I bought a 2019 C7 Z51 Auto from a dealer in another state in May. Certified preowned with 14k miles. Second day I drove it I got a big shudder like driving over rumble strips. Yes yes, you're all going to say it's the transmission fluid issue and sure enough that did take care of that particular "shudder". Now I'm experiencing another "shudder" at 1800 rpm in every gear. Took it to the dealer a few days ago. Their tech was able to experience the same thing I described. I'm always afraid of getting the "we can't reproduce what you're feeling". So, at first I was relieved that we were on the same page. The car has been in their shop for a few days now. Tech took readings and sent them off to GM. I stopped by the dealership on Friday to see if there was any news. Service manager comes out to tell me that GM recommended draining oil removing pan and inspect for metal debris. I'm a bit dumbfounded on that one until the manager tells me that the car had had its crankshaft replaced previously. They may have to look in the torque tube too he says. Now I'm totally bewildered. I've only put 2k miles on this car which otherwise I dearly love. Anybody have any thoughts? I tried a search on the forum but couldn't find anything similar.

 

To replace the crankshaft the engine has to be dropped from the bottom of the car which means the engine has to be separated from the torque tube. If the torque tube isn't reconnected to the engine properly subsequent engine damage can occur and it shows up about 3000 to 5000 miles after the repair.
https://www.corvetteactioncenter.com...dure-1313.html

There have been some forum posts over the years about improper torque tube alignment causing damage to the crankshaft and subsequent engine failure.

Bill

 

Bill, thanks so much for the info. Still waiting on the dealer to get more info. I was informed they are bringing in another Corvette to make comparisons with their data. Personally I can't believe the shudder can be considered to be "normal". The fact that the vehicle has needed a crankshaft replacement seriously worries me. I've left a voicemail with the dealership that I purchased it from. They sold it to the previous owner and it had been serviced there too. My dealer does not know why it was replaced.

 

Well the dealership didn't have to bring in another Corvette to make comparisons. Dropped the oil pan and there was metal debris in it. I got in touch with the service rep at the dealership I bought the car from. The original PO had the car serviced there. She looked up the VIN and was able to tell me that the car had the same shudder I've been experiencing. They replaced the crankshaft. Now I'm in the same boat. I don't see how putting another crank into an engines that's had metal debris in it again would solve the problem. Got major shuffle around with GM customer service. Finally got to chat via text and at least now have a case number. Haven't heard back from GM or my dealer service dept. I'm wondering just how far the damage extends. Torque tube etc.? Getting pretty frustrated and have no idea how to pursue this further. New engine? Drivetrain? Of course the original dealership insists things were done right. My service folks here say it wasn't properly installed. Either way I'm buggered.

 

I literally JUST had what happened to the OP happen to me. Thanks to your post, Bill, now I know why it happened.

Long story short, two weeks ago, I’m out with my grandson in the car, it shudders and the engine just stopped while at a stoplight. Almost got rear-ended. Pushed powerless car into a gas station parking lot and got it flat bedded to the dealership (car still under B to B warranty). Got car back that Tuesday, dealership just changed the battery and starter. Ran fine until the next evening when check engine light comes on and it starts running rough. Parked car in garage for the night to take it back to the dealership the next morning. Next morning, while on my way to dealership, car dies again while at stoplight just 50 yards from the dealership. Luckily, there was a cop behind me who assisted me. Flat bedded car the 50 yards to the dealership. Was told initially that it was a bad crankshaft position sensor. Once they took the engine apart to replace the sensor, they found metal fragments in oil pan.

Obviously, engine is shot and will need to be replaced or rebuilt. Dealership is replacing the engine.

Just this summer (July), I experienced the dreaded flex plate/torque tube failure, replaced under warranty.

I suspect that what you said in your post above is the direct cause of my current situation. I’m happy they are replacing my engine, but concerned that I could be going through this all over again if not done right.

 

Since my "servicing" dealership was different from the "selling" dealership and also in two different service regions there was a lot of back and forth as to who would take care of the engine problem. When the servicing dealer went to remove the oil pan plug it had been torqued on so tight (and probably not pre-lubed when rebuilt) the threads tore right out of the pan. After numerous inquiries and complaints to GM the selling dealership took my car back and refunded me my money. I was told that GM would not authorize replacing the engine and I had no confidence that another rebuild would prevent future problems. Not a very good first time Corvette owner experience.

 

Sorry for your troubles, but don’t let it discourage you from getting another Corvette. I’ve had five previous Corvettes (2 C5s, 2 C6s, and my previous 2016 C7) and I only ever had major issues with this Corvette and my first Corvette. No car is perfect.

I’m lucky that my servicing dealership is also where I purchased the car and they are standing by me in this to make things right. I certainly don’t blame you for feeling the way you do. I really think Bill’s post laid out what happened to your car.

Good luck to you and thank you for posting your story. It certainly helped me to understand what happened with my car.