Trouble with ongoing oil loss and finally cracked head

[wayahcvt]

I have a 2003 Vibe that I purchased new and have fought excesive oil use starting about 25,000 miles. It was never excessive enough for GM's standards, but it was usually not making it 3000 miles between oil changes without having to add a quart (even more oil if long highway trips were involved). The dealership never found a problem, but they never performed a leak down test, or checked the o2 sensor or converter for signs of burn-off residue. After contacting GM (who was no help), I found another dealership's service manager that had thought he had heard of problems similar to mine with running synthetic. We changed back to 10w30 and it did better for a few changes, but about a week ago the engine bit the dust (at 55000 miles). I now have a cracked head, leaking head gasket and collapsed lifter. Since it is no longer under warranty, GM is refusing to do anything. I have heard that there is a similar problem with the Matrix engine and collapsing oil rings, but have not been able to find reports of it yet. Anyone know of this problem or heard of it?

[Mrizzle05]

do you have any paperwork of you taking it in for the problem... you can try and fight it in court stating that you had a problem that they failed to test and/or fix.I dont know how much you have against them, but i would fight it.

[djb383]

Is the dealer saying you have a collapsed lifter? I didn't think these engines had "lifters". Could there have been a cooling/overheating issue at one time?

[wayahcvt]

I believe they are correct about the lifters (first thing I thought when the noises started), but they can't seem to make up their mind if they are hydraulic or not. At one time I was told they were hydraulic, but on the estimate they included labor for value adjustment to find the lifters to replace which would not be possible if they were hydraulic. I have never known of an overheating problem, even in Dallas in August in traffic! I really believe the damage was due to a few occasions that the oil level dropped too low. The worst it has been was a year ago on a trip back from Texas, we had to add 3 quarts before we got a dipstick read and it was 2500 since last change.

[djb383]

These engines do not have any lifters (hydraulic or mechanical). The valve trane however, is mechanical, and does require an occasional adjustment. If you had to add 3 qts of oil, you had overheating occurring in areas such as the valve trane which is in the cylinder head, even though the coolant temp showed normal. Engine oil is a major coolant as well as a lubricant.

[CAN-AWD-VIBE]

i thought we have a 5yr/100000 km powertrain warranty?thats 5yr/60000 miles?maybe im wrong

[Mavrik]

Quote, originally posted by CAN-AWD-VIBE »i thought we have a 5yr/100000 km powertrain warranty?thats 5yr/60000 miles?maybe im wrongthats only for us canadians.

[ColonelPanic]

That's a great white north only perk, eh... Down here, they give you the shaft with that pathetic 3 year/36,000 mile crap that's gone before you know it (or need it.). Until the 2007 MY, that is.

[CAN-AWD-VIBE]

sorry hoser eh

[Mavrik]

Quote, originally posted by CAN-AWD-VIBE »sorry hoser eh lol take that america. But to the OP do they know what caused all that catastrophic failure of your engine? I know running it low on oil can cause it to heat up and all but in my experience when a car runs low on oil long enough for some damage to be done, it shows its ugly head right away. Wonder what took yours so long. I'd be curious to see some pics of the damage if you can get any after its all apart.

[wayahcvt]

I have yet to really get a reason for the sudden problems. The dealership who has my Vibe is not the one that I first took it to when the oil problems started, and I have actually gotten a few different answers. The service report only lists that they found the leaking head gasket. The estimate lists replacing head gasket, the head and at least one lifter, but I was told that they actually had to do further diagnostics before they would know for sure on any of the repairs. They did tell GM that they found a cracked head, so I am not sure how much damage there really is. The reason GM has denied repairs is because the dealership told them I "either caused the problem or failed to prevent it", but I have not been able to speak with the service manager to find out how they made this determination.

[CAN-AWD-VIBE]

call GM customer service1-800-762-2737tell them whats going on, tell them the history of the problem, and that you can't get a straight answer from your advisor and that the Service Manager is not available to talk to you.... you should get goodwill on a portion of/or all of this repair.I think anyway.

[2002sportside]

Chiming in late... these engines have solid lifters. I seriously doubt you would have collapsed one. It could be badly worn due to insufficient oil in the head, but that's not really the same as collapsing a hydraulic lifter. Starving the head of oil is usually caused by not changing your oil and blocking an oil passage. All of the upper damage could have been caused by the head gasket too since it might not allow oil up to the head. You may never know though...I wouldn't hold my breath on a "goodwill" portion of your repairs. GM doesn't even like to do that on known problems with their own vehicles, never mind a Toyota product.

[ToolGuy]

First, I doubt you caused this issue! It sounds like the rings went south! Unfortunately GM does state one quart between oil changes is normal IF an engine does that. Some years Corvette after my year had bad rings and excessive oil consumption. The dealers had the owners watch and log the consumption and then decide if new rings were in order or not. I would certainly fight this one especially since it was at the dealer for issues and the cracked head was found. When you talk to GM throw in words such as this is my # Pontiac or families Pontiac and you are really loyal to Pontiac's. Re-purchase intent too, state that. Do not get mad on the phone right away, it will do no good. In the end if you have to get mad, well that is different. There is a thing called Good Will and GM has the discretion to cover repairs outside of warranty or not. It will also help if you took the car to the dealer for all service such as oil changes. Not sure if you did that or not... If so, you will mention that too. GM will ask the dealer so you should tell GM as well if you did. A case will be started from your call, take the case number down.

[CAN-AWD-VIBE]

its called a "381" form they will get you to sign it at the end.it happens... more loyalty/history better chances