I rebuild Ecotec engines here in Las Vegas and was wondering if you fellow board members could answer a few questions for me. Usually my customers bring me 2.2 or 2.4 engines with failed timing chains that require cylinder head repair and timing set(s) replaced. The next most common issue is a rod knock from low oil needing a complete rebuild. Recently I have been getting several requests for full engine rebuilds on the 2012-2016 2.4 direct injection power plants. Dealership telling owners $7500+ for the service. All stemming from low oil damaging engines. Some are "mild" rod knocks and others have seized or locked up.
I am unaware why some qualify for the extended oil consumption warranty and others do not (the Terrain in my garage started out as a rental so automatically denied extended consumption warranty. Anyway my question is for any of you that have had the warranty repaired completed. Did the updated pistons cure the oil consumption issue? I have read TSBs that claim its the direct injection washing down the bores and I have read TSBs that claim its the piston. I ask because I want to correct the issue as well when I do the work. If the updated pistons are a cure (or big improvement) great I will sell OEM and have shop hone bore only. If not, I will have bored .020 and replace pistons (aftermarket as OEM is standard only). If the new pistons are magic and truly cure the issue, I will offer to re-sleeve block for customer and not bore ($$$ is new issue). Labor (except on re-sleeve option) stays the same cost by me, but I like to offer all parts options with pros and cons. At this point I simply do not have the data to offer advice.
The Terrain I am doing now was originally a rental vehicle and purchased by the family that brought to me. Rod knocking, top chain guide missing upper rail, side guide in 3 pieces, oil down 3 quarts and way over due for a change. Crankshaft was able to polish and use standard bearings for both rods and mains. Bores looked amazing. All hash marks looked perfect despite oil usage and low amount. Machine shop confirmed bores well within spec so factory updated pistons are going back in. Cylinder head got a full refurbish including valve job, seals, and milled. All 16 guides were still good. This is very rare, usually at least the exhaust guides need replaced ( or at least on the non-direct injection Ecotec engines. The valve lash adjusters (lifters) were another story. 7 of the 16 were failing or had already seized completely. I am replacing all 16 to be safe (aftermarket for cost savings and prior use know to be good). Also replacing all 4 injectors, pump and fuel pipe to rail.
This, being my first D.I. project is a learning curve as well as knowledge gained to future rebuilds. I will have all parts from shop and dealership on Monday and begin the rebuild/install process and can update every few thousand miles to the oil usage, assuming customer will stay in touch as requested.
Also should mention vehicle has 130K. I used Hastings rings. I feel they are as good as (if not the actual manufacturer of) factory rings. On several HHR, Auras, and Malibu rebuilds I have done in the past, simply replacing pistons with cheap aftermarket and Hasting rings really improved oil usage. So I am optimistic that the updated factory pistons will do so as well.
So thanks for reading and post any input you have towards the oil usage issue, love to know.
I am unaware why some qualify for the extended oil consumption warranty and others do not (the Terrain in my garage started out as a rental so automatically denied extended consumption warranty. Anyway my question is for any of you that have had the warranty repaired completed. Did the updated pistons cure the oil consumption issue? I have read TSBs that claim its the direct injection washing down the bores and I have read TSBs that claim its the piston. I ask because I want to correct the issue as well when I do the work. If the updated pistons are a cure (or big improvement) great I will sell OEM and have shop hone bore only. If not, I will have bored .020 and replace pistons (aftermarket as OEM is standard only). If the new pistons are magic and truly cure the issue, I will offer to re-sleeve block for customer and not bore ($$$ is new issue). Labor (except on re-sleeve option) stays the same cost by me, but I like to offer all parts options with pros and cons. At this point I simply do not have the data to offer advice.
The Terrain I am doing now was originally a rental vehicle and purchased by the family that brought to me. Rod knocking, top chain guide missing upper rail, side guide in 3 pieces, oil down 3 quarts and way over due for a change. Crankshaft was able to polish and use standard bearings for both rods and mains. Bores looked amazing. All hash marks looked perfect despite oil usage and low amount. Machine shop confirmed bores well within spec so factory updated pistons are going back in. Cylinder head got a full refurbish including valve job, seals, and milled. All 16 guides were still good. This is very rare, usually at least the exhaust guides need replaced ( or at least on the non-direct injection Ecotec engines. The valve lash adjusters (lifters) were another story. 7 of the 16 were failing or had already seized completely. I am replacing all 16 to be safe (aftermarket for cost savings and prior use know to be good). Also replacing all 4 injectors, pump and fuel pipe to rail.
This, being my first D.I. project is a learning curve as well as knowledge gained to future rebuilds. I will have all parts from shop and dealership on Monday and begin the rebuild/install process and can update every few thousand miles to the oil usage, assuming customer will stay in touch as requested.
Also should mention vehicle has 130K. I used Hastings rings. I feel they are as good as (if not the actual manufacturer of) factory rings. On several HHR, Auras, and Malibu rebuilds I have done in the past, simply replacing pistons with cheap aftermarket and Hasting rings really improved oil usage. So I am optimistic that the updated factory pistons will do so as well.
So thanks for reading and post any input you have towards the oil usage issue, love to know.