Defective GM Vortec Engines 1999-2002

[BigBlackMotor]

GM is putting a lot of defective 1999-2002 Vortec engines on the water and the road. Engines from GM Powertrain are by far the most numerous when it comes to I/O's and gas inboards. This problem also applies to a lot of tow vehicles. Don't get stuck with one....I did!!! See the attached: <br /><br />GM appears to be having a major problem with their 1999 - 2002 Vortec engine line. For more information see http://www.gmpistonslap.cjb.net <br /><br />GM first admitted the problem and promised to fix it. It then recanted and are telling consumers nothing is wrong. Conservative estimates are that 800,000 units have the problem and replacing the engines as FORD and Chrysler did in previous<br />similar situations will cost GM approximately $4K in extended costs per unit. This huge customer satisfaction problem coupled with 0% financing followed by deep $2002 dollar discounts is going to cause serious impact to shareholder value. Especially in light of the inevitable increase in interest rates in the not to distant future.

 

[ODDD1]

Re: Defective GM Vortec Engines 1999-2002

My God! this is terrible!! and up to this minute I thought 4.3's were really good motors!! How could I have gotten so lucky to get nothing but quiet 4.3's to work on up to now!

 

[hondon]

Re: Defective GM Vortec Engines 1999-2002

I've represented Mercruiser for a long time,and in that time I have never had to warranty a short block,or for that matter rebuild one without substantial hours.There are no service bulletins on my bench concerning substandard engines.Your web page referal gave me nothing.If you don't like GM ,install something else.Good luck finding it.

 

[Rick Byers]

Re: Defective GM Vortec Engines 1999-2002

I work on Chevrolet vortec engines every day and have not seen or heard of any problem with them. The 3.1 engine in some passenger cars in 1998 had a problem but were replaced if a customer complained about the noise on cold start up. But i will recheck my Database at work on monday and see what GM has to say. Rick

 

[BigBlackMotor]

Re: Defective GM Vortec Engines 1999-2002

All you have to do is look at the TSB's. For more proof look at Pickuptruck.com and search for "Engine Knock"...."Cold Start Knock"......"6.0 Knock" ....."5.3 knock"..or "pistonslap"....Any of the Corvete LS1 boards....GM truck boards...and other are loaded with the problem.....Of course, this is America....You can bury your head in the sand if you wish!

 

[ODDD1]

Re: Defective GM Vortec Engines 1999-2002

Yep, bury your head....or write imflammatory posts....

 

[Hooty]

Re: Defective GM Vortec Engines 1999-2002

Una momento senors,<br />Bein' a Ford man I wouldn't know about Chevy/Gm problems but is this a real problem or just some disgruntled Chevy owners??<br />Just curious,<br /><br />c/6<br /><br />Hooty

 

[Rick Byers]

Re: Defective GM Vortec Engines 1999-2002

I haven't heard of any of the complaints on the 5.3 or 6.0 motor. I will check tomorrow at work and post my findings here. Rick

 

[BigBlackMotor]

Re: Defective GM Vortec Engines 1999-2002

Let me give you guys some help here! Try GM Technical Service Bulletins (TSB's)#'s:<br /><br />01-06-01-005 Regarding the piston slap problem on the 3.1 and 3.4 60 degree V6's. this one also shows illustrations of piston slap damage. After it has said it is "NORMAL" and causes no problem to durability or longevity.<br /><br />01-06-01-022 Regarding the piston slap on the 6.0 Liter. Says its "NORMAL".<br /><br />01-06-01-028 Regarding piston slap on the 4.8, 5.3 and 6.0 V8's. Says its "NORMAL".<br /><br />01-06-01-011 Regarding an increase in "NORMAL" oil consumption guidelines for all GM engines (except Cadillac) to cover up the piston slappers. Says adding 3.5 quarts of oil between a factory recommended oil change interval of 7,500 miles is normal only if the engine has 0-36,000 miles. After that, all bets are off (even if you have an extended warranty).<br /><br />You can look these up or, see them on the web site along with GMs own illustrations of internal engine damage on the 3.1 at:<br /> http://www.gmpistonslap.cjb.net <br /><br />I have not heard of this problem on the 4.3 Liter engine as of yet. Even though my 8.1 Liter engine is not covered by a TSB regarding Piston Slap, GM and several dealers are telling me it is the same story. It's "NORMAL"! I also have it from two dealership service managers that GM has directed them that they are not allowed to document the words "Piston Slap" or "Engine Knock" on any invoice no matter how bad the engine sounds. If the piston is not laying in the oil pan and the engine still runs, they are required to state "No Abnormal Noises Heard" regardless!!!!<br /><br />In a couple of days, I'll have a copy of a letter from US Senator Phil Gramm requesting Texas State Attorney General John Cornyn to conduct an investigation into the matter. <br /><br />GM first told everyone there was a problem and new pistons were being developed so that all problem engines could be repaired. They then came back and said "What problem?" Its "NORMAL". <br /><br />Oil analysis samples are coming back with very high levels of wear materials. We're encourage folks who are concerned to obtain borescope inspections to see if damage such that illustrated in the GM TSB is present.<br /><br />If you have a tow vehicle or boat engine that has this problem, come register it at http://www.gmpistonslap.cjb.net .<br /><br />Good Luck!

 

[MURX]

Re: Defective GM Vortec Engines 1999-2002

Ah I wouldn't sweat the Vortec, it's the Turbohydramatic and rear axles that concern me BTW I've yet to see a 3.1, 5.3 6.0, or 8.1 in a boat

 

[ODDD1]

Re: Defective GM Vortec Engines 1999-2002

I'm with you murx... still smells like a non problem to me....

 

[mrm]

Re: Defective GM Vortec Engines 1999-2002

You are on the wrong board. We only bash Baylinners here. lol<br /> <br /><br /><br />I work on my boat, therefore I fish .

 

[ODDD1]

Re: Defective GM Vortec Engines 1999-2002

Ya know, it always amazes me...people buy sumptin...have some probs[real/imagined/self induced]and get some ugly on for that particular product....and no matter what the manufacturer/producer does, it will be inadequate in thier eyes....I'll bet that no matter what this guy gets for compensation he will continue to bad mouth GM's product....How do you make a customer like that happy? Is it worth the bother to try? Do you ask that he sample the competitors product in the future? If you were a dealer in this situation, where in the sceme of your daily business would you put this guy, when you have customers who you know you can please?

 

[petryshyn]

Re: Defective GM Vortec Engines 1999-2002

I suppose we all would react differently if we were in his boots. Its not a pleasant sound if you've invested $40,000+...<br /><br />He's not alone....

 

[Rick Byers]

Re: Defective GM Vortec Engines 1999-2002

I said I would check the Data Base at work for TSB's/Recalls on Chevy engines for piston slap or noise only ones I found target the 3.1 litre and 3.4 litre V-6,s in the small cars none on the 4.3 V-6 or any on the V-8's. Rick

 

[Walter]

Re: Defective GM Vortec Engines 1999-2002

The V-8's are ok? Oh, thank goodness! Shoot, for a minute there I thought I was gonna have to repower with my Grandfather's Yugo... You know, put in something tried, true, & reliable?? <br /><br />Gimme a break...<br /><br />Walt

 

[1dog4]

Re: Defective GM Vortec Engines 1999-2002

the 3.1 and 3.4 do have a knock and possible scarring on cylinder walls, in case as that you either replace piston if it is feasable or the entire block assembly which is in our tsb's now back to reading the national enquire type of documents a 4.3 liter is only 2 cylinders short of a 5.7 liter which has been in the chevy stable for a very long time and in the last 10 years i have worked in a gm dealer and still am i only replaced 3 4.3 liters and they were due to lack of oil and that web page is quiet hillarious thank you for the humor. and finally if it werent for pages like that and the media it would make it a lot easier for the dealerships if they would wait for the recalls to get to the dealers, instead of get the public in a mass histeria

 

[clanton]

Re: Defective GM Vortec Engines 1999-2002

I would think that as long as GM has been building engines, they would have learned how to do it by now. GM says ok for Northstar engine to use 2 qt oil 3000 miles, sent me 4 page e-mail explaining how it burns the oil to lubricate the engine. The 350 have had valve guide seal problems.

 

[butlp]

Re: Defective GM Vortec Engines 1999-2002

Clanton,<br />Why not post the GM e-mail I'm sure a lot of people like me would be intersted to know how burning oil lubricates the motor

 

[ODDD1]

Re: Defective GM Vortec Engines 1999-2002

1dog4, how many motors do you think that makes nation-wide? and for the 64 thousand dollar question....how many do you think were oil related "failures"? Everybody [almost] on this board has come to the consensus that using 'good' oil in 2 stroke motors is helpful in maintaining engine health...but how many of the people with this 'problem' have used the cheapest quickie lube oil changes/stuff thats on sale for 69 cents a quart and not even thought twice about it??? There are oils that BARELY meet the minimum standard that new engines require [at least they met them when tested]and in my opinion certainly dont after 3000 miles.....maybe this is a big part of the problem????