Dreaded Lifter Failure in 2021 GMC Sierra 1500

[Nick Reynolds]

I purchased a 2021 GMC Sierra 6.2 V8 that was made in 12/20 and I had a lifter failure at 20,000 miles. Needless to say I was not a happy camper. I managed to limp into the dealership and they replaced the whole right side under warranty but who knows if they will fail again or when the other side will fail. I been reading up on these lifters and the recent class action lawsuit along with the guidelines that GM follows when someone has one or more instances where their lifters fail so I am all caught up there. My question to the forum is if I install the Pulsar LT DFM Disabler will that help prevent lifter failure? I know the basics in that a DFM disabler prevents the lifters from constantly opening/closing which you would think could extend the life of the lifters. Right? Does anyone have any good or bad stories about installing a DFM Disabler for getting more life out of these cruddy lifters?  Thanks.  

[Bamacommander]

Be careful not to install something that would void your warranty. If you plan on keeping the truck, you may want to consider buying an extended warranty.

[voided3]

After our lifters failed, I chose the free DFM disable option which is to drive in Low all of the time (L7 on our 8-speed, L9 on your 10-speed). Even if the lifters hadn't failed, I would still choose to drive in L7 as the drivability is so much better at all speeds and I only noted a 1 MPG average loss.

[Kevin P]

I use the Range Tech RA003B on 2 of my GM's, plug and play in OBD, stop the lifter collapse, my 2013 5.3 company truck suffered that fate.

[It's Tim]

Everyone frets about lifters, yet no one is the least bit worried about cholesterol and the obesity epidemic? 

[KARNUT]

22 minutes ago, It's Tim said:

Everyone frets about lifters, yet no one is the least bit worried about cholesterol and the obesity epidemic? 

You can blame Covid. Like everything else. 

[Nick Reynolds]

Thanks everyone for input. 

[TeamSaris]

i installed the pulsare on my truck. really like it.

[20SierraL8T24]

Just drive it. When you get close the the expiration of your warranty, either buy extended or trade it in.

[Z45]

As long as the lifters are in the engine the risk is there. Turning it off will not lessen it.  GM is willing to tolerate a certain failure rate to achieve a cafe mpg goal.   The lifter problem will turn out to be a design flaw.

[WeGone]

I thought GM was to replace all 16 if you had any issues? I have the Pulsar LT and like it,  I bought a V8 with a 10 speed not a 6 or 4 cylinder or to run in 9th gear. If I ever have issues just unplug and remove it before going to dealer.

[Z45]

• If the vehicle has under 8,000 miles (12,875 km) and is within the breakpoint window, replace all lifters and guides on both banks.
• If vehicle has over 8,000 miles (12,875 km) and is within the breakpoint window, replace the lifters and guides on the affected bank only, not both.

Edited February 9, 2022 by elcamino

[It's Tim]

14 hours ago, elcamino said:

As long as the lifters are in the engine the risk is there. Turning it off will not lessen it.  

You are ruining "their" advertising gimmick tho... 

[Black02Silverado]

15 hours ago, elcamino said:

As long as the lifters are in the engine the risk is there. Turning it off will not lessen it.  GM is willing to tolerate a certain failure rate to achieve a cafe mpg goal.   The lifter problem will turn out to be a design flaw.

It is a design flaw.  No way around it considering the failure is at such low mileage, or it could be a material quality flaw a well.  Since GM goes with the lowest bidder for parts.   Sad that they will not address it any more than what they are now. 

[Nick Reynolds]

Again, I appreciate everyone's helpful comments. Elcamino...that is exactly what happened to me...mine failed at 20k miles and they only replaced one side and I'm not even sure if they replaced them with non defective parts. I have heard that if your GM vehicle was made between 9/20 and 3/21 then you may have defective lifters which are more prone to premature failure. Mine unfortunately was made in 12/20. GM will issue an extended 100k warranty but you have to have 2 reported failures.