Starter Cracks Block

[danjack]

I own a 2000 C5 Hardtop. Recently I went out in the morning to go to work. I attempted to start my C5 when the starter made a nasty noise. I stopped and tried again. There was nothing but a high-pitched whirling noise. I had it towed to my local Chevrolet shop. They told me that the starter had broken loose from the block cracking the block. They are now replacing the entire motor. Has anyone heard of this happening.

 

[RedRagTop]

I assume this is warranty? I think a buddy told me during a test-drive a new engine for a c5 is about $20,000 US. Did you actually see the damage? RJS:eek

 

[chevyaddict]

Out of all the things that I can imagine cracking a block, that is the LAST thing I expected to be a culprit! That truly sucks!!!

Dawn

 

[vette-dude]

Just so you don't feel alone I had a similiar experience with my Silverado PU. the starter sheared both bolts off i the block and they had to drill and easy out the remnants. Engine never backfired or anything to cause this. Just hit the stater one day and it fell out on the driveway. Didn't crack the block though but my Mechanic said this is not unusual as they no longer put a bracket on the end of the starter that use to hold the heavy end onto the block. Just the two bolts in the front end that go into the rear of the engine. Haven't had any trouble since it was fixed but mechanic said to check the bolts every so often when changing oil. Sure is a sickening feeling though when it happens. Hope it works out for you.

Randy

 

[danjack]

I assume this is warranty? I think a buddy told me during a test-drive a new engine for a c5 is about $20,000 US. Did you actually see the damage? RJS:eek

It is about $7,000.00. The original 36 month warranty ended March 16, 2003, but I had purchased an extended warranty. No one can tell me that an extended warranty is not worth the money. Yeah, I saw the damage. The starter is attached directly to the block at the rear. This is the most absurd engineering method I have seen. To attach a starter to an aluminum block is ridiculous considering the torque it receives when turning the crank of the engine to get the whole process going. No reinforcement whatsoever. Tore off the bolt hole and a chunk of the block as well.

 

[IH2LOSE]

danjack

Sorry for your troubles. Are they giving you and entire motor ? or jsut a block with all of your old componets on it.Pisons ,cam ,oil pump,heads,intacke ect,ect ?

 

[danjack]

danjack

Sorry for your troubles. Are they giving you and entire motor ? or jsut a block with all of your old componets on it.Pisons ,cam ,oil pump,heads,intacke ect,ect ?

They are putting in the entire engine with all new components. The old engine only has 20,000 miles on it though.

 

[vettenuts]

This is the second time I have heard of this happening, although the other motor wasn't stock.

 

[KSGerry]

I've got a bare LS-1 blocks with caps available if a 2001 vintage engine is the same as the 2000. Theses are surplus and new, old stock. Of course the dealer probably has to send the engine into GM for warranty purposes. The option is there if it will work for them or someone else. Sorry to read about your grief.

Regards,
Gerry Dedonis

 

[Chick]

I have seen starters break off engines and generally what happens is there is some kind of problem somewhere else other than the starter. Like a motor hydro locking on fuel due to a stuck injector or a coolant leak or a frozen accessory such as an alternator. The starter either breaks it's case or in this case breaks the block too. With cast iron it won't happen just the case will break.
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I know it's under warranty but watch those injectors, will they cover that base and put in new ones???????? Hate to have your vette tied up again when the good weather is finally coming.