Uh-Oh!! Now it's the dreaded 4,300 mile mark!

At least I'm beyond that, so maybe I'm okay.

Bob

 

Bob,

Don't count on it.

 

Yes two for me---first one everything went to hell---after two weeks of waiting for ''the fix'' I got the car back and it started squealing again but this time I drove it right to the dealer and then got the correct washer and it has been holding well for 3,000 miles plus since. As for under 100 total failures -I don't think so.

 

I 'd have to agree that the total must be higher than that by now. The last semi-official report was 82, with only one over 2,000 miles, but that was a few months ago. That doesn't seem to be valid any more. The recent reports of two different failures at over 4,000 miles is more distressing than the actual number of failures. Still, most cars don't seem to be affected....yet.

 

Stopped by the dealer to check on progress. It's very disheartening to see your car with the whole front end assembly and engine apart like that. I always wonder whether there are a few "extra" parts/bolts left over after re-assembly that get kicked under a workbench. Out of sight, out of mind. I think that my Vette will most likely find its way onto the pages of Autotrader when I get it back. First, and probably last, Vette that I will own. I am a car guy primarily with no specific brand loyalty, but I have owned 4 Mustangs since the mid 1980's without any of them giving me any problems. I am considering trading the Vette in on a new convertible Mustang GT. The Vette is just not turning out to be the car I expected it to be. Still makes me quiver when I read all the posts on this site concerning all the major mods people are doing to this car. Just not worth the bucks in terms of something breaking with a voided warranty. As long as your having fun though, have at it!!!

 

you can check the bolt for tightness using a 1" box end wrench,try to turn the engine clockwise and if you can turn the engine with the wrench on the bolt is still tight

 

I'm glad your 745 Li has been problem free. I've owned 3 brand new M3's and my '95 was problem free. The other 2 had issues. The quality of Mercedes used to be impeccable but over the last few years that has changed drastically. I'm not certain there is a high performance car out there where the 1st year cars do not have issues. This is not in any way meant to marginalize your frustration; I've just learned to roll with the punches. Best of luck to you.

 

And yet GM still continues to stonewall. They should issue a voluntary recall so those who want the peace of mind of the fix can have it - before the failure. It will save them customers in the long run, maybe the short run. If Toyota can issue a recall for 6 cases of 800,000 trucks, GM can do it for us. Does anyone wonder why Toyota is eating our lunch?

 

I agree and I never had a problem with any of my mustangs for more than half the price. In this thread the mention a couple months ago 82 report problems so even if it has doubled why is the washer on back order?

 

Thanks,

Will do that once a week along with my visual inspection of the line I painted across the crank pulley and bolt. I also check the belt for any unusual and sudden wear. Wish me luck, just reached the 3,000 mile mark.

 

My car has about 4000 miles. Checked my serpentine belt yesterday and is coming apart on the edges. Is this a symptom of the crank pulley bolt problem? Bought it before Thanksgiving, so I'm guessing it's in the VIN range.

 

I think it would be prudent to have your dealer take a look. It may be nothing, but there's no way of knowing without a complete inspection. The dealer can also check the tension on the belt/bolt assembly. At 2500 miles, my own belt shows no fraying or wear.

 

I'm in the affected range. Vin#10483. 1000miles. How bad is the belt fraying? I see what looks like small white lines or threads near the edge of the belt but certainly not what I would call fraying.

 

It's frayeding enough to sew a couple buttons on a shirt. THe belt looks one rib narrower than it should be. I have septentine belts on my 1990 Vette, 2000 S/10 and 2003 Silverado SS, none look like this.

Yesterday the car was too hot to check the crank pulley bolt. Now that it's cold I can move the crank pulley bolt with my fingers.

That's the bad news. Good news is I have it and I still love!

 

counting the 03 I have now I have owned 3 Cobras and Ford has issued recalls for some of the most minor issues.

You think Chevrolet would at least consider recalling the affected Vin cars. I think we paid enough money for these cars to get some consideration and a secure feeling when driving.

 

I agree.

 

It looks like you might have caught it before any major damage was done.

How have you driven the car in the past, do you baby it or drive it like you stole it? I am trying to understand why most have let loose under 2000 miles but now that spring is here we are seeing some higher mileage cars with the problem.

 

I think the problem is either random, or we will all face it eventually. It is happening to both granny shifters and drag racers. That's what is pizzing me off so much...this is a huge problem with a large number of expensive cars that can easily strand you for a week or ten days. And General Motors is not supporting us at all. I've purchases my last GM car, both because I'm pizzed, and fuerther because I don't trust their engineering and assembly anymore.

I mentioned in another thread that Toyota recalled 800,000 trucks because of 6 (non injury producing) suspension failures. They explained that they did it first because it was the right thing to do, and secondly because of potential liability. Having worked for another Japanese firm, I tend to believe them. My company believed that field failures both looked bad, and spoke badly of corporate management. So they were corrected, no matter the cost. That seems 180 degrees from GMs philosophy of hide the bacon. I am not a Toyota fan, and I have bought 41 American cars, but cmon GM give us a break.

I know that folks are tired of me dumping on GM about this, since I haven't had a failure - yet. The truth is that I'm really embarassed and disappointed that GM, as a premier American manufacurer, would screw their best customers without comment or conscience.

 

If that is try about Toyota wow. I must agree that GM doesn't want to address serious issues until the NTSB or it is major and with over 400 crank bolt problems when does it become major someone lose a motor lose control and die?

 

Drive it like I stole it, see Avatar for reference. I had just passed a line of 10-15 vehicles, on a two lane county road, right before I got home. I heard the belt squeaking, so I checked it.

I just trailer it to the dealer. Found the missing rib laying on the streering rack when I strapping it down. I tighten the bolt with my fingers, about 140# of torque.