[ASKED] Melting AFM Actuators
 

Tadge,

I hope you can clear up some questions about the AFM system and the use of plastic AFM Actuators. Some of us who purchased Z51 cars specifically to track the vehicle are disappointed that under heavy track load and temperatures the AFM actuators melt and fail. Besides throwing a check engine light and horrible noises during V4 ECO mode, could you explain what issues someone might have in just running these in this condition? What is GM’s position on replacing these? It’s my understanding from speaking to other affected users (some whom have had the AFM actuators replaced 5 times) that there is no fix for this condition. Is there a new part design coming soon for this? I’ve heard that Spring Mountain has seen this as well and it affects many of their vehicles. Can you offer advise to those affected? How do we fix this issue permanently?

http://i68.tinypic.com/16lahw1.jpg

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...f47a4f7738.jpg

Thanks for the help and insight. We greatly appreciate your honestly.

In for the response to this one! This has happened to many people with the Z51. Parts like this should not fail.


Hopefully Tadge and his engineering team can read through my thread on this issue.


https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...or-my-z51.html

Interested as well

Interested for sure!

Since I bought my '16 Z51 I've done five track days and had no issues, temps were low to mid 80s for all events. I'm about to do two more this coming weekend and temps are supposed to be mid to high 90s, guess we'll see what happens, fingers crossed no melting!

Correct me if I'm wrong but the actuator is in the muffler correct? If so, does the Borla NPP system have upgraded actuators?

The (2) actuators sit between the cats and the mufflers, so changing out the mufflers and rear pipes will probably not have any affect. Even if you change the entire exhaust system you are probably going to re-use the actuators (although I'm not sure, might depend on the system). Many systems include new AFM valves, but these are not the actuators. I'm sure its something to do with the emissions and keeping the computer happy.

Please note - I'm asking the question to get answers myself, I'm not an expert on how to fix this or exhaust systems. That's why this is so important to many of us. Thanks!

Folks -

I've got this pinned up as an "ASKED" question, but bear in mind I haven't sent it yet. As per my note in the previous poll thread: we're going to skip a cycle due to GM's annual shut-down. I'll send this to Tadge on 10 July, but leave it here as "ASKED".

It appears I just melted my AFM actuators this past weekend so now I am even more interested in his answer.

That didn't take long! How they could not have detected this issue with their so-called 24-hour (in 4 x 6hr installments) stress test is beyond me.

It's cheaper to warranty the 3% of corvette users then it is to make an engineering an production line change.....

If you happen to pull your rear carpet and look at your fuse block it says made in China in huge silver letters across the top. It all comes down to cost if we can save 10 dollars on 32000 cars we just got s 300k bonus or 3-5 extra vettes out the door at no cost.

I just had this happen in my Z51 at VIR this weekend. CEL while on track spooked me a bit. What codes did you get?

Well they claim that they test at what like 86*? This past track weekend was mid to high 90s both days. My five other track days prior to this were all in the 80s and never cracked 90*. Curious what the outside temps were for others that melted their actuators?

P26C8.

Just got my car back from the dealer yesterday (Thursday), I dropped it off Tuesday they were supposed to have the parts in on Wednesday, they were lost in transit and had to reorder the actuators. They arrived Thursday at lunch and had the car ready a couple hours later. Fairly quick turn around, would have been a full day sooner if parts didn't get lost in transit.

How do you know? As I live is AZ with sometimes 117 degree ambiants, do I have an issue in a base model not tracking?

Just an update: per the schedule I've actually sent this to Tadge as of today (10 July).

In for a response on this as I am about to purchase a z51 and am curious what the resolution may be.

So this is a Z51 related issue only? Not associated on base models?

They wanted to build a track car they said....it'd be fun they said.

One thing GM should really learn from Corvette racing is, reliability and survivability on a race track takes a lot of expensive parts and focused development. You can't have it look like a Corvette, sound like a Corvette, get marketed like a Corvette, then not follow through in the end.

In my business I often told customers they had a simple choice: Cheap, fast, reliable...pick two. GM has a hell of a knife edge to balance trying to achieve all three...and overall I have to say they did a hell of a job. Small parts like this though, they reveal the compromises. As much validation and testing you know GM did, it still isn't the same as having thousands of people out there driving them hard. The customers share and absorb the cost of development, if you want a potent car at a discount....that's how the cookie crumbles...

It's a base model problem too. All non C7 Z06's have the AFM actuator. I assume the Grand Sport will have them too since they are getting the same LT1 engine as the Stingray base & Z51.

Was this actually asked? It's been a while...

Hey folks -

Tadge contacted me this morning and let me know the answer may be a bit delayed. He and some of the GM crew are doing a press event right now centered around the Grand Sport, so expect a slight (further) delay.

Sorry about that.