Vet Interested

Always get a second opinion.
2010 base model, 47,500 miles. Developed an engine noise that sounded like tick,tick,tick coming from the driver's side near the alternator. It gets louder as the engine warms up. It sounded like it was in the area of the #1 cylinder. Looked for evidence of bad wires or maybe an exhaust leak. Nothing. I am wondering if it is inside the engine (lifter) but with my mileage and the fact that the car has not been abused I would be surprised if that was it. Finally decided (against my better judgement) to go to the dealership, Bob Stall Chevy. The service advisor (Chris), could not hear the noise. He said "sounds good to me". I said, "You seriously can't hear that?" He could not. So, they take the car. Two hours later he walks up to me and says,"Well, I guess that is why I am not a tech, they found the sound coming from the #1 cylinder lifter". It is gonna cost $2,200 to fix one lifter but if there is cam damage it will be much more. I am not thrilled but I tell him I will pay their $140 diagnostic feel but I will take it somewhere else. Long story longer, one of my son's friends recommends a local shop that races LS motors. They will charge $108 to check it out. I drop it off and they call me an hour and a half later with the following news. "We found your #3 spark plug was loose. We checked for thread damage on the plug and head. We checked the condition of the wire & plug. Everything was good. Reinstalled the plug and performed a road test. It is ready for pick up". Needless to say I was in a better mood. True, I did spend $248 to find a loose spark plug which I am not proud of but that is better than $2,200 or more. I do wonder had I decided to let the dealer do it, would they have stopped when they found the loose plug? Glad I did not have to find out. When in doubt, GET A SECOND OPINION!

Vet Interested

Just got back from the dealership. Spoke to Jack their Service Manager. He looked over the paperwork from both facilities. He said, "We are not perfect and sometimes make mistakes. Looks like we owe you $140". That is customer service I was not expecting. I have to give them credit for that.

pewter50vette

Unreal another stay away from dealer story, unless you have computer or reflashing issues the local shops can not do your always better going to a local shop that works on ls engines, i will always go to AHP and let Kohle look at and get his opinion before i would consider going to a dealer .

WKM

Glad it worked out for you. I bet they would have never noticed the plug was loose till they had done the work.

Jfryjfry

Patches

Totally agree!

MTPZ06

Throw one of these in your tool box...
Mechanic's stethoscope can be fairly useful in pinpointing the whereabouts of engine noises.

eagle7175

along with the stethoscope consider a laser thermometer, great tools for identifying automotive issues.

Vet Interested

I actually got one (at Harbor Freight) and the sound was in the area of the #1 & 3 cylinder. I checked everything BUT the plug!

American Heritage

Thank you Sir! Very much appreciate the kind words.

OP: Great public service announcement. Glad you got it out of there and to a Honest/competent shop to take a second look.

We often do Pre purchase inspections, post purchase inspections and 2nd opinions for customers who are not 100% confident in the diagnostic they received from another shop or dealership.

https://www.americanheritageperformance.com/
310-326-2399