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2000 Chevrolet W3500 Tiltmaster

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By Research the Car 5 min read

The 2000 Chevrolet W3500 Tiltmaster is a cab-over-engine (COE) medium-duty truck primarily used for commercial applications. It’s known for its maneuverability in urban environments due to its tight turning radius and good visibility. Available engine options for this model year included the 5.7L Vortec V8 gasoline engine, producing around 255 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque, and the 7.4L Vortec V8 gasoline engine, producing around 290 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque, and the 6.5L Turbo Diesel V8 producing around 195 horsepower and 385 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options included a 4-speed automatic and a 5-speed manual. Owners often appreciate the truck’s utilitarian design and ease of maintenance. Common complaints revolve around ride comfort, noise levels in the cab, and the age-related mechanical issues typical of vehicles of this vintage.

Engine

5.7L Vortec V8 Gasoline Engine

  • Intake Manifold Gasket Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, rough idle, coolant leaks, and possible overheating.
    • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Fuel Injector Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Rough running, poor fuel economy, check engine light.
    • Solution: Replace faulty fuel injector(s).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+ per injector

7.4L Vortec V8 Gasoline Engine

  • Oil Leaks (Rear Main Seal, Valve Cover Gaskets)
    • Description/Symptoms: Visible oil leaks, burning oil smell, low oil level.
    • Solution: Replace the rear main seal or valve cover gaskets.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Rear Main Seal: $400 - $800+. Valve Cover Gaskets: $150 - $400+
  • Distributor Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Engine stalling, misfires, no start condition.
    • Solution: Replace the distributor cap, rotor, or the entire distributor assembly.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $500+

6.5L Turbo Diesel V8

  • Cracked Cylinder Heads
    • Description/Symptoms: Overheating, coolant loss, white smoke from exhaust.
    • Solution: Replace cracked cylinder head(s).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+
  • Fuel Injection Pump Failure (Stanadyne DB2)
    • Description/Symptoms: No start, hard starting, rough idle, low power.
    • Solution: Replace or rebuild the fuel injection pump.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1800+

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic Transmission (4L80E)

  • Slipping Between Gears
    • Description/Symptoms: Engine revving high without corresponding acceleration, delayed engagement.
    • Solution: Rebuild or replace the transmission. Could also be caused by a faulty solenoid.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2000 - $4000+
  • Harsh or Delayed Shifting
    • Description/Symptoms: Abrupt shifts, delay when shifting into drive or reverse.
    • Solution: Valve body replacement or rebuild, or solenoid replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+

5-Speed Manual Transmission (NV4500)

  • Gear Grinding/Difficulty Shifting
    • Description/Symptoms: Grinding noise when shifting, difficulty engaging gears, especially reverse.
    • Solution: Transmission rebuild or replacement. Synchro replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3500+
  • Leaking Seals
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks from transmission, low transmission fluid.
    • Solution: Replace leaking seals.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+

Suspension

  • Worn Leaf Spring Bushings
    • Description/Symptoms: Squeaking, clunking noises from the suspension, poor handling.
    • Solution: Replace worn leaf spring bushings.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Steering Play/Wandering
    • Description/Symptoms: Excessive play in the steering wheel, difficulty keeping the truck in a straight line.
    • Solution: Replace worn steering components (tie rod ends, ball joints, steering gearbox).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+

Electrical

  • Wiring Harness Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent electrical problems, lights flickering, sensors malfunctioning.
    • Solution: Repair or replace damaged sections of the wiring harness.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+ (depending on the severity)
  • Alternator Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Battery not charging, dimming headlights, warning lights on the dash.
    • Solution: Replace the alternator.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+

Exterior

  • Rust (Cab Corners, Rocker Panels)
    • Description/Symptoms: Visible rust on cab corners, rocker panels, and other areas.
    • Solution: Rust repair or panel replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+ (depending on severity)
  • Headlight Lens Clouding/Yellowing
    • Description/Symptoms: Reduced headlight brightness, hazy or yellowed headlight lenses.
    • Solution: Headlight lens restoration or headlight replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $300+

Interior

  • HVAC Blower Motor Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: No air blowing from the vents, blower motor only working on certain speeds.
    • Solution: Replace the blower motor or blower motor resistor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400+
  • Seat Upholstery Damage
    • Description/Symptoms: Rips, tears, or excessive wear on the seat upholstery.
    • Solution: Upholstery repair or replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ per seat

Recalls:

  • Recall Number: 01V299000
    • NHTSA: 01V299
    • Component: STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN POWER)
    • Potential Number of Units Affected: 1283
    • Summary: ON CERTAIN MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS, THE STEERING GEAR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY FILLED WITH LUBRICANT DURING ASSEMBLY. THIS COULD CAUSE A LOOSE FEEL IN THE STEERING SYSTEM OR NOISE IN THE STEERING GEAR.
  • Recall Number: 99V285000
    • NHTSA: 99V285
    • Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
    • Potential Number of Units Affected: 174
    • Summary: VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 101, “CONTROLS AND DISPLAYS.” THE IDLE SPEED SPECIFICATION MARKING ON THE EMISSIONS CONTROL INFORMATION LABEL IS NOT CORRECT. THIS SPECIFICATION IS FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 5.7L GASOLINE ENGINE (L31).
  • Recall Number: 00V077000
    • NHTSA: 00V077
    • Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
    • Potential Number of Units Affected: 174
    • Summary: CERTAIN MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS MAY HAVE A CONDITION WHERE THE BRAKE FLUID MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY CIRCULATED THROUGH THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEM. THIS CAN LEAD TO A REDUCTION OF BRAKE PERFORMANCE.

Summary:

The 2000 Chevrolet W3500 Tiltmaster, given its age, is prone to issues common to older commercial vehicles. Engine problems, particularly with gaskets, seals, and fuel injection components, are prevalent. Transmission issues, especially with the automatic transmissions, can be costly. Suspension and electrical problems are also potential concerns. Rust is a major factor to consider when purchasing this vehicle. While some repairs are relatively inexpensive, others, such as engine or transmission rebuilds, can be quite costly. Prioritizing preventative maintenance and thorough inspections is key to mitigating these issues.

Chevrolet, W3500 Tiltmaster
Chevrolet W3500 Tiltmaster 2000
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