First time truck owner

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

Sramos03

Newbie
Joined
Dec 25, 2021
Messages
36
Reaction score
36
Location
Phoenix AZ
Hey guys, I just purchased my first truck it’s a 1996 c2500 with the 5.7L engine. I was wondering what should I change and clean before taking it to emissions testing. I’m a teacher so I have a week to try to get it done before I go back to school. So far I was lucky enough to buy it from my next door neighbor so he was able to turn it on after I bought a new battery for it. I put in 5 gallons of new gas and that’s about it. I want to learn how to do the basics so I’m going to try to change the oil on it at least. Any recommendations would be great, I really appreciate the help and I’m excited to join the GMT400 family!
 

Attachments

  • 960722BE-3997-4CFE-B2E4-B328E8874C5E.jpeg
    960722BE-3997-4CFE-B2E4-B328E8874C5E.jpeg
    249.6 KB · Views: 20

HeavyAsAChevy

I'm Awesome
Joined
Jul 20, 2021
Messages
595
Reaction score
1,168
Location
Texas
Welcome to GMT400!!! This is a great group of guys who know everything about these trucks(myself not included in that). Changing the oil is super easy as far as I know, since I’ve only messed with my V6 to this day. You will get more questions though. Like automatic trans? What other options does it have?
 

Schurkey

Supporting Member
Supporting Member
Joined
Jan 14, 2018
Messages
10,963
Reaction score
13,743
Location
The Seasonally Frozen Wastelands
what should I change and clean before taking it to emissions testing... ...I put in 5 gallons of new gas and that’s about it.
Find someone with a scan tool. Check for "codes", if there are any codes, write them down, and then clear 'em. Use the codes--if any--and the scan tool data stream and diagnostic capabilities to assist in making repairs/maintenance to the emissions systems. The factory service manual has the diagnostic procedures; and many of the manuals are linked-to on this site for free download.

Fresh gasoline with a 20-oz bottle of Techron Complete fuel system cleaner, then DRIVE IT at varying speeds. When that tank of gas is nearly gone, change the fuel filter.


You must be registered for see images


BEFORE you change oil, drizzle a "uri-ne stream" of water into the throttle body at fast idle (have someone hold their foot on the gas pedal, 1500+ rpm. Faster, up to about 2500 rpm is fine.) Run a gallon of water or more down the throttle body. This steam-cleans the combustion chambers. Pouring the water too fast will cause cylinder(s) to misfire--don't pour so fast, and stop for a few seconds so the wet cylinder(s) can recover.

Really? I can't spell out "ur_ine" because the hyperactive censor on this site doesn't like p_iss?

Then change oil and filter to remove moisture from the crankcase.

Verify PCV valve operation

Verify air filter

Fresh spark plugs, maybe cap, rotor, plug wires

You want to burn through the tank of gas having the added Techron detergent in it before going to the emissions test.

This is a lot to do in a week, if you've got codes to resolve. Good luck.
 
Last edited:

RichLo

E I E I O
Joined
Jan 6, 2015
Messages
3,618
Reaction score
5,540
Location
Wisconsin
Has it passed emissions for the previous owner? If so, I wouldnt worry too much as long as it doesn't have a check engine light on (Guaranteed emissions fail).

That said, like shurkey said, there may be some 'pending codes' that have not triggered yet. A parts store free (to borrow) scan can tell you those. After that throw in a bottle of fuel injector cleaner of your choice, everybody has their favorites but they all are very similar. Just be sure to have a fresh tank of gas in before you go in for emissions as fuel injector cleaner may increase emissions slightly.

Water down the intake may help slightly but thats a bit dangerous for somebody who is trying to figure out how to do an oil change, I would not do that if I were you. Not yet anyway.

Spark plugs, plug wires, cap and rotor are easy enough and you cant really go wrong with those.

A fuel filter may be a good idea but that is easy to mess up if you twist a fuel line. Take it to a shop if you want to do that, they can read fuel pressure and figure out if its even needed or not.

Other than that, get a grease gun and grease all of the fittings you can find on the steering components and there are sometimes fittings on the driveshaft slip yoke and u-joints. While your under there just take some time and look around for anything unusual.

Nice looking truck and welcome to the cool kids club!
 

Sramos03

Newbie
Joined
Dec 25, 2021
Messages
36
Reaction score
36
Location
Phoenix AZ
Welcome to GMT400!!! This is a great group of guys who know everything about these trucks(myself not included in that). Changing the oil is super easy as far as I know, since I’ve only messed with my V6 to this day. You will get more questions though. Like automatic trans? What other options does it have?
Automatic transmission, I pulled up the carfax just to be on the safe side. It’s a club cab with the 5.7L V8 F OHV. I’m not sure what transmission but the previous owner told me they had rebuilt the transmission and engine since it reads at 367,000.
 

Sramos03

Newbie
Joined
Dec 25, 2021
Messages
36
Reaction score
36
Location
Phoenix AZ
Has it passed emissions for the previous owner? If so, I wouldnt worry too much as long as it doesn't have a check engine light on (Guaranteed emissions fail).

That said, like shurkey said, there may be some 'pending codes' that have not triggered yet. A parts store free (to borrow) scan can tell you those. After that throw in a bottle of fuel injector cleaner of your choice, everybody has their favorites but they all are very similar. Just be sure to have a fresh tank of gas in before you go in for emissions as fuel injector cleaner may increase emissions slightly.

Water down the intake may help slightly but thats a bit dangerous for somebody who is trying to figure out how to do an oil change, I would not do that if I were you. Not yet anyway.

Spark plugs, plug wires, cap and rotor are easy enough and you cant really go wrong with those.

A fuel filter may be a good idea but that is easy to mess up if you twist a fuel line. Take it to a shop if you want to do that, they can read fuel pressure and figure out if its even needed or not.

Other than that, get a grease gun and grease all of the fittings you can find on the steering components and there are sometimes fittings on the driveshaft slip yoke and u-joints. While your under there just take some time and look around for anything unusual.

Nice looking truck and welcome to the cool kids club!
Yeah it passed emissions back in 2/17/2018 and it’s been sitting ever since at my next door neighbors house without being moved. No check engine light and it’s been starting up pretty easy. On the Carfax it says they replaced these things back in 2013 36,000 miles ago:

  • Air intake system repaired
  • Air fuel mixture repaired
  • Plug wires repaired
  • Spark plugs repaired
  • O2 sensor repaired
  • Throttle sensor repaired
  • Map baro sensor repaired
  • Air injector system repaired
I took this picture of what the gauges read after starting it. If that helps. I also had a question, I was under the truck and noticed this hole next to the oil filter I’m not sure if it’s supposed to be plugged or not. Thanks for the help!
 

Attachments

  • C94900E0-4455-46A6-8C66-D9157FBAF7EC.jpeg
    C94900E0-4455-46A6-8C66-D9157FBAF7EC.jpeg
    195.4 KB · Views: 25
  • 78384704-CA55-4F22-8248-12E11DBD60E9.jpeg
    78384704-CA55-4F22-8248-12E11DBD60E9.jpeg
    268.6 KB · Views: 23

RichLo

E I E I O
Joined
Jan 6, 2015
Messages
3,618
Reaction score
5,540
Location
Wisconsin
Thats supposed to be there, its the moisture drain hole for the flexplate. Is that a significant amount of oil coming out of it though? If so, there may be a seal leak, just monitor your oil level to gauge how much could be leaking.

Other than that, it sounds like it has been taken care of. I wouldnt do much more to it for now, just drive it and pay attention to it. Keep track of any stumbles, hesitation, shaking, oil leaks, etc, anything concerning. And address those problems one at a time.
 

Sramos03

Newbie
Joined
Dec 25, 2021
Messages
36
Reaction score
36
Location
Phoenix AZ
We
Thats supposed to be there, its the moisture drain hole for the flexplate. Is that a significant amount of oil coming out of it though? If so, there may be a seal leak, just monitor your oil level to gauge how much could be leaking.

Other than that, it sounds like it has been taken care of. I wouldnt do much more to it for now, just drive it and pay attention to it. Keep track of any stumbles, hesitation, shaking, oil leaks, etc, anything concerning. And address those problems one at a time.
Oh okay that makes sense. Not really, maybe just a drop or two in the last two days since I’ve been turning it on. Okay sounds good, the old owner told me to get new tires, an aliment, get brakes done as well and I think ball joints or something along those lines. But just for now I want it to be good enough to pass emissions so I can register it.
 
Top