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AFM Problems ?

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Old Apr 11, 2015 | 09:49 AM
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Default AFM Problems ?

At a recent Corvette Club meeting one of the members gave us a lecture on the failures of GM's AFM-Active Fuel Management system, along with similar problems with other manufacturers systems. He claimed that the AFM system led to premature cam lobe failure, bent push rods, broken value springs, and bent valves.

I follow this site on a daily basis, and have searched for any posting of such problems, and can find none. My own experience with AFM has been good. I am wondering is there is any truth to his rant? Comments please...

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Old Apr 11, 2015 | 10:27 AM
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Since the AFM functions by disabling the valve lifter, I don't see any way that would put any extra stress on the cam lobes, pushrods, valves, or springs. If anything, those components are getting a rest when the AFM kicks in. Unless there's a failure mode that involves getting excessive valve lift, I'd say there's no reason to worry.
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Old Apr 11, 2015 | 11:53 AM
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Considering the LT1 isn't the 1st car with the AFM that GM offered, I just don't see it. Where can we document such engine problems? Sounds more like educated speculations to me.
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Old Apr 11, 2015 | 10:40 PM
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My son had an AFM lifter failure in his 2009 G8 GT at 29K and a week before the 5 yr warranty ran out. GM replaced all of his lifters under warranty. He had 2 ECM's, the original, and a Vector tuned ECM that was his normal ECM. The Vector tune deleted the AFM function, so the AFM lifters were operating 100% of the time.

Since I have 2 G8's, one with a similar setup and the other with a different cam which removed all the AFM, I can say that our Vettes AFM is much smoother in transition, vs the G8 AFM which was noticeable every time it turned on and off. At non-highway speeds I don't even notice when it switches when in E mode.

I don't think we will have issues with this, though also realize that few 2014 - 15 owners have exceeded 30K. That's why you have your 100K - 5 yr warranty. Personally, I am much more concerned with the oil in the intake.
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Old Apr 12, 2015 | 08:36 AM
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Originally Posted by 11B250
Considering the LT1 isn't the 1st car with the AFM that GM offered, I just don't see it. Where can we document such engine problems? Sounds more like educated speculations to me.

I think so too!

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Old Apr 12, 2015 | 08:55 AM
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M7 + AFM = useless
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Old Apr 12, 2015 | 08:58 AM
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I can't speak to any problems with LT1 AFM but can with the AFM in GM trucks. I had a 6.0 Truck with AFM and it had lots of AFM related problems. They tore the engine down twice in 25k miles to replace the valve train components due to problems directly related to AFM. I have the AFM disabled in my 12 Avalanche and no problems so far.
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Old Apr 12, 2015 | 10:39 AM
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Originally Posted by 7LitreC5
I can't speak to any problems with LT1 AFM but can with the AFM in GM trucks. I had a 6.0 Truck with AFM and it had lots of AFM related problems. They tore the engine down twice in 25k miles to replace the valve train components due to problems directly related to AFM. I have the AFM disabled in my 12 Avalanche and no problems so far.
Did any of the problems involve bent valves, bent pushrods, broken springs, or damaged cam lobes?
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Old Apr 12, 2015 | 12:58 PM
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Yes. The second time that they tore it down it had bent push rods and a messed up cam. They replaced the cam, lifters, push rods, valve springs, and rocker arms.

Originally Posted by WelderGuy
Did any of the problems involve bent valves, bent pushrods, broken springs, or damaged cam lobes?
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Old Apr 12, 2015 | 03:58 PM
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I wish I could find an explanation of the failure mechanism inside the lifter that causes this to happen. I just cannot see any way for the lifter to be forced to over-extend. Anybody know?
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