I just got the OK for my re-ring and possibly new pistons (if it looks like there
is any scuffing).

Anything to be careful about? Is there any break inperiod or just
drive normally?

Also, is there anything to get done while it's opened up? (Within a reasonable
cost)

I can't wait to get rid of all that black crap out the exhaust.

Thanks...George

 

Insist on the new pistons. Tell the Service Manager you hear piston slap when the car is first started. The new pistons are the same shape, but they have a Teflon coating on the skirt to quiet them down.

As far as break-in goes, you really don't need to do anything. Not all the piston rings will be replaced, so it is not like driving a new or re-built engine. Make sure the shop follows the TSB to the letter - replace ONLY THE RINGS LISTED IN THE TSB. If they replace ALL the rings, you could wind up with more oil consumption.

While the engine is out and apart, I'd have the mechanic take a close look at everything. If something looks wrong/bad, have it replaced. If you are after some more HP, then it would be a good time for a heads & cam package ;)

 

May I ask you a question? How much Oil were you using? How many times did you take it to the dealer before they decided to Re-Ring the engine?? Thanks for your time.

 

Use the same break-in period/procedure as with a new engine. Good luck. :)

 

Tsab:

It varies. Right now I have ~16k miles and it has gotten worse. When new,
after my first oil change, I went about 500 - 700 miles when the oli light
came on. I assumed at the time the dealer didn't give me a full fill.

On occasion, I'd need to add a half quart or so but thought nothing of it.
Only as this consumption problem came to light did I start to pay attention.
I noticed that soon after a change, I would consume more oil and then
it lessened somwhat. I started the test in Nov 2002 and finished up this Nov
after 5 checks by the dealer.

It varied a bit but was within 1,000 miles per quart. (GM says a quart usage
under 2000 miles is considered excessive)

One time is was 600 - 800 that I used a quart.
I get terrible black exhaust in even a short ride...50 miles or so.
Lately it's been pinging.

Also, I have an A4, so this is more unusual, not unheard of but certainly
not as common as the M6.

I do have the 3:15 diff so maybe there's a connection.

Anyway, the tech feels any consumption is abnormal.
BTW, the engine is not pulled. He does these intact.

It was also suggested that it suffers piston slap as well (different dealer).

I didn't pursue it last year, but we'll see hwat they look like when removed.
I expect a huge carbon deposit though.


...George

 

I broke my brand new 2001 vette in really easy and ended up with an oil burner. After ther re-ring, I broke it in hard for 150 miles, then went to very hard, after that. It now uses 1 qt per 4000 miles of very hard driving, with cam etc.

 

What do they mean IF it looks like there is any scuffing. They can look in there with a borescope and tell before they open it up whether or not the pistons have scuffed the walls. And therefore whether new pistons are called for.

Could they be leading you on about new pistons? :confused:




[Modified by wwashing, 4:23 PM 12/2/2003]

 

Thanks for the reply. Keep us posted.

 

Have them check the "O" ring in the oil pick up tube goimg into the oil pump to see if it is split, if so have them replace it with the larger (thicker) one available at the dealership.

 

It doesnt work that way. Dealers are no longer allowed to replace a MAJOR drivetrain component with out first tearing it down, taking measurements and doing a cost analysis of repair vs. replacement. Then we have to call in and get an approval. MAJOR PIA!!!!
I agree that they could but I doubt they even have one as it has to come apart anyway.. and yes there are redesigned pistons out there. 02's and up have the "patch" on the skirts.

 

Ask for an upgrade to forged pistons.

If the sickness sets in bad, you'll end up needing forged pistons.

 

Just be sure the dealer has a competent mechanic to do the work. All they should replace is the #2 ring on each piston. I had this done to my car about two years ago after using a quart every 1200 miles - since then, less than a quart every 4000 miles (when I usually change the oil). When I asked my dealer if I had to redo the breakin period, his response was NO. Took his advice and have had no problems. Good luck. For me, if I were thinking smart, I would have had them put the Z06 intake manifold on the car when they had it torn down. But, you already have it I believe.