S10 with high miles

kilby

kilby

Member
Joined
Mar 17, 2005
Location
Charlotte, NC
I've been looking for a small truck for the winter commute. I've found a couple of S10's with pretty high miles, but in generally good condition.

One truck is a '96 and the other is a '97. I'm assuming there is not much difference. I've always like the 4.3 as a small truck motor, but never dealt with one that had close to 200k on it.

Do you guys have thoughts on the 4.3 V6 with that kind of mileage on the clock?
 
i have a 99 blazer with the 4.3 and it has 165k on the clock. not scared to drive it anywhere.
 
F-I-L just blew up an 89 S10 with 265k on the clock.
3 kids learned to drive in it.
 
Joel, the 4.3 is a good engine, there are a few things too looks for.

behind A/C compressoer, where head and intake meet, look for leaking coolant, check for fresh sealer /RTV on the valley shelf under intake between heads,
Intakes like to leak on these as t he gaskets are junk. at 200k, I would hope it's been done atleast once.
If it's still running DEXclog, be leary, be sure that it is clear, not cloudy, or muddy looking, if the coolant stinks ( you wil know when you smell it), walk away

if the owner knows any history of the truck, this is a plus, ASK if the heater core has been replaced, and when, if he can't give a date, or show a reciept, assume it has not, I tell you this be casue this is an 8.5 HR job more for someone with no experiance and a not so good set of tools TOTAL Dash removal, also requires pulling the right fender liner. A real ball buster ! there ain't no short cuts.

The biggest issue with this truck/engine was the coolant leaks at the heater core and intake, though there were a few issues with the distributor, dizzzy cap and rotor ( use AC Delco, aftermarket didn't do well)
 
I live in Boone and see alot of those trucks. The biggest problem I've seen other than what was mentioned above, are the ball joints, idler arm, pitman arm, fuel lines, and brake lines. If you can deal with front end work and plumbing it should be a good truck if the rust hasn't taken it.
 
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