1998 CHEVROLET K10

Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: Coolant leak at front/rear of intake, Overheating, White smoke from exhaust on cold start, Coolant in oil (milky dipstick), Rough idle from vacuum leak

Fix: Replace intake manifold gaskets, valley pan gasket. Critical to check for warp on manifold and heads. 6-8 hours labor for proper cleaning and torque procedure. Use Fel-Pro composite or upgraded gaskets, never reuse stock plastic-insert style.

Estimated cost: $800-1,400

Typical onset: 120,000-200,000 mi

Symptoms: Deep knocking from bottom of engine, worst on cold start, Metal shavings in oil, Low oil pressure at idle, Progressive noise that doesn't go away when warm

Fix: Requires engine removal, full teardown. Rod bearings fail first (connecting rod bearings), then mains. Almost always from extended oil change intervals or running low. At this point, most shops recommend short block replacement or full rebuild with pistons, rings, bearings, and machine work. 20-30 hours labor total.

Estimated cost: $3,500-6,500

Typical onset: 100,000-180,000 mi

Symptoms: ATF spraying under vehicle, Transmission overheating, Burnt ATF smell, Slipping gears after fluid loss, Lines rust through at frame contact points

Fix: Replace both cooler lines (do both even if only one leaks). Common failure at crimped fittings and where lines contact frame. If caught early, just lines and fluid. If run dry, transmission rebuild required. 2-3 hours labor for lines only.

Estimated cost: $300-600 (lines only), $1,800-3,200 (if transmission damaged)

Typical onset: 150,000-200,000 mi

Symptoms: Delayed engagement into gear, Slipping between 1-2 shift, No 3rd or 4th gear, Burnt ATF smell, Metal particles in pan

Fix: 3-4 clutch pack failure is most common, followed by sun shell breakage. Rebuild includes clutches, bands, filter, and often torque converter. Transmission mount failure accelerates this (noted in repair history). 12-16 hours labor for R&R and rebuild.

Estimated cost: $1,800-2,800

Typical onset: 100,000-180,000 mi

Symptoms: No start / crank no fire, Stalling when fuel tank below 1/4, Whining noise from tank, Loss of power under load, Hard start when hot

Fix: In-tank fuel pump assembly. Drop tank, replace pump module with new strainer. Use AC Delco or equivalent quality—cheap pumps fail early. 3-4 hours labor. Running tank low repeatedly kills these pumps early.

Estimated cost: $500-800

Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: Misfires in wet weather, Rough idle, Stalling, Hard starting, White carbon tracks visible on cap

Fix: Replace cap, rotor, and plug wires together. Vortec distributors trap moisture. Use AC Delco parts—aftermarket caps crack quickly. Also replace spider/poppet injectors if misfires persist with intake gasket job. 1-2 hours labor.

Estimated cost: $200-400

Typical onset: any

Symptoms: Check engine light P0440-P0446 codes, Fuel smell after fillup, Difficulty filling tank (pump clicks off), Failed emissions test

Fix: Vent solenoid on top of tank or frame-mounted canister fails, or tank pressure sensor fails. Tank drop may be required depending on configuration. 2-3 hours labor if tank drop needed.

Estimated cost: $300-600