Blown LS7 - Need advice *long post*
02-15-2018, 07:32 PM
#41
Racer
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Wouldnt hurt but my guess is they wont. They'll point to my engine being older and already out of warranty.
02-15-2018, 07:37 PM
#42
Team Owner
Well, do a very very very close inspection. Maybe you lucked out, but I doubt it. There is almost no way there was not collateral damage.
02-15-2018, 07:58 PM
#43
Team Owner
OP, perhaps find a local engine builder, someone with a keen eye that knows engines inside and out (LS knowledge would be a bonus), and pay them for their time to accompany you. Kohle may even be able to refer you to someone local/close by that can assist in a visual inspection. I know if I weren't comfortable looking at it, I'd want an expert with me...and I'd be willing to compensate them a fairly. Just a suggestion.
Last edited by MTPZ06; 02-15-2018 at 07:58 PM.
02-15-2018, 11:12 PM
#44
Burning Brakes
Tell the dealer you want the motor fully rebuilt. Replacing valves is a patch job at best.
Ask him how they plan on removing all the material from the smashed valve stems?
They have insurance. Make them rebuild the entire motor. Nothing less.
Ask him how they plan on removing all the material from the smashed valve stems?
They have insurance. Make them rebuild the entire motor. Nothing less.
02-16-2018, 07:10 PM
#45
Burning Brakes
I still don't understand (and would love to hear) their explanation as to why it was a complete motor replace/rebuild when it was "your" fault but just new intake valves when it's theirs.
And, as mentioned, tons of metal has gone through the motor. Is this acceptable and considered normal wear and tear?
I would try and see what other dealers would say. Even dealers in other states. Tell them that you had a shop do a valve job and it broke down shortly after. Had it towed to your house and this is what you found (send pics). Ask what their recommendation is.
And, as mentioned, tons of metal has gone through the motor. Is this acceptable and considered normal wear and tear?
I would try and see what other dealers would say. Even dealers in other states. Tell them that you had a shop do a valve job and it broke down shortly after. Had it towed to your house and this is what you found (send pics). Ask what their recommendation is.
02-16-2018, 07:49 PM
#46
Burning Brakes
Originally Posted by z06brah View Post
Another thing the dealer pointed out was that the cylinders were no longer honed which caused oil to leak into the cylinders. They're acknowledging that the machine shop improperly repaired the heads but insist that the engine failure was due to this cylinder honing problem. I just can't see how these two things would be unrelated
The cylinders became unhoned? Sounds like the dog ate my homework. What's that even mean? The cylinders filled with oil and did what? Knocked the lash caps off? Caused the lash caps to be left off?
Another thing the dealer pointed out was that the cylinders were no longer honed which caused oil to leak into the cylinders. They're acknowledging that the machine shop improperly repaired the heads but insist that the engine failure was due to this cylinder honing problem. I just can't see how these two things would be unrelated
The cylinders became unhoned? Sounds like the dog ate my homework. What's that even mean? The cylinders filled with oil and did what? Knocked the lash caps off? Caused the lash caps to be left off?
02-19-2018, 08:59 AM
#47
Burning Brakes
A couple of years ago, someone posted about his blown engine. Seems at 45k miles he decided to address the heads, took if to a "speed shop" for heads and cam. It blew up after 500 miles. The shop said he over revved it. I knew about lash caps for ti valves, but had no idea how quickly an engine would fail with out them. Looking back I suspect it was another case of lash caps being left off.
02-19-2018, 11:40 AM
#48
Tech Contributor
Everyone here has touched on the engine so nothing more to add there. Whatever path you choose to go down....new engine, rebuild of the existing, or refreshed heads...you need to flush the oil lines, the dry sump tank, and the oil cooler. The cooler can be a PIA to flush given the small passages so you might even think about just replacing it with a new one. For peace of mind, I'd probably just replace the lines as well. No doubt they can be flushed but sometimes in a situation like this, buying new eliminates any concern and helps to reduce stress.
If you take it to AHP, you can sleep well knowing that it's going to a top notch shop. I just had some transmission work done there. The workmanship was excellent. I was working with Jake and the customer service was off the charts.
If you take it to AHP, you can sleep well knowing that it's going to a top notch shop. I just had some transmission work done there. The workmanship was excellent. I was working with Jake and the customer service was off the charts.
Last edited by 96GS#007; 02-19-2018 at 11:41 AM.
02-19-2018, 11:03 PM
#49
This is ridiculous. You have a clear case here of dealer negligence. I would continue to seek a lawyer or threaten to shame them on local tv or social media. At this point the dealer can’t be trusted, I wouldn’t take them up on an offer for anything less than a new engine.
03-06-2018, 11:56 AM
#51
Racer
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Car is still sitting at dealer. I had them put the car back together so I can take it down to AHP and get the heads fixed. Last Tuesday they said they'e still waiting on the machine shop to get the heads back so they can reassemble the engine. Haven't heard anything since. Either way, I'm planning to have AHP take a look to assess any damage done.
03-06-2018, 06:19 PM
#53
Cruising is the passion!
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St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19-'20-'21-'22-'23-'24
Once you drive off the dealer lot any future repairs or other work will be out of your pocket. Dealer will be off the hook. And the dealer isnt giving you new heads? Oh well, anyone can fix LS7 heads.
03-06-2018, 08:04 PM
#54
Team Owner
Sounds like a huge mistake. Once you let it leave, and someone else touched it, they are off the hook.
03-06-2018, 08:14 PM
#55
Racer
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I have to get the car back somehow. They are accepting responsibility for any damage caused but I need a third party to assess beyond what the dealer is telling me. I can't afford to leave the car there while I get into a legal battle with them.
03-06-2018, 09:18 PM
#56
Burning Brakes
So they are just putting the engine back together or you are going to be driving it out of there?
Last edited by Gio's C7; 03-10-2018 at 07:34 PM.
03-06-2018, 09:25 PM
#57
Team Owner
They owe you a new long block, new oil cooler and lines, flushed/cleaned dry sump tank and lines, and a refund for your "head fix" procedure that they blundered. Anything less is criminal.
03-06-2018, 11:04 PM
#59
Burning Brakes
You should have gotten a loaner car from day 1
At this point you could be holding it hostage.
Then the car could sit there till they agree to either a replacement motor or a full rebuild of yours(at the shop of your choosing)
With the damage that was done it is likely that a patch job will fail in short order. They created this whole situation. They need to pay for it.
Their insured, their just trying to dodge responsibility.
If I were you a wouldn't move that car until you have a written agreement. If you pull it out of there you put them in a much better position. I know this must be a very stressful situation, but you need to stand your ground.
At this point you could be holding it hostage.
Then the car could sit there till they agree to either a replacement motor or a full rebuild of yours(at the shop of your choosing)
With the damage that was done it is likely that a patch job will fail in short order. They created this whole situation. They need to pay for it.
Their insured, their just trying to dodge responsibility.
If I were you a wouldn't move that car until you have a written agreement. If you pull it out of there you put them in a much better position. I know this must be a very stressful situation, but you need to stand your ground.
