I'm in the market for an H1. I've seen many posts about the #8 cyl cracking in '98s. Is this the only year with this problem? I have seen several newer models with "new engine"s. I met up with Kevin and his veggie oil H1. Pretty cool idea. He even let me drive it. Thanks!!! I would most likely convert mine to SVO if I got one. I feel I could do the conversion myself with the supplies from goldenfuelsystems. Thanks for any info on the bad #8 years.

 

There are some trucks as new as "2001 model year" that may be at risk for the cracked block issue; it all depends on when the engine was manufactured.

If the 4th character in your VIN number is a Z your engine was manufactured by GM and is potentially at risk. If the 4th character of your VIN is an F your engine was manufactured by AMG and is the newer design so you don't have to worry.

If you have a GM made engine, you can check the casting number; GM made changes on engines starting with casting # C-159 to resolve the problem, so C-159 and later engines are the enhanced version.

Many trucks with the "Z" in the VIN already have the improved block, but some do not.

Hope that helps...

 

My '99 got a new motor this way.

 

What year did this motor start having problems?

 

I found it it started in 96 and some 02 does not have the old style ZA motor, bit the FA.