I posted to this thread once before, back on 18 August, 2012. Now, it’s time to eat some crow.
Back then, I stated that I thought the valve guide issue was not a case of inaccurate machining, but more a case modified and/or track day engines experiencing high exhaust valve temperature and marginal lubrication.
Clearly, I was wrong.:nono:
While it’s possible that engines run really hard–such as road racing–may have accelerated wear due to the high operating temps and 5W30 oil, the valve guide wear which concerns some of those posting here and on other CF threads, is not restricted to trackrats. While I think an ester-based, 10W30 synthetic oil is a better choice for duty cycles which generate high oil temperatures, the valve guide wear you all were concerned about may be caused by production errors at GM’s cylinder head supplier.
About ten days later, on 30 Aug, 2012, “jvp” posted about a talk he had with a GM engineer at Carlisle. Man...I’d have loved to have been present to listen.
I had a chance to chat with one of the engineers at Carlisle about this specific issue. The discussion was fairly focused, and out of it I got the following points (paraphrasing, so forgive me here) ...
- It sounds like it's affecting a reasonably small number of '09, '10, and '11 Z06s. It's not the cause of any issues that have popped up with the LS7 in prior MYs.
- GM discovered the problem through their cylinder head warranty data; it went from nearly 0 to a peak of 6.5 problems per thousand engines.
- They inspected the returned heads and found the machining error in the valve guide. It had occurred at their head supplier. As stated in the thread already: it's not a design issue.
- Problems contained as of Feb '11 with 100% inspection of all heads.
- The most common customer complaint has been excessive valve train noise and if left unattended, an engine failure would likely occur. A handful of engines have been replaced under warranty due to these specific failures.
Overall, the engineer wanted customers to: enjoy their cars! If a problem is going to happen, it'll be accompanied by a nasty/excessive valve train noise
long before the engine fails. He didn't quantify what "excessive" valve train noise means, as opposed to the LS7's normal ticking. I haven't had an LS7-equipped Vette in over 3 years, so it's been a while since I've last heard one. Pay attention to what your engine is telling you regarding its noises, but don't drive around like you're sitting on a time bomb.
jas
Then, about six weeks after that, on 11 October 2012, in a different thread,
GM response to LS7 valve guide issue summary confirmed - Page 31 - Corvette Forum, this was posted:
Hello all,
LS7 Valve guide issue summary:
• Affects a small, number of '08, 09 ’10 and ’11 Z06’s
• GM discovered the condition through our cylinder head warranty data involving a very small percentage of our vehicles.
• Through inspection of returned heads, it was determined that a machining error in the valve guide had occurred at our head supplier.
• The quality issue has been contained as of Feb 2011 with 100% inspection of all heads.
• The most common customer complaint has been excessive valve train noise.
However if the condition is not addressed, it could result in engine failure. To date, where this condition has been observed, it has occurred early in the vehicle life.
What customers need to know: They should drive and enjoy their vehicles without fear. If their car demonstrates this condition, they are likely to hear unusual valvetrain noise first. If you have a concern regarding this issue on your personal vehicle feel free to contact me through private message on this forum and we will work to assist in resolving your concern. Feel free to contact me through
Socialmedia@gm.com please put attention Evan in the subject. As always, vehicles that have modifications to the powertrain or the calibrations, are no longer covered by GM's warranty.
Sincerely,
Evan, Chevrolet Customer Service
My info is that about three weeks ago, GM sent a bulletin to dealers. I’ve read the bulletin but, since the legality of reposting it here in its entirety would be questionable, I’ll just summarize the main points.
GM is telling dealers that it’s aware of the concerns amongst the Z06 owner’s community about valve guides.
GM has told dealers, if an owner brings a car in wanting the guides checked based on what he or she has read in the Internet, before working on the car, the dealer is to ask:
1) Are there problems indicative of an engine problem?
2) Is the MIL on?
3) Does the engine have problems starting or running?
4) Describe any noises you hear that you feel are abnormal.
The bulletin, then, gives a list of guidelines on how to address the owner's concerns.
If the dealer confirms there’s a problem with drivability, starting or running, or it finds any fault codes set in ECM memory, and the car is under warranty; it is to repair the problems per ESI. If the car is out of warranty, the dealer is to explain the “available options” and, I presume, one of those options would be for the customer to pay for repairs.
If the owner expresses concern about engine noises, the dealer is to warm the engine to operating temperature and compare it to engines in other vehicles. If the engine doesn’t make unusual noise, the owner should be told there’s no problem indicating the need to tear the engine down. The dealer can, also, suggest to the the customer that the LS7 is a high-performance engine and, as such, may have some level of valve train noise above that of engines of lesser performance. It is suggested that dealers tell customers that GM’s warranty numbers for LS7 valve and head replacement, “...are very low with no indication of an excessive wear issue.”
Finally, dealers are being told that, if the owner’s only worry is what they’ve read on the Internet, the engine in his/her car has no problem the dealer can document, but the customer wants the engine torn down and checked; the dealer is to explain it can do that, but the customer may have to pay for it. If a wear problem beyond limits listed in SI or the FSM is found, and the car is still under warranty, GM will cover the cost of inspection and repair.
Finally, the bulletin discusses aftermarket performance mods, such as engine mechanical parts or calibration changes, and states simply that engine mods can “accelerate valve guide wear.” It goes on to say that, if the engine has been modified; the powertrain warranty is voided.
If dealers need further information on aftermarket modifications and warranty coverage, or lack thereof, they’re referred to:
“GM Service Policy and Procedures Manual”, article 1.4.14 (Voided Warranties and Branded Titles) and article 1.2.2.12 (Non-GM Parts and Equipment and Original Equipment Alterations)
Bulletin 09-00-89-016
Bulletin 09-06-04-026
