Those people with C6Zs, something else to check before and during a track event
10-23-2010, 06:22 PM
#1
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Those people with C6Zs, something else to check before and during a track event
My car's last track day was Oct. 6th. I was at the Glen and had several sessions during the morning. In the afternoon I took a student out for a 20 minute ride. When I got back a friend was standing next to my parking place in the garage and said as I pulled in to pull far forward and that I had a problem. When I got out and looked where the car had been parked there were many large spots of engine oil and where it was now parked there were more spots quickly appearing. After it cooled down some I got it in the air and took a look. The oil cooler line was coming apart where the line changed from aluminum to a hose. The crimp was failing. This was confirmed by the dealer mechanic when he got it on a lift. Part was ordered on the 11th and just got in on the 22nd. Once I got the car on the trailer at the track it stayed there until I dropped it off at the dealership. Not sure if I could have driven it a few miles from my house to the shop but didn't want to take a chance on it coming completely apart and needing to call a tow truck.
Not sure how often this happens and if it might be the cause of some of the engine failures that we have heard about. If an engine grenaded it is possible the lines could be easily damaged in the explosion.
Bill
Not sure how often this happens and if it might be the cause of some of the engine failures that we have heard about. If an engine grenaded it is possible the lines could be easily damaged in the explosion.
Bill
10-23-2010, 08:05 PM
#3
Team Owner
My car's last track day was Oct. 6th. I was at the Glen and had several sessions during the morning. In the afternoon I took a student out for a 20 minute ride. When I got back a friend was standing next to my parking place in the garage and said as I pulled in to pull far forward and that I had a problem. When I got out and looked where the car had been parked there were many large spots of engine oil and where it was now parked there were more spots quickly appearing. After it cooled down some I got it in the air and took a look. The oil cooler line was coming apart where the line changed from aluminum to a hose. The crimp was failing. This was confirmed by the dealer mechanic when he got it on a lift. Part was ordered on the 11th and just got in on the 22nd. Once I got the car on the trailer at the track it stayed there until I dropped it off at the dealership. Not sure if I could have driven it a few miles from my house to the shop but didn't want to take a chance on it coming completely apart and needing to call a tow truck.
Not sure how often this happens and if it might be the cause of some of the engine failures that we have heard about. If an engine grenaded it is possible the lines could be easily damaged in the explosion.
Bill
Not sure how often this happens and if it might be the cause of some of the engine failures that we have heard about. If an engine grenaded it is possible the lines could be easily damaged in the explosion.
Bill
Glad you caught it !!
DH
10-23-2010, 11:08 PM
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I thought about stainless lines as well but since they are non stock they would invalidate the engine warranty if I had an oil problem that ruined the engine. Besides those types of lines have their own leakage issues. I had those on my C5 and they did tend to loosen and leak although none came close to coming apart.
I usually check the oil a couple of times per day. When I checked it this time it was down about a quart. It had to be blowing onto the track. The bottom of the engine, the front spring, stuff in front of the spring, the bottom of the car, the oil filter, and the rear fascia all had oil on them or dripping from them. Not sure what the oil pressure is when running at 6500 to 7000 rpm but the leak must have been spraying a fine mist under the car for at least two track sessions. If the thing would have totally blown out I imagine it wouldn't have taken long to dump most of the oil on the ground or under the rear tires.
Bill
I usually check the oil a couple of times per day. When I checked it this time it was down about a quart. It had to be blowing onto the track. The bottom of the engine, the front spring, stuff in front of the spring, the bottom of the car, the oil filter, and the rear fascia all had oil on them or dripping from them. Not sure what the oil pressure is when running at 6500 to 7000 rpm but the leak must have been spraying a fine mist under the car for at least two track sessions. If the thing would have totally blown out I imagine it wouldn't have taken long to dump most of the oil on the ground or under the rear tires.
Bill
10-24-2010, 03:00 AM
#6
Team Owner
I thought about stainless lines as well but since they are non stock they would invalidate the engine warranty if I had an oil problem that ruined the engine. Besides those types of lines have their own leakage issues. I had those on my C5 and they did tend to loosen and leak although none came close to coming apart.
I usually check the oil a couple of times per day. When I checked it this time it was down about a quart. It had to be blowing onto the track. The bottom of the engine, the front spring, stuff in front of the spring, the bottom of the car, the oil filter, and the rear fascia all had oil on them or dripping from them. Not sure what the oil pressure is when running at 6500 to 7000 rpm but the leak must have been spraying a fine mist under the car for at least two track sessions. If the thing would have totally blown out I imagine it wouldn't have taken long to dump most of the oil on the ground or under the rear tires.
Bill
I usually check the oil a couple of times per day. When I checked it this time it was down about a quart. It had to be blowing onto the track. The bottom of the engine, the front spring, stuff in front of the spring, the bottom of the car, the oil filter, and the rear fascia all had oil on them or dripping from them. Not sure what the oil pressure is when running at 6500 to 7000 rpm but the leak must have been spraying a fine mist under the car for at least two track sessions. If the thing would have totally blown out I imagine it wouldn't have taken long to dump most of the oil on the ground or under the rear tires.
Bill
DH
10-24-2010, 09:19 AM
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Bill Stock Engine Oil cooler ?
If so send me some more details and I will forward to head of Corvette Warranty. He is a good guy and comes to our NCM HPDEs .
Not saying it is a warranty issue, but he likes to know these things.
If so send me some more details and I will forward to head of Corvette Warranty. He is a good guy and comes to our NCM HPDEs .
Not saying it is a warranty issue, but he likes to know these things.
10-24-2010, 03:09 PM
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Not just C6Z. My Z51 had the same issue. I found it while prepping the car for a DE. It was not dripping but it was wet. I had it replaced under warrenty.
10-24-2010, 03:10 PM
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Bill
10-26-2010, 08:08 PM
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Picked up the car today. Took a couple of pictures of the crimps but they really don't show anything. If I didn't know they leaked I wouldn't have been able to tell. One of the mechanics at the dealership said GM has been having problems with oil cooler lines. I mentioned to him that my 8 year old Tahoe hadn't had a problem yet and he said I was lucky because most of the problems have been with trucks.
I had them change the oil while it was there. Total number of quarts came to 9 Vs 8 the last time they changed it in March. Must be 1 quart that stays in the cooler with a normal change.
Bill
I had them change the oil while it was there. Total number of quarts came to 9 Vs 8 the last time they changed it in March. Must be 1 quart that stays in the cooler with a normal change.
Bill