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Old Jun 6, 2011 | 11:06 PM
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Default unusual engine problem

A few months ago over the winter, I noticed a squeaking noice, which sounded like it came from the Air intake. I recently took it to a repair shop, and the mechanic noticed that my harmonic balancer is way out of balance that I never noticed before. The '07 barely has 20,000 miles and no one was able to find the part in stock. I went on gmpartshouse.com and found a balancer but there was barely any description of the part. (no part number etc...) Has anyone else with an 07 had similar problems?
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Old Jun 6, 2011 | 11:10 PM
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Originally Posted by BPMBPIBG
A few months ago over the winter, I noticed a squeaking noice, which sounded like it came from the Air intake. I recently took it to a repair shop, and the mechanic noticed that my harmonic balancer is way out of balance that I never noticed before. The '07 barely has 20,000 miles and no one was able to find the part in stock. I went on gmpartshouse.com and found a balancer but there was barely any description of the part. (no part number etc...) Has anyone else with an 07 had similar problems?
Search on 'harmonic balancer' and you'll find a number of posts on this. It's a relatively common problem. Some go with the stock GM replacement and others with an after market part. I'm not an expert on the subject so won't comment any further.

Here's one of the discussions...

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...ose-gotem.html

Last edited by C-INRED; Jun 6, 2011 at 11:13 PM.
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Old Jun 7, 2011 | 09:13 AM
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Originally Posted by BPMBPIBG
A few months ago over the winter, I noticed a squeaking noice, which sounded like it came from the Air intake. I recently took it to a repair shop, and the mechanic noticed that my harmonic balancer is way out of balance that I never noticed before. The '07 barely has 20,000 miles and no one was able to find the part in stock. I went on gmpartshouse.com and found a balancer but there was barely any description of the part. (no part number etc...) Has anyone else with an 07 had similar problems?
My '07 had its harmonic balancer replaced early this spring, and it had about 25,000 miles on it. Luckily for me, it was under waranty. Good luck.
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Old Jun 7, 2011 | 09:31 AM
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Originally Posted by Ken H.
My '07 had its harmonic balancer replaced early this spring, and it had about 25,000 miles on it. Luckily for me, it was under waranty. Good luck.
What years are affected by this issue?
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Old Jun 7, 2011 | 09:52 AM
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Originally Posted by IDSRVIT
What years are affected by this issue?
This was a problem with some very early VIN 2005's but it can happen with any model year. For whatever reason, after making millions of engines without this problem, GM abandoned using a key to secure the harmonic balancer. All the Gen III and Gen IV V8 engines use a press-fit damper with no keyway. It's been this way since the LS1 was introduced in 1997. To remedy the problem, a friction washer became a production part in the 2006 LS2 and LS7 engines (and I suspect in the late model 2005's as well). It's not what I'd consider a widespread problem but it happens too much for my comfort level. The only sure fire fix is to pin the crank. All forced induction applications require a pinned crankshaft and IMO it would benefit high power naturally aspirated applications as well.

It's not ideal but FWIW a slight amount of pulley wobble may be within acceptable parameters. That's to say your car may run just fine with some pulley wobble. If the crank-pulley isn't loose and you're not shredding belts you might be OK. Again, it's obviously not ideal but I've seen C6's run fine for years with a minor amount of wobble. The OEM crank-pulley isn't known for precision construction. There are better after market solutions if you need to replace it.
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Old Jun 7, 2011 | 10:41 AM
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Originally Posted by Wayne O
This was a problem with some very early VIN 2005's but it can happen with any model year. For whatever reason, after making millions of engines without this problem, GM abandoned using a key to secure the harmonic balancer. All the Gen III and Gen IV V8 engines use a press-fit damper with no keyway. It's been this way since the LS1 was introduced in 1997. To remedy the problem, a friction washer became a production part in the 2006 LS2 and LS7 engines (and I suspect in the late model 2005's as well). It's not what I'd consider a widespread problem but it happens too much for my comfort level. The only sure fire fix is to pin the crank. All forced induction applications require a pinned crankshaft and IMO it would benefit high power naturally aspirated applications as well.

It's not ideal but FWIW a slight amount of pulley wobble may be within acceptable parameters. That's to say your car may run just fine with some pulley wobble. If the crank-pulley isn't loose and you're not shredding belts you might be OK. Again, it's obviously not ideal but I've seen C6's run fine for years with a minor amount of wobble. The OEM crank-pulley isn't known for precision construction. There are better after market solutions if you need to replace it.
The problem I see is "IF" it decides to go it usually doesn't give much warning! You can be in the middle of no where and/or the failure can results in some catastrophic damage..... IMO it's not worth risking if you drive your vette a lot. Mine's pinned because I'm SC'd but the mickey mouse setup GM uses always concerned me. If I saw much wobble I'd get it fixed... preferably by pinning but at least get it repaired. BTW.. there is an easy way to pin the crank pulley WITHOUT dropping the rack! Saves about 4+ hours of labor.....
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Old Jun 7, 2011 | 03:03 PM
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Originally Posted by cthusker
The problem I see is "IF" it decides to go it usually doesn't give much warning! You can be in the middle of no where and/or the failure can results in some catastrophic damage..... IMO it's not worth risking if you drive your vette a lot. Mine's pinned because I'm SC'd but the mickey mouse setup GM uses always concerned me. If I saw much wobble I'd get it fixed... preferably by pinning but at least get it repaired. BTW.. there is an easy way to pin the crank pulley WITHOUT dropping the rack! Saves about 4+ hours of labor.....
The crank pulley bolt boo-boo on early 05's notwithstanding. The underlying problem is the construction of the harmonic pulley itself! Sooner or later with the current design of the harmonic pulley, given enough time, the pulley problem will surface on the newer models. You can pin the stock pulley, but it will still separate from itself (with the inner part still pinned to the crank and the outer free to cause untold damages)due to its poor bonding construction. Unless you want to stick with warranty, using stock is just an accident waiting to happen.

By the way, since you know an easier way to pin, please share. We can all benefit.
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Old Jun 7, 2011 | 06:06 PM
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Unfortunately there is nothing unusual about this engine issue…

It is a real shame GM does not own up to it and cover the repairs beyond the normal warranty!

Yes I know that will get a laugh out of many people but I can tell you I have seen this done by other auto manufactures by giving an extended warranty for specific problems.
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Old Jun 7, 2011 | 08:16 PM
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I have an 07 and the dealer has replaced mine twice, 17,000 miles.
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Old Jun 8, 2011 | 01:03 PM
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There are a number of threads on this issue on the forum. I am not an expert either, but I do know that it ranges within the years. It does happen and it appears to be semi common.

Good luck out there.

Brent
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Old Jun 8, 2011 | 03:41 PM
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Originally Posted by Chevy Cust Svc
There are a number of threads on this issue on the forum. I am not an expert either, but I do know that it ranges within the years. It does happen and it appears to be semi common.

Good luck out there.

Brent
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What function does GM Customer Service serve here?
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Old Jun 8, 2011 | 08:22 PM
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i replaced mine on my 2005 at 20k. i installed Slp underdrive pulley. Do yourself a favor, pin it and use plenty of loc-tite
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Old Jun 8, 2011 | 09:04 PM
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My car doesn't make the chirping noise as it is described, but sometimes when at idle I can hear a light metallic chain noise. Sounds like someone's dragging a chain across concrete. Anybody know what it could be? Seems to be relative to whether or not I have the climate control on. When I turn the climate control ON, the noise goes away. The noise is also intermittent.
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Old Jun 8, 2011 | 09:11 PM
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Originally Posted by cthusker
The problem I see is "IF" it decides to go it usually doesn't give much warning! You can be in the middle of no where and/or the failure can results in some catastrophic damage..... IMO it's not worth risking if you drive your vette a lot. Mine's pinned because I'm SC'd but the mickey mouse setup GM uses always concerned me. If I saw much wobble I'd get it fixed... preferably by pinning but at least get it repaired. BTW.. there is an easy way to pin the crank pulley WITHOUT dropping the rack! Saves about 4+ hours of labor.....
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Old Jun 8, 2011 | 09:26 PM
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Originally Posted by R&L's C6
+1

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Old Jun 8, 2011 | 10:45 PM
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Originally Posted by R&L's C6
Follow the link and read the PDF. It will show you how to do it without dropping the rack. ECS did the same thing pretty much when they installed my E-force.....


http://www.magnacharger.com/pdf/manu...ntercooled.pdf
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Old Jun 9, 2011 | 06:50 AM
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Originally Posted by cthusker
Follow the link and read the PDF. It will show you how to do it without dropping the rack. ECS did the same thing pretty much when they installed my E-force.....


http://www.magnacharger.com/pdf/manu...ntercooled.pdf
Thank you.
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Old Jun 9, 2011 | 09:30 AM
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Originally Posted by victorf
What function does GM Customer Service serve here?
The Corvette Forum has graciously allowed GM to monitor this forum to keep in touch with what is going on with our Corvettes. My basic function within the forum is to work as a medium between Customer Assistance and the owner. I do not have authority to diagnose your vehicle nore to help personally in the event that you need something from GM, but I do know where to turn and in a lot of areas, how to go about seeking assistance.

I can locate dealerships as well for those members who may be curious as to what dealerships are around them. I also use the information to reply to GM with certain issues.

Brent
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Old Jun 9, 2011 | 10:16 AM
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Originally Posted by Chevy Cust Svc
The Corvette Forum has graciously allowed GM to monitor this forum to keep in touch with what is going on with our Corvettes. My basic function within the forum is to work as a medium between Customer Assistance and the owner. I do not have authority to diagnose your vehicle nore to help personally in the event that you need something from GM, but I do know where to turn and in a lot of areas, how to go about seeking assistance.

I can locate dealerships as well for those members who may be curious as to what dealerships are around them. I also use the information to reply to GM with certain issues.

Brent
GM Customer Service
I think if would make more sense if you told GM engineering to get with it and stop relying on this poor design. This is their top level sports car and this should not be an issue. Design for robustness and not for cost.
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Old Jun 9, 2011 | 01:07 PM
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Originally Posted by b4i4getit
I think if would make more sense if you told GM engineering to get with it and stop relying on this poor design. This is their top level sports car and this should not be an issue. Design for robustness and not for cost.
Just venting.

Customer service is cool aide for public relations.

GM's engineering team cannot be out to lunch on this issue that also affects other models this long. Certain design is a long term bread provider for the automotive industry, for as long as the industry doesn't get burn by its intended design.

My former life was with the DOD, involved with tool design & tool making to keep the nuclear and conventional ships fit to fight. If an issue arised, even with the speed of operation the government is known for, it does not take this long to address an issue.

I choose not to play their game, took the proactive approach, changed out the time bomb with an ATI on my 05 and just walk away shaking my head in disbelieve!
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