Which is cheaper to maintain, the Chevrolet K30 or the Chevrolet K30?

Based on 5-year routine maintenance labor at a $150/hr indie shop rate, the Chevrolet K30 is cheaper to maintain — about $352 less over 60,000 miles. Parts cost is not included.

What's the labor difference between the 6.2L V8 Diesel and the 350ci V8?

Across 22 common maintenance jobs, hours vary by drivetrain and engine layout. See the side-by-side table on this page for each job's labor hours and estimated cost.

Are there any active recalls on the Chevrolet K30 or Chevrolet K30?

The Chevrolet K30 has 0 open NHTSA recalls. The Chevrolet K30 has 0 open recalls. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.

1986 Chevrolet K30 vs 1986 Chevrolet K30 — Labor Times, Costs & Recalls

Specifications

Year

1986

Engine

6.2L V8 Diesel

350ci V8

Drivetrain

4WD

Transmission

manual

automatic

Fuel

diesel

gas

Cost of Ownership

5-Year Maintenance

$6,719

0.11 $/mi

★ WINNER

5-Year Maintenance

$6,367

0.11 $/mi

🏆

ADVANTAGEChevrolet K30 — Saves you $352 over 5 years (5% less in routine maintenance labor)

Routine maintenance only. Cost = labor hours × $150/hr × estimated 5-yr frequency. Parts cost not included.

Maintenance Breakdown

Hours per common service. Lower is faster (and cheaper) at the shop.

Oil & filter change

0.4 hrs$840 / 5yr

0.3 hrs$1,020 / 5yr

Tire rotation

0.5 hrs$600 / 5yr

Rear brake pads

1.2 hrs$500 / 5yr

Front brake pads

1.2 hrs$520 / 5yr

1.0 hrs$460 / 5yr

Differential fluid

1.2 hrs$440 / 5yr

Intake manifold gasket

6.5 hrs$320 / 5yr

4.5 hrs$230 / 5yr

Brake fluid flush

0.8 hrs$270 / 5yr

0.7 hrs$240 / 5yr

12V battery

0.3 hrs$245 / 5yr

Wiper blades

0.2 hrs$240 / 5yr

Water pump

3.5 hrs$226 / 5yr

Coolant flush

1.2 hrs$230 / 5yr

1.0 hrs$200 / 5yr

Fuel filter

0.5 hrs$210 / 5yr

0.3 hrs$150 / 5yr

Oil pan gasket

4.2 hrs$170 / 5yr

Alternator

1.5 hrs$131 / 5yr

1.2 hrs$120 / 5yr

Engine air filter

0.2 hrs$120 / 5yr

Valve cover gasket

1.5 hrs$114 / 5yr

Power steering flush

0.6 hrs$110 / 5yr

Spark plugs

— hrs

0.8 hrs$200 / 5yr

Serpentine belt

0.5 hrs$110 / 5yr

0.3 hrs$80 / 5yr

Starter motor

2.5 hrs$115 / 5yr

1.0 hrs$70 / 5yr

PCV valve

0.5 hrs$95 / 5yr

0.3 hrs$65 / 5yr

Thermostat

1.5 hrs$93 / 5yr

1.0 hrs$67 / 5yr

Active Recalls

Open NHTSA Recalls

CLEAR

Open NHTSA Recalls

CLEAR

✓ Both vehicles are completely clear of open safety recalls.

Fluid Capacities

Chevrolet K30

ac_refrigerant · R-12

brake · FMVSS 116 DOT 3

coolant27.00 qt · GM 1052753 or equivalent

engine_oil7.00 qt · API CD or CE

front_diff3.50 qt · API GL-5

power_steering2.00 qt · GM Part 1050017 or Dexron II

rear_diff5.50 qt · API GL-5

transfer_case4.50 qt · GM Dexron II

transmission_manual3.50 qt · GM Dexron II

washer4.00 qt · windshield washer fluid

Chevrolet K30

ac_refrigerant · R-12

brake · FMVSS 116 DOT 3

coolant24.00 qt · GM 1899-M or equivalent

engine_oil5.00 qt · API SF/SG

front_diff3.50 qt · API GL-5

power_steering2.50 qt · GM 9985010 or Dexron II

rear_diff5.50 qt · API GL-5

transfer_case4.50 qt · GM Type A Suffix A

transmission_auto20.00 qt · GM Type A Suffix A

washer4.00 qt · Windshield washer fluid

The Verdict

🏆

THE WINNER

1986 Chevrolet K30

350ci V8

Chevrolet K30 is cheaper to maintain (saves ~$352 over 5 years)

Based on objective maintenance and recall data. Driving feel, looks, brand loyalty, and ownership experience are separate (and very valid) considerations.

Open the full dashboard for either truck

Labor times, torque specs, fluid capacities, DTC codes, repair procedures, recalls, common platform problems.