GM LV3 Engine Info
The 4.3 EcoTec3 is a 4.3-liter V-6 gasoline naturally-aspirated and direct-injected engine debuted in the 2014 model year Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra as the new base engine option. The LV3 4.3L V6 motor was designed for primary use in pickup trucks and commercial vans. It's based on GM's 5th-generation small block 5.3 V8, replacing the 4.3 Vortec V6 out of the gen-4 small block V8 engine family. Like its predecessor, the LV3 V6 was built around the V8's small block, with a pair of cylinders removed. But it also includes such modern features as cylinder deactivation, direct fuel injection, and continuously variable valve timing technologies. Let's take a closer look at the GM 4.3 EcoTec3 engine design, its common problems, reliability, and longevity.
4.3L V6 LV3 Engine Overview
The LV3 engine block is aluminum. Like the original V8 cylinder block, it has a 90-degree cylinder angle and 4.40-inch (111.8 mm) bore centers. Compared to the gen4 block, the EcoTec3 block casting is all-new with some changes in the design, including new engine mount attachments, improved sealing, new knock sensor locations, and more. Like all Gen 5 engines, the new 4.3 V6 also features oil-spray piston cooling. It has six piston oil jets/squirters, which spray additional oil underside of each piston, providing extra cooling and friction-reducing. The oil-spray squirters play an important role in long-term engine durability as well as noise reduction coming from the engine. The engine rotating assembly includes a durable forged-steel crankshaft, 6.125-inch-long powder-metal connecting rods with a new profile, enhancing strength, and lightweight pistons with piston head design optimized for direct fuel injection. The crankshaft is secured by new nodular main bearing caps, which can better absorb vibrations than conventional gray iron main caps. A few notes about the oil system, which also is revised. The 4.3 EcoTec3 oiling system features a new, dual-pressure-control and variable-displacement vane pump with increased flow capacity. As previously, the oil pump is driven by the crankshaft. But with variable displacement, the new pump effectively delivers the optimum oil flow and lubrication level according to engine loads and speeds.
The 4.3 EcoTec3 engine uses aluminum cylinder heads with two valves per cylinder. Like the predecessor, the 4.3 LV3 features a pushrod valvetrain. The single camshaft seats inside the engine block. While spinning, it pushes steel pushrods, which activate intake and exhaust valves via roller-pivot rocker arms. The outside diameter of pushrods is 8.7 mm (Vortec use smaller, 7.9-mm diameter pushrods). The valvetrain also includes hydraulic roller-lifters. Thus, no valve clearance adjustment is required. The camshaft specifications are the following: 12.7/12.5 mm (0.500/0.492-inch) intake/exhaust lift, 193/199-crank angle degrees intake/exhaust duration. The camshaft also has an additional cam with three lobes (calling "trilobe") to drive the high-pressure fuel pump for the direct fuel injection system. The 4.3 engine comes with variable valve timing. Being an OHV engine with a single camshaft, it uses a dual-equal camshaft phasing system that adjusts timing at the same rate for both intake and exhaust valves.
Compared to the 4.3 Vortec head design, new cylinder heads on EcoTec3 engines feature smaller, 59cc combustion chambers, straight and rectangular intake ports with a slight twist, and exhaust ports with optimized shapes for the new exhaust valve locations. Heads are also equipped with larger valves: 1.93-inch (49 mm) intake valves and 1.56-inch (39.5 mm) exhaust valves. And finally, there are mounting places for direct fuel injectors, which shoot fuel directly into the combustion chamber. Speaking of the direct injection system, it operates at very high fuel pressure, up to 15Mpa (150 bar). This is why there are a conventional tank-located pump and an additional engine-driven high-pressure fuel pump placed in the valley between cylinder heads. Direct injection stainless steel lines, injectors, and high-pressure pump are hiding underneath a composite intake manifold. For noise reduction, coming from the engine and fuel pump, engineers laid acoustic foam on top of the intake manifold and covered all that with an additional acoustic shell.
The engine also features an electronically controlled throttle body with a single 72-mm diameter throttle valve. The ignition system is also full-electronic - Quick Sync 58X ignition. It features iridium-tip spark plugs and compact individual coils for each spark plug (coil-near-plug design). Much attention has been paid to the engine exhaust. The cast iron exhaust manifolds were chosen for their durability, noise reduction, and heat-management properties. All 4.3 EcoTec3 systems and operations are controlled by E92 Engine Controller. It is also responsible for GM's Active Fuel Management (AFM) technology. AFM is a cylinder deactivation feature that switches off two cylinders under light loads for fuel economy. It should also be noted that 4.3L EcoTec3 V6 truck engines are E85 flex-fuel-capable. Like on trucks with fifth-gen 5.3L V8s, you can run on either gasoline or E85 ethanol or any combination of two fuels.
Engine Specs
Manufacturer
GM Tonawanda plant (Tonawanda Engine Plant) in New York, USA
GM Ramos plant in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico
Production years
2014-present
Cylinder block material
Aluminum
Cylinder head material
Aluminum
Fuel type
Gasoline
Fuel system
Direct Injection
Configuration
V
Number of cylinders
6
Valves per cylinder
2
Valvetrain layout
OHV
Bore, mm
99.6 mm (3.92 in)
Stroke, mm
92.0 mm (3.62 in)
Displacement, cc
4,301 cc (262cu in)
Type of internal combustion engine
Four-stroke, naturally aspirated
Compression Ratio
11.0:1
Power, hp
285hp (213 kW)/ 5,300 (gasoline)297hp (221 kW)/ 5,300 (E85)
Torque, lb ft
305 lb-ft (413 Nm)/ 3,900(gasoline)330 lb-ft (447 Nm)/ 3,900(E85)
Engine weight
-
Firing order
1-6-5-4-3-2
Engine oil weight
SAE 5W-30 semi-synthetic motor oil
Engine oil capacity, liter
5.7l (6.0 qt) with oil filter
Oil change interval, mile
7,500 (12,000 km)/12 months
Applications
Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, Chevrolet Express, GMC Savanna
GM 4.3L LV3 V6 EcoTec3 Engine Problems and Reliability
Before starting, let's note that the following problems, although they are specified as common, it does not mean that they happen on every 4.3 EcoTec3 motor. Most Chevy/GMC trucks with 4.3L V6 EcoTec3 engines run more than 150-200k miles without any small engine issue. It's a good, reliable engine with an excellent combination of performance and fuel efficiency. But no engine is perfect, and the 4.3 LV3 V6 motor also has its own problems, which, by the way, are common to the entire EcoTec3 engine family, including the 5.3-liter and 6.2-liter V8s.
Chevy 4.3L EcoTec3 Common Problems
A few of the most common problems on the GMC/Chevrolet 4.3L LV3 V6 EcoTec3 engine include:
- Active Fuel Management problems
- Carbon build-up
AFM Issue
Active Fuel Management technology has not proven itself from the best side, even on the previous 4.3L Vortec engine. The biggest problem was high oil consumption. In addition to this, AFM lifters have a history of failing. Despite all theories and researches, GM has never been able to identify what really causes the issue. Nevertheless, the cylinder deactivation system was implemented on the new 4.3 EcoTec3 V6 because it's good for gas mileage (10-15% less fuel consumption on a highway). Although the motor is new, it looks like there are still problems with the AFM, albeit less common. One more thing: many people find the V4 sound annoying after swapping out the stock exhaust for a louder aftermarket exhaust.
Carbon Build-up Problem
Carbon build-up is the next potential problem. Yes, all direct-injected engines have more or less carbon build-up in the intake ports and on the intake valves. With port fuel injection, gasoline cleans inside all surfaces from some blow-by motor oil and exhaust gases. If we removed the gasoline cleaning effect, over time, by-products of oil and burned fuel sticks and hardens, forming carbon build-up. Big chunks of gunk/sludge restrict airflow and cause noticeable engine performance implications and some drivability issues. This is exactly what happens with direct-injected engines, in which gasoline is injected directly into the combustion chambers, bypassing the intake ports.
The 4.3L V6 EcoTec3 engine may start showing first symptoms of carbon build-up problem around the 80,000-100,000 miles range. These symptoms include rough idling, sputtering at idle, unsteady acceleration, and decreased power. The only way to fix the issue is walnut blasting. It is the most effective method of cleaning the intake valves and ports.
GM 4.3 V6 EcoTec3 Reliability Summary
So, is the GM 4.3 V6 EcoTec3 a reliable engine? The short answer is yes. Some minor issues may happen with long-term ownership, especially as cars age and mileage builds up. But let's be honest, this can be said about any engine. Correct maintenance is the key to long-term engine reliability. With good care, the 4.3 EcoTec3 engines last up to more than 250,000 miles.
Modifications
4.3L EcoTec3 LV1 engine. The LV1 is a 4.3-liter V6 engine produced by General Motors for use in vans. The main difference between the 4.3L LV3 V6 is that it doesn't have Active Fuel Management technology (cylinder deactivation). This version was launched on the 2018 Chevrolet Express and 2018 GMC Savana. The engine produces 285 hp at 5,300 rpm and 305 lb-ft of torque at 3,990 rpm.
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FAQs
Is the 4.3 L EcoTec3 V6 engine good? ›
The 4.3L Vortec engine is a reliable, powerful engine that is often used in trucks and SUVs. This engine offers excellent torque and towing power, making it a great choice for those who need a vehicle that can handle heavy loads.
Is the 4.3 LV3 reliable? ›Chevy 4.3L EcoTec3 Reliability
Besides Active Fuel Management problems and carbon buildup, the 4.3L V6 EcoTec3 LV3 engine is very reliable. The AFM system failure is a major problem you would most definitely encounter, and has plagued most GM engines. The company is still yet to figure out the reason for its failure.
Overall, the 4.3 vortec is a very strong and reliable motor, proven by it being the longest lasting production vortec engine. Generally, these engines are extremely capable of lasting up to 300,000 miles.
What is the fuel economy of a 4.3 L EcoTec3 V6 engine? ›All feature EcoTec3 technology for improved performance. Standard 4.3L V6 allows for an impressive 23 mpg highway, and can still tow a trailer weighing as much as 7,000 pounds when properly configured. Sierra's 5.3L V8 engine puts out a sufficient 355 horsepower.
What does EcoTec3 mean? ›Ecotec3 is the name used on General Motors' Small Block Gen 5 Engines. All include direct injection, cylinder deactivation and continuously variable valve timing, either in V6 form of 4.3L or V8 form of either 5.3 or 6.2 liters.
Which Silverado engine is best? ›What is the Best Chevy Silverado Engine? The new 6.2-liter EcoTec3 V8 option is the best engine for a Chevy Silverado, that is if you're focused on horsepower and torque. The Chevy Silverado lineup offers various engine options, though, that all provide incredible performance and capability.
What is the most reliable V6 ever made? ›- 1 2JZ-GTE Inline-Six – Toyota Supra.
- 2 Honda C30A/C32B V6 – Honda/Acura NSX. ...
- 3 Honda J35 V6 – Honda Accord, Odyssey & Ridgeline. ...
- 4 3M Inline-Six - Toyota 2000GT. ...
- 5 Nissan RB26DETT - Nissan Skyline GT-R32. ...
- 6 Chrysler Slant Six Inline-Six – Chrysler Cars, Trucks, And Vans. ...
...
| EPA estimated MPG, combined | EPA estimated annual fuel cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Silverado 1500 4.3L EcoTec3 V-6 | 20 | $2,500 |
| Ford F-150, 3.7L V-6 | 19 | $2,600 |
The original engine family was phased out in early 2014, with its final use as the 4.3 L (262 cu in) V6 engine used in Chevrolet and GMC trucks and vans. Its phaseout marks the end of an era of Chevrolet small-block engine designs dating back to the 1955 model year.
Does a Chevy 4.3 V6 have a timing chain? ›There is no such interval as the 4.3 V-6 uses a chain...............
What is the most reliable Chevy engine? ›
You will be happy to know that the Silverado 4.3L V-6 engine is one of the most reliable engines on the market. It is rated as one of the best engines in the Duramax Vortec lineup. It is estimated to have a lifespan of more than 400,000 miles.
What is an LV3 engine? ›The LV3 V6 engine is produced by General Motors for use in pickup trucks. It is part of GM's 5th-generation Small Block engine design that's named EcoTec3 in pickup trucks, replacing the 4th-generation Small Block engine family known as Vortec.
How many miles per gallon does a 6 cyl 4.3 L get? ›Another V6 engine option on the 2020 Chevy Silverado WT, Custom, and Custom Trail Boss is the 4.3L EcoTec3 V6, which is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and receives up to 16 city and 21 highway MPG. Impressively, it delivers 285 HP and 305 lb. -ft. of torque as well.
How much can a EcoTec3 4.3 L V6 tow? ›The Chevrolet Silverado's 4.3L EcoTec3 V6 engine boasts a respectable standard 285 horsepower. This engine, which works together with a 6-speed automatic transmission, also delivers 305 lb-ft of torque. With this engine and the right equipment, you'll be able to tow up to 7,900 pounds of trailer weight.
Does Chevy Eco Mode save gas? ›Eco mode puts less strain on a car's engine, resulting in several benefits such as: Improved fuel economy: While the change in fuel economy isn't drastic, your car will use less gas and get more miles per gallon when you use eco mode correctly.
Are Ecotec engines reliable? ›The 2.4L Ecotec 4 cylinder engine has a flaw that is especially problematic in the 2010 to 2015 model years. This is a popular engine and is used in many Chevy and GM vehicles. The problem is particularly bad in the Equinox and Terrain vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive.
How strong are Ecotec engines? ›In stock form—that is, in GM-produced cars—the Ecotec naturally aspirated engines can make between 140 hp at 5,600 rpm and 150 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm for the 2.2L, up to 202 hp at 6,300 rpm and 191 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm for the 2.5L version with direct injection in a late model Cadillac.
Why do Ecotec engines burn oil? ›The consolidated claim alleges that the Ecotec engines have defective piston rings that wear down prematurely and cause excessive oil consumption as high as one quart for every 1,000 miles. As a result, some owners and lessees drive their vehicles without sufficient oil, causing engine damage.
What truck has the most reliable engine? ›- The Dodge Ram 2nd Generation.
- 7.3-liter Powerstroke Ford F-Series.
- Toyota Tacoma Supercharged.
- Jeep Comanche.
- C/K Models from Chevrolet and GMC.
- SVT Lightning Ford F-150.
- Nissan Hardbody.
- Toyota Hilux with classic truck engine.
On top of that, the Silverado is more reliable than the Sierra. The Silverado scored a 4.5 out 5 in reliability compared to the Sierra's 3.5, according to J.D. Power.
Which engine is more reliable Chevy or Ford? ›
When comparing reliability ratings across Ford and Chevrolet cars, on average, Chevy tends to come out on top. The brand's pickups, sedans, and SUVs are some of the top picks when it comes to reliability.
Which company engines are most reliable? ›| Manufacturer | Failure Rate | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Honda | 1 in 344 |
| 2 | Toyota | 1 in 171 |
| 3 | Mercedes-Benz | 1 in 119 |
| 4 | Volvo | 1 in 111 |
Actually, the lifespan of your engine will depend on manufacture quality, your driving style, maintenance habits and other factors that have nothing to do with the number of cylinders.
Which V6 engine is the best? ›- 8 Ford EcoBoost V6.
- 7 VW VR6.
- 6 Jaguar AJ126.
- 5 Nissan VR38DETT.
- 4 Alfa Romeo Busso.
- 3 Honda NSX DOHC V-6.
- 2 Ferrari Dino V6.
- 1 Alfa Romeo 690T.
The 4.3-liter V6 engine on this year's Silverado uses SAE 5W-30 viscosity grade motor oil.
What is the towing capacity of a 4.3 liter V6? ›4.3L V6 Engine — produces 285 hp and a best-in-class 305 lb-ft of torque. Its towing capacity is 7,900 pounds.
Is the Chevy 4.3 L V6 a good engine towing capacity? ›4.3L EcoTec V6: A properly equipped Silverado 1500 with the 4.3L V6 base engine can tow up to 7,600 pounds.
How much horsepower does a 4.3-liter V6 have? ›In addition to new exterior designs, a new engine -- the 4.3-liter EcoTec3 V6 -- will be available to complement V8 options. This new V6 engine produces 285 hp, 305 lb-ft of torque and a towing rating of 7,200 pounds, which GM claims is best among standard V6 truck models.
What year did the 4.3 V6 come out? ›The 4.3-liter Chevy V6 debuted in the 1985 model year.
How many cubic inches is a 4.3-liter V6? ›The 4.3 L (262 cu in) V6 has a 4 in × 3.48 in (101.6 mm × 88.4 mm) bore and stroke, identical to the 350 cu in (5.7 L) Chevrolet V8 engine.
How often does a timing chain need to be replaced? ›
Every time you use the engine, the timing chain is in use. When does a timing chain need to be replaced? The timing chain normally needs to be replaced between 80,000 and 120,000 miles unless there is a specific problem. Issues with the chain are common in higher mileage vehicles.
How much does it cost to replace a timing chain on a Chevy Silverado? ›The average cost for a Chevrolet Silverado 1500 timing chain and gear set replacement is between $1,002 and $1,113. Labor costs are estimated between $422 and $533 while parts are priced at $580. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your specific model year or unique location.
What year Silverado is most reliable? ›The 2012 model year is known as one of Chevy's most reliable pickups due to the comfortable ride it creates and attractive exterior build. With only 4 recalls and 236 complaints, it has a good rating for crashworthiness with the IIHS. It also ranked as the #1 pickup in the full-size truck division.
Is Chevy as reliable as Honda? ›Brand Image
In awarding its “Best Overall Brand” award for 2022, Kelley Blue Book noted that Honda's quality, reliability, durability, and resale value were all key parts of the winning formula. For comparison, Chevrolet did not earn any praise in these awards.
In 2022, the Chevy Suburban was found to be the single most reliable large SUV available today! The Chevy Tahoe earned an honorable mention in this category. The popular Chevy Traverse was also ranked as one of the top three most reliable upper midsize SUVs.
How much horsepower does a LV3 engine have? ›In factory trim, the EcoTec3 LV3 was SAE-certified to 285 horsepower and 305 lb-ft of torque.
Is the Chevy 4.3 an aluminum block? ›4.3L LV1 Features
An aluminum-block casting encapsulates state-of-the-art technology such as Direct Injection, Variable Valve Timing, high-pressure fuel pumps and more. *As tested in Chevrolet Silverado.
The 4.3L V6 is just gone for 2022, the first time since 1985 that the automaker isn't offering a V6 of that size. The 285 hp, 305 lb-ft V6 falls short of the new 2.7L turbo-four that makes 310 hp and 348 lb-ft and should return better fuel economy.
Do 6-cylinder engines waste a lot of gas? ›In most cases, you're going to get better fuel efficiency with a four-cylinder vs. six-cylinder engine. This is because they're smaller engines with less horsepower. The lower horsepower figures might be a negative for some, but if your focus is fuel economy, then it's a trade-off that's easy to make.
Is a V6 is 6-cylinder better? ›There are some significant differences between 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder engines. In terms of power output, a 6-cylinder engine tends to offer more power than cars with a V4 or other 4-cylinder models. If you examine the V6 engine cars listed among your options, you are generally looking at higher-powered models.
How much fuel does a V6 use at idle? ›
Idling uses up to ½ gallon of fuel per hour (although it varies depending on the type and size of the engine).
Is Eco mode better for city or highway? ›It is more effective in city driving than on the highway because it primarily affects acceleration. Although you can engage EM any time, it will have much less impact on fuel economy when touring down the highway. As with hybrid vehicles (HEV), most fuel savings are in city driving.
Which driving mode saves the most gas? ›The goal behind Eco mode is simple: it strives to improve your fuel economy, which not only reduces your fuel expenses, but also reduces your overall emissions. It does this by changing how a few key systems in your car function. It starts by reducing throttle response.
Does cruise control save gas? ›Generally speaking, yes. Cruise control can help you become more fuel-efficient and can help you save an average of 7-14% on gas thanks to its ability to maintain a continuous speed. In comparison, the constant change in acceleration and deceleration of the driver placing their foot over the pedals can eat more gas.
Are EcoTec engines reliable? ›The 2.4L Ecotec 4 cylinder engine has a flaw that is especially problematic in the 2010 to 2015 model years. This is a popular engine and is used in many Chevy and GM vehicles. The problem is particularly bad in the Equinox and Terrain vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive.
What is the most reliable Chevy gas engine? ›You will be happy to know that the Silverado 4.3L V-6 engine is one of the most reliable engines on the market. It is rated as one of the best engines in the Duramax Vortec lineup. It is estimated to have a lifespan of more than 400,000 miles.
What is the problem with Ecotec engines? ›Watch Out for These Common Ecotec Engine Problems
Common issues with this type of engine include high oil usage, failure with the timing chain, and extreme carbon build-up. Take your car to a mechanic if something doesn't feel right.
- 8 Honda B Series Engine.
- 7 Honda K Series Engine.
- 6 Lexus 1UZFE Engine.
- 5 Lexus 2UR-GSE Engine.
- 4 BMW M57 Diesel Engine.
- 3 Nissan RB26DETT Engine.
- 2 Mercedes-Benz OM617 Diesel Engine.
- 1 General Motors LS Engine.
| EPA Fuel Economy | Driver MPG | Greenhouse Gas Emissions (tailpipe) |
|---|---|---|
| 442 - 578 miles Total Range | NA | 523 grams/mile |
| 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2WD 4.3 L, 6 cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular Gasoline | ||
| 16 MPG 14 20 combined city/hwy city hwy 6.2 gal/100 mi | NA | 555 grams/mile |
| 416 - 544 miles Total Range | ||
...
EcoTec3 Engine Family Features.
| Type: | 4.3L Gen V V6 VVT (LV3) |
|---|---|
| Bin 4 emissions | |
| Returnless fuel system | |
| Horsepower hp (kw) | |
| Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra: | 285 hp (213 kw) @ 5300 RPM SAE Certified |
Which truck has the most reliable engine? ›
| Model | Engine | |
|---|---|---|
| Ford | F-250/F-350 | 7.3-Liter Power Stroke V-8 |
| Chevy/GMC | Silverado/Sierra | 6.6-Liter Duramax LB7 V-8 |
| Chevy/GMC | Silverado/Sierra | 6.6-Liter Duramax LBZ V-8 |
| Dodge Ram | 2500/3500 | 5.9-Liter, 12-Valve Cummins I-6 |