squall01

iTrader: (3)

Ok, first I'll give the background.

The other day, I'm driving my car and I'm gettin on it a little bit. I notice a noise that sounds like an exhaust leak. I didn't think anything about it. Only heard it when on the gas about 1/2. So I take it home. It was going in to get painted the next day, because the dealership that did the engine work, installed the exhaust tips too high, and it burnt my bumper.

The next morning, I'm at work, and I'm going to meet my buddy at the place. He's driving the car. He pulls up, and the thing sounds like it's coming apart and will barely run. I had him shut it off. I knew it was bad. Ended up, it spun a bearing (or so the dealership thinks).

They finally get it in the shop, check the oil and it's 2.5 quarts low. Keep in mind, they are the ones that built and installed the engine for me (long story on why I had a dealership do the motor). This engine was installed last November and only has 6000 miles on it. They're saying they won't warranty it because I ran it out of oil. I had good oil pressure, the oil light wasn't on, and I just changed the oil in it about 4000 miles ago (Mobil 1). They say they didn't see any leaks.

I'm at a loss as to how to handle this. Any advice guys?

MODS: I didn't know where to put this. Please move it to the proper section if you need to.

Thanks,
Bill

Scott02WS6

iTrader: (8)

wow.......honestly i dont know what to tell you, that sucks! Just stick to your guns , have another mechanic look at it find out the true cause of the problem and see if he can prove it was the fault of the dealership. If so they NEED to pay for all repairs to the car!

ss69

iTrader: (8)

Stay on them about it. I worked for our dealership for a while. Not sure about the dealership near you but ours is fairly small. Ask to speak with the owner or shop manager. If this doesn't work get a hold of GM. What kind of Warranty did you have? Did you ask to see the car yourself to verify that there was no leak? They will try EVERY way to get out of it!

squall01

iTrader: (3)

Would 2.5 quarts be enough to run it dry enough to spin a bearing anyway?

squall01

iTrader: (3)

Had a 12 month / 12000 mile warranty on the engine.

99blancoSS

iTrader: (115)

This is your fault not theirs. If it was that way as soon as you got it from the shop different story but you drove it for 6000 miles. Now your having an issue but did you check your oil ever?

Unfortunately your not going to win this at all. I can help you build a new engine but I cant tell you its their fault because unfortunately its yours. I'm very very sorry to say that and I will help you all I can but I have to be honest. I don't lie to people to make myself look good.

squall01

iTrader: (3)

Honesty is all I'm looking for. I appreciate it. I guess I shouldn't have trusted the low oil light to work. Also didn't expect a brand new engine to use 2.5 quarts in 2,000 miles...

99blancoSS

iTrader: (115)

Its very very unfortunate. These engines do use oil though, you should check it once a week regardless of what engine it is. When I was opertating heavy equiptment we checked all fluid levels daily before startup. That's the best way but it's impractical for most people. Never wait for a warning light. As far as low oil and spinning a bearing, yes. People spin them with plenty of oil in it and having it be low isn't helping one single bit. It just plain sucks for you but it is what it is. You need to look at your options now.
Buy a take out engine for cheap, or have a new short block built for you. Or sell the car as a roller. I can help you with only one of them.

69LT1Bird

iTrader: (1)

How many quarts did you put in when you changed the oil?

squall01

iTrader: (3)

5.5 quarts.

toneloc60

iTrader: (7)

Mine takes 6 quarts but I use the truck oil filter.

toneloc60

iTrader: (7)

Oh, and I'd have to say it was your fault too. You must always check your oil. Especially in a new engine. New engines burn oil more due to rings not being seated.

Life's about lessons, and you just learned an expensive one. Sorry dude.

squall01

iTrader: (3)

Yeah, I think the lesson was. The bottem end needed to be forged and stroked anyway.

squall01

iTrader: (3)

so the general consenus is. i should've checked the oil more often, i just cost myself a **** load of money. suck it up, and rebuild it bigger? am i right?

toneloc60

iTrader: (7)

Yep. Might as well go with a stroker.

69LT1Bird

iTrader: (1)

Yep, chalk it up to lessons learned. Unfortunate and as expensive as it is.

LS3 crate engine, the 480 hp version, LS3 with the Hot Cam. 2 year, 50,000 mile warranty. PN 19171224

They did a enigine dyno durability test on these, 50 hours @ WOT and no failure.

squall01

iTrader: (3)

I'll tear it down and see if the rest of the motor is ok. If not, I'll figure somethin out. It's only money. They print more every day. lol.

squall01

iTrader: (3)

Thanks for the advice guys! So, just to make sure, there is no point in fighting this at all?

69LT1Bird

iTrader: (1)

I like the positive attitude, plus you can help out the local economy of Hollidaysburg, PA.

squall01

iTrader: (3)

I was upset at first, but what're ya gonna do? Ya know? We pay to play this game, and it's not a cheap hobby. As far as the economy of Hollidaysburg, PA, they have enough of my money. I'll be building this one myself, on the weekends, back home in my dad's garage in gold ole' WV. Though the Texas economy might get some help (Texas Speed). Love those guys!! Jon, if you're lurking. Be expecting a call. lol.

Now for the tricky part, which way to go with the car? I'm thinkin FI...