1990 GMC C3500

Introduction

The 1990 GMC C3500 is a heavy-duty pickup truck that was available with a variety of engine and transmission options. The base engine was a 5.7L V8, which produced 210 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options included a 6.2L V8, a 7.4L V8, and a 6.5L turbocharged diesel V8. The C3500 was also available with a variety of transmission options, including a 4-speed manual, a 5-speed manual, and a 3-speed automatic.

Overall, the GMC C3500 is a reliable and capable truck. However, there are some common issues that owners have reported.

Engine

5.7L V8

• Intake manifold gasket failure: The intake manifold gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil to leak. Symptoms include a drop in coolant level, an increase in oil consumption, and a rough idle. The solution is to replace the intake manifold gasket. The estimated cost to fix is $500 - $800+.
• Knock sensor failure: The knock sensor can fail, causing the engine to run poorly and lose power. Symptoms include a knocking noise, a loss of power, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the knock sensor. The estimated cost to fix is $200 - $400+.
• Camshaft position sensor failure: The camshaft position sensor can fail, causing the engine to run erratically and lose power. Symptoms include a rough idle, a loss of power, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the camshaft position sensor. The estimated cost to fix is $200 - $400+.

6.2L V8

• Valve cover gasket failure: The valve cover gasket can fail, causing oil to leak. Symptoms include a drop in oil level, an oil leak, and a burning oil smell. The solution is to replace the valve cover gasket. The estimated cost to fix is $200 - $400+.
• Exhaust manifold gasket failure: The exhaust manifold gasket can fail, causing exhaust gases to leak. Symptoms include a loud exhaust noise, a loss of power, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the exhaust manifold gasket. The estimated cost to fix is $300 - $500+.
• Intake manifold gasket failure: The intake manifold gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil to leak. Symptoms include a drop in coolant level, an increase in oil consumption, and a rough idle. The solution is to replace the intake manifold gasket. The estimated cost to fix is $500 - $800+.

7.4L V8

• Cylinder head gasket failure: The cylinder head gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil to leak. Symptoms include a drop in coolant level, an increase in oil consumption, and a white smoke from the exhaust. The solution is to replace the cylinder head gasket. The estimated cost to fix is $1,000 - $1,500+.
• Intake manifold gasket failure: The intake manifold gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil to leak. Symptoms include a drop in coolant level, an increase in oil consumption, and a rough idle. The solution is to replace the intake manifold gasket. The estimated cost to fix is $500 - $800+.
• Exhaust manifold gasket failure: The exhaust manifold gasket can fail, causing exhaust gases to leak. Symptoms include a loud exhaust noise, a loss of power, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the exhaust manifold gasket. The estimated cost to fix is $300 - $500+.

6.5L Turbocharged Diesel V8

• Injection pump failure: The injection pump can fail, causing the engine to lose power. Symptoms include a loss of power, a black smoke from the exhaust, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the injection pump. The estimated cost to fix is $1,000 - $1,500+.
• Turbocharger failure: The turbocharger can fail, causing the engine to lose power. Symptoms include a loss of power, a blue smoke from the exhaust, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the turbocharger. The estimated cost to fix is $1,000 - $1,500+.
• Fuel injector failure: The fuel injector can fail, causing the engine to run poorly. Symptoms include a rough idle, a loss of power, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the fuel injector. The estimated cost to fix is $500 - $800+.

Transmission

4-Speed Manual

• Clutch failure: The clutch can fail, causing the transmission to slip or not engage. Symptoms include a slipping clutch, a grinding noise when shifting, and a difficulty shifting gears. The solution is to replace the clutch. The estimated cost to fix is $500 - $800+.
• Transmission mount failure: The transmission mount can fail, causing the transmission to vibrate. Symptoms include a vibration when shifting gears, a noise when shifting gears, and a difficulty shifting gears. The solution is to replace the transmission mount. The estimated cost to fix is $200 - $400+.

5-Speed Manual

• Synchronizer failure: The synchronizer can fail, causing difficulty shifting gears. Symptoms include a grinding noise when shifting gears, a difficulty shifting gears, and a popping out of gear. The solution is to replace the synchronizer. The estimated cost to fix is $500 - $800+.
• Transmission fluid leak: The transmission fluid leak can occur, causing the transmission to slip or not engage. Symptoms include a drop in transmission fluid level, a leak under the vehicle, and a difficulty shifting gears. The solution is to replace the transmission fluid leak. The estimated cost to fix is $200 - $400+.

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