-on-metal noises
  • Solution: Replace broken leaf springs
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+ per axle
  • Recalls: None Found
• Shock Absorber Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough ride, excessive body roll, bouncing
  • Solution: Replace worn or damaged shock absorbers
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ per axle
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming lights, battery warning light, electrical system failure
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Starter Issues:
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine won’t start, clicking noises
  • Solution: Replace starter motor or solenoid
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust:
  • Description/Symptoms: Corrosion on body panels, frame, and other metal components
  • Solution: Rust removal and protection
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on severity
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking:
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks in the plastic dashboard
  • Solution: Replace dashboard
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 1990 Chevrolet W5500 Tiltmaster is a durable and capable commercial truck, but it has some potential issues that can be costly to fix. The most serious issues are with the engine head gaskets, transmission, and suspension. The cost to fix these issues can range from $1,000 to $3,000 or more. It is important to have the vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic before purchasing it to determine if it has any of these issues.