2010 Chevy Equinox Problems

lsb1955 · June 2013

My dealer replaced the engine and the fuel injectors at the same time.

lsb1955 · June 2013

It was covered under the power train warranty.

slaphead · June 2013

So I have a '10 Nox LTZ. 71K miles. I'm currently having two issues with it.
First,
As with others my navigation system won't keep current time, and also keeps changing the "track" option from track up (my preferred setting) to track north, AKA annoying setting. The head unit was replaced year and half ago, it lost it's mind and did whatever it wanted. didn't have any issues until day light savings time change then it all started and is progressively getting worse. Did some research and was told that it needed software update, asked dealer about it and they looked at me like I was crazy. Has anybody had this same issue and were able to get it fixed? It's out of warranty so costs would be appreciated.
Second,
When the car is at half tank of gas the engine sputters when I come to a stop at a red light. Hasn't fully stalled (knock on wood). It does occasionaly "diesel" when shut off, but hasn't done that for a bit. My check engine light has come on a few times over the past year and the onstar diagnostic says it's the fuel system, a few knocks of the gas cap seams to clear the fault code and car runs fine. I've read most of the posts about this problem, I'm not burning oil, I change it about every 4k, I use mobil 1, 5w20. Oil always looks like normal used oil. Anybody have any ideas what to do? I don't really trust the dealers in the area since they screwed my once on an A/C problem.
As for the people with the A/C problem, we found that a small rock or road debris had punched a small hole in the condenser coil located in front of the radiator and it was leaking freon. There is nothing to act as a deflector in the lower bumper air vent, ended up making my own screen to deflect anything kicked up. Dealer and told me it was an expansion valve to the tune of $900 to replace which worked for about 2 months but ultimately didn't fix it. Turned out that all the leaking freon caused the compressor to destroy itself and living in Florida an A/C is needed. So anyway no auto part stores carry the compressor, was able to find and acquire the AC Delco part on RockAuto.com along with a new dryer, $350 +shipping. After flushing out the lines and replacing the compressor, took it to a local A/C guy for servicing, he found the leak and we replaced the condenser and viola the A/C works great.
Thanks for reading my issues and if anybody has any insight would be great!

gmcustsvc · June 2013

Hello Slaphead,

I'm sorry to see that you're experiencing this issue with your vehicle. May I be of assistance to you in finding a resolution for these concerns? If you would send your full name, address, current mileage, VIN number and involved dealer to socialmedia@gm.com, I would be glad to research some options that may be available to you. I look forward to your response and working with you.

Marlea Wilson
GM Customer Service

missmo1951 · June 2013

I am frustrated with the entire "Chevy Experience". My Equinox was purchased new in 2011. It ran well until 2013 at about 40,000 car began to stall and metal shavings were found in the oil. It has stalled and died two more times. When it stalls, it suddenly sputters and dies. It has happened during a right turn, on the freeway, and while waiting in a construction zone, with a semi-truck behind me. Quite frightening to say the least. I had it towed to the dealer where I bought the car, which happens to be about 50-60 miles away. Our local Chevrolet dealer went to Honda.
Their solution is to "put a monitor" on the car to see if it happens again. I guess I have morphed into a crash test dummy, to see if they can "replicate" the behavior. The first incident gave a code, the subsequent two have not, although they mimicked the first stall.
I am a Grandmother, and my days of wanting to "live on the edge" are over. I do not want to try and control a car when it dies, press an incident button and try not to kill anyone or myself and grandchildren at the same time. My service manager is wonderful, but his hands are tied. I have dealt with someone from Texas (I am in California) who was "looking into what can be done". Today I received a call from a young lady who was calling for the representative in Texas. She talked very fast, sounded like she was reciting from a script, and more or less told me I must be the crash test dummy to diagnose what is wrong with their product.
I think a lawyer is my next call.

aussieinva · June 2013

I am sorry you have experienced issues with your Equinox. I don't work for Chevrolet, but have been a mechanic for more than 30 years. Despite what the dealers tell you, Chevrolet is fully aware of these issues but unlike the old Chevrolet, the new Chevrolet seems to not care about an owner, once you are off their sales lot.

A couple of questions, if you don't mind.
Is your Equinox a four cylinder or six cylinder?
Do you remember the code id the system created?
How do you know the oil had metal shavings in it?

Does your engine make a rattling sound occasionally, when starting the engine?

There are several internally published GM service bulletins that detail various manufacturing issues with the four cylinder engines, especially those built in 2010...(even though your vehicle is 2011, its engine may well have been built in 2010. These bulletins detail oil system contamination from casting sand and metal break offs inside the engine, predominantly due to poor quality control during the build process. There are also bulletins detailing "zebra striping" of the cylinder walls, causing excessive engine oil consumption. There are numerous posts in this blog that detail the "oil consumption test" process of the dealers, which most often results in a new engine being fitted to the vehicle. If the dealer doesn't know about these service bulletins, they are either incompetent or plainly lying to you. Either way, find another dealer that will honor your request for assistance. The service manager, wonderful as he is, does not have his hands tied.

I for one, am disgusted with the approach of GM and Chevrolet...we need to start listing the dealers that wont assist, including the names of the Service Manager, Sales Manager and the Dealership Manager.

It is time for everyone to stop expecting Chevrolet and GM to honor their warranties, and for us to start using our social media presence to shame these people into action.

Anyone wanting more information on how to start this process, drop me a line here...now if Edmunds blocks me from this forum for starting this movement, I will begin a denial of free speech action against the forum.

It's time for action...crying about poor service to an audience that has no teeth will never result in a satisfactory outcome.

missmo1951 · June 2013

It is a 2010,Purchased in 2010 my error, brand new.. The mechanic who changes the oil noticed the metal shavings in the oil. I don't remember the code, but I took it to the original dealer and they replaced timing chain and a couple of other things. My slips are in the car in the packet with the manual. It is a four cylinder. I have read every possible forum and thrown all I have found to the serv. manager and rep from Chevy. They will not do anything until I drive it around and replicate the incidents, at my and other motorists risk.

missmo1951 · June 2013

Nothing came up to contact you ...

stever · June 2013

Emails may get you personal help but not help others. Please don't ask for "personal" help via email. We all benefit when a problem is discussed on the open forum.

For complaining (or bragging on) your dealer, you can use our Dealer Ratings & Reviews link.

Thanks.

ally2002 · June 2013

I wonder if we all filed a compliant and stated our experience of GM on www.safercar.gov if we would be heard and something would be done. How many complaints is "enough"?!?!

maggienky · June 2013

My entire family are GM Loyal. When we get together the only cars out side are GM. It looks like a dealership. This is the first time I have ever experience this level of poor workmanship. I am very sadden by this. I will have to go with someone else to replace the Equinox. My problem is how do you sell this car? No one in there right mind would purchase it. I am a Real Estate Professional. I drive for a living. I have to have a reliable car and this is NOT it! I have experienced every thing on the site and more. Currently in the shop for transmission noise. They tell me it was black when they checked it. Topped it off and I am supposed to go pick it up. I don't think so. Its got 10,000 miles left on the power train warranty. They just put a new engine in it three weeks ago. :lemon: :lemon: :lemon:

missmo1951 · June 2013

I have posted at the safe car I believe. At least I posted at a government site. We are going to try Facebook and u tube as well. I want people to know that our tax dollars bailed them out, and they are not one whit concerned with their customers. My vehicle is dangerous, but as of yesterday, their representative instructed me to drive it so they could get a "code".

aussieinva · June 2013

Hello missmo,

I am monitoring the blog when my work commitments allow. Thanks for the details on your vehicle.

I suggest everyone visit the Edmunds forum link contained further down this blog line from Stever (the host),,,review your dealers performance on that forum (either good or bad), eventually, when these non performing dealers are called out publicly to explain their lack of action, then maybe the public will be better aware of these disaster stories.

As to the dealer expecting you to drive the vehicle until it codes out, I would contact an attorney or AAA and ask a simple question...If my vehicle fails and causes an accident while you are, at the dealers insistence, "driving what you suspect is an unsafe vehicle, while trying to produce the error code", is the dealer negligible in their duty of care to you as a customer...same goes for GM, where there is more than sufficient evidence that these vehicles, the engines in particular, are failures looking for somewhere to occur.

missmo1951 · June 2013

Thank you. I was up most of the night trying to figure out what to do. Have decided to use Facebook, u-tube and talk to an attorney. The call I received yesterday from Customer Care was extremely upsetting. Thank you again.

gmcustsvc · June 2013

Hello ally2002,

If there is anything you would like for me to look into for you, I'd be more than happy to do so. We want to make sure that you have had the best experience with GM.

Sincerely,

Amber N.
GM Customer Care

franfol · June 2013

I also have a 2010 Equinox I purchase brand new and every 6 months it decides to perculate like a coffee pot and require thousands of dollars of work covered up my warranty.

It has seen a new timing chain, new air conditioning, broken raditor(dealer broke that).

They just gave me a rental and said it is burning too much oil and it will be 3 days at least.

The best thing that came with my car was the warranty and then the extended warranty. I owe $17,000 still and it is not even worth that much.

What are my rights?

tom2477 · June 2013

I had my 2010 Nox with 68,000 miles on it, purchased in Aug-2009. All the same issues was one of the original people posting to this forum. Decided to trade it in since it's not worth the hassle time spent dealing with dealership on what's covered under warrarty ect.

Best decision I made; upgraded to an Acura yes pay more but piece of mind and less trouble in the long run. Happy to say I can remove this forum from my email notificaitons; suggest you all jump ship too.

nox123 · June 2013

If you owe $17.000 on your 2010 Nox you were in way over your head from the get go with this SUV purchase. I have had most of the same issues with my 2010 4cyl Nox and GM backed up the 100K warranty and offered a loaner for all warranty work I ever needed. I have 55K on my 2010 Nox which will be 4 years of age in October 2013...I will be purchasing a 2014 NOX 3.6 Eng when they hit the showroom in August...I feel this is a Excellent Value for this GM SUV and fuel consumption not all that bad at 24-MPG average when you look at other comparable SUV's on market.

nox123 · June 2013

Why would you even continue to watch a GM Forum!!! Acura is also a awesome SUV not even at the same level as the NOX...Next time your @ Acura for service ask them why they have so many service bays and vehical lifts at the dealership! Better Keep you eye on that other forum.

wxguy23 · June 2013

I've been offered a fleet 2010 Equinox LS from a major well respected company with 74,000 miles for 11,500. No problems, well maintained by strict maintenance guidelines. They have their own shop as well.

This was driven by sales guys. Right now they have around 20 for sale as they just bought 2013s.

Currently I have a 2009 Camry SE loaded with radio, sunroof, wheels, tint....etc with 69,000 miles. I've had it for 8 months, and its just okay. More stuff than I need and I'm tired of the ground effects.

I'll sell the Camry for $13,000...I hope, and the equinox prices at $16,00, but I'm getting it at $11,500 as part of employee plan.

Camry is the best car ever I'm always told...I could use the extra space, but am I an idiot for considering this "trade"?

stever · June 2013

If your company is buying new 2013 Equinoxes, that should tell you something about the kind of luck they've had with them.

Unfortunately people don't tend to visit forums or review sites and take the time to report that their experience with their car or whatever was average or "normal". So you have to try to guess whether the problem posts involve an unusual number of cars (or hotel rooms or toasters). Good maintenance records are a plus with any used car. Now, if your company is switching brands, that's another story.

Life is short, if you're tired of the Camry, dump it. :shades:

nox123 · June 2013

This is a great opportunity; the drive line has a 100k transferable warranty and you know already know the history for maintenience. Its very common for a large fleet to turn over vehicals ever 3-4 years; buy it! I just traded my 2010 Lt 4cyl Nox last week for a 2013 3.6 V6 Terrain. My 2010 never let me down and any issues i had since purchased in Oct 2009 were all covered by GM Warranty. My advise; dont get caught up in the negative unprofessional nonsense that a small percentage of NOX owners screem about on line; go talk to the professionals and ask about the transferable GM warranty and what all is covered; its that simple...I really enjoyed my 2010 Nox and REALLY Like this 2013 3.6 V6!

audionutty · June 2013

I would not recommend trading for a 2010 equinox. I own a 2010 equinox 4 cyl and the engine has been replaced once at 40k and will have to be replaced again by 100k. (i hope i will be able to get it done within warranty) I use full synthetic oil and change oil religously at twice the recommended interval. I have also had the a/c condensor replaced and the rear differential replaced.

there is a fundamental design flaw in the 2010-2011 2.4L equinox motors, so despite liking the equinox design I would recommend against buying a 2010 or 2011. I believe the 2012 may turn out better for engine reliability since it has a modified engine. I would recommend only getting a 2012 or newer

nox123 · June 2013

How could you possibly know you will need another engine prior to 100k; I need to assume your GM dealer replaced your engine block with one from a different batch / manufacturing run? I'm very aware of most of the drive line issues and experience some issues myself. However; GM covered all parts & labor including the loaner vehical while my 2010 4cyl nox was in shop. I would be glad you have a 100K transferable warranty and enjoy it while it lasts; remember the 35K warranties offered not to long ago. Just traded my 2010 4cyl LT1 Nox last week for a 2013 Terrain 3.6 V6, I was given $16.000 for my 55k mile 2010 Nox trade; only cost me $8000 in depreciation over about 4 years. Now check your Crystal Ball for advising on GM future dependibility & trade Value!

wxguy23 · June 2013

Thanks all.

audionutty · June 2013

I don't need a crystal ball to know that the engine will have to be replaced again. The replacement engine has started consuming oil at a greater and greater rate again just like the original engine did before it needed to be replaced. Once it consumes oil greater than the gm warranty standard for oil consumption, it will need to be replaced. There is a gm TSB on the "zebra stripe" scoring of cylinder walls leading to oil consumption on these engines. The resolution is to replace the engine.

I'm glad that you feel you got good trade in value for your vehicle, but that doesn't help anyone planning on keeping their car for the long term 150K plus miles nor does it help the buyer of your trade in. It's not unreasonable to expect the engine on a new car to last for the life of the car, which extends past the warranty period.

For the record, I AM glad that there is a 100K powertrain warranty.

cjga · July 2013

Loud noise...dealer does not have answers....why not a recall?

djm2 · July 2013

Good Morning Everyone:

I have been monitoring this Equinox site, and I am wondering why there seems to be a big issue with the 2010 - 2.4 - four cylinder engine in the Chevrolet Equinox, ----- and there does NOT seem to be an issue with the 2010 - 2.4 - four cylinder Chevrolet LTZ Malibu engine. ------- (I own the Chevrolet Malibu, and it now has 44,000 miles!) ------- Outside of a computer software problem with the engine early in it's life, the vehicle is trouble free.)
I have the dealer change the engine oil & filter every 2,500 miles and since the vehicle was new, I have been using a fuel additive, (upper cylinder lubricant), than was recommended by a friend.
When I first purchased the vehicle I noticed that the engine sounded like a "coffee grinder!" ---- It did not have the smooth sound of a four cylinder Honda Accord at idle. ----- My friend suggested that I use a fuel additive in the gasoline on a regular basis, and after a while the engine became very quiet. ---- I am not here to advertise any product, and I do not want to get into a debate as to the need for these products. I am only sharing some information. ---- The two popular fuel additives that come to mind are "Lucas Upper Cylinder Lubricant" and "Marvel Mystery Oil." ---- (They are safe for Oxygen Sensors & Cat Converters) ----- LUCL is more expensive than MMO, but it does the same job! These products can be purchased at K-Mart, Walmart, Pep Boys. ----- I am NOT telling anyone to use these products, I am only stating that I use one of them, and my engine is quiet, and I DO NOT use any oil between oil and filter changes at 2,500 mile intervals. There are only a few possibilities with regards to the Chevrolet 2.4 engines. ---- 1.) The engines in the Malibu and in the Equinox are NOT the same engine. ---- 2.) My choice to do frequent oil and filter changes has eliminated a potential problem. ---- or ---- 3.) My choice to use an "upper cylinder lubricant" in the fuel at every "fill up" has solved a lubrication problem with this engine.

Again, I am not advocating the use of a fuel additive, and I do not work for or sell these products. I am only sharing information!

NOTE: ---- My selling / servicing dealer DOES NOT KNOW that I am using one of these products in the fuel.

Another line of very good products that could be used are BG / Products. Do a google search and you should be able to find a source for these products in your area. ---- They are NOT sold in auto stores, but rather they are sold at automotive service centers. They are NOT CHEAP! ---- I have use the BG / MOA in the oil of my 2007 V6 Camry since it was new. (It was recommended by the selling dealer because Toyota engines in the past were know for producing sludge!) ---- The vehicle now has 83,000 miles, gets an oil and filter change every 2,500 miles, and uses no oil. ----- (I also use the fuel additive in this vehicle!)

I trust that this information has been helpful!

All the best to everyone! :shades:

Dwayne

cjga · July 2013

I will try this, after all noone else has any answers......not even dealers

nox123 · July 2013

Hello Dwayn...I have maintained my vehicals the exact same way you do for last 20 plus years. I use lucas fuel additive every 4-5 K miles and chage oil at 3500 mile intervals; oil is real cheap insurance. I just traded my 2010 4cyl Nox for a 2013 3.6 V GMC Terrain and this new truck will get the same lucus fuel treat ment and 3500 mile oil changs. My 2010 Nox never stalled or let me down and any drive line warranty work was always backed up by GM Dealer.

stever · July 2013

Wasting good oil and having to use a bunch of additives would drive me crazy.

I'm at 186k in my '99 minivan and it's lucky to get the oil changed at the recommended 7,500 mile interval.

Once a year I may throw a bottle of Techron in the gas tank.

Stop Changing Your Oil

djm2 · July 2013

Changing oil "more often than necessary," and using high quality oil & fuel additives is very much like taking vitamins for the human body. ----- My doctor told me that I am wasting my money by taking vitamins. ----- I still take a bunch of vitamins everyday with my meals. I have the "blood pressure" of a 21 year old male, and I am NOT 21 years old! ---- I am not on any medication. ------ So you see, it is a personal choice. You either believe in vitamins or you do not believe in them! You either believe in frequent oil and filter changes, and oil & fuel additives, or you don't! ---- It is a "free country" and each of us makes our own decisions. ----- Something is VERY different between my 2.4 four cylinder engine in my 2010 Malibu, and the 2.4 four cylinder engine in the Equinox vehicles that I am reading about on this site. ----- Why don't we have the same problems in the Malibu line of vehicles? ----- What is different about these engines? ------ Why aren't we seeing oil consumption problems in the Malibu line? ---- Why aren't we seeing timing chain issues in the Malibu line? ----- Something is different? ----- Is it the weight of the vehicle? ---- Is it the gear ratio of the drive train? ---- Let's explore this side of the issue!

Best regards to all!

Dwayne :shades: :confuse:

stever · July 2013

Vitamin pills can be bad for you for sure. (cleveland.com)

It always amused me that the company that makes Amsoil also makes a line of vitamins and supplements.

Per Wikipedia, the '10 Mailbu uses one of these engines:

2.4 L LE5 I4 (gasoline)
2.4 L LE9 I4 (gasoline/E85)
2.4 L LAT I4 (hybrid gasoline)
3.5 L LZ4 V6 (gasoline)
3.5 L LZE V6 (gasoline/E85)
3.6 L LY7 V6 (gasoline)

The '10 Equinox uses one of these:

2.4 L LAF I4
2.4 L LEA I4
3.0 L LF1 or LFW V6
3.6 L LFX V6

The inline 4s may share similarities but they are tweaked for different vehicles. That's before we get into the transmissions they may be connected to, vehicle weight, etc.

GM Family II engine

djm2 · July 2013

So why are the 2.4 LAF and 2.4 LEA Equinox four cylinder engines having problems , and the 2.4 LE5 engine in the Malibu not having problems? ----- What is the difference between the two engines? ------ Are the Equinox engines "carbon producing engines," which locks the rings on the pistons, damages the cylinder walls causing "blow by" and high pressure in the crankcase, and as a result, high oil consumption through PCV system? ---- There are too many vehicles on this site having problems. This is NOT isolated cases! ---- I know that my 2.4 GM engine is a lot quieter now, as opposed to when I took delivery of the vehicle in 2010, by using the fuel additive. ---- But, using a product in the fuel is a "personal choice!" ---- I am only sharing some information and observations. The final decision is in the hands of the vehicle owners. ---- They make their own decisions as to how they are going to spend their hard earned money. ---- I like my four Cylinder Malibu. I think that the engine could use a "little more power," but it is sufficient for the vehicle. --- I do a lot of highway driving and I get at least 30mpg. (What is very interesting is that my 2007 V6 XLE Camry also gets 30mpg on the highway, and it can run rings around the Malibu in terms of acceleration. Both vehicles have a shiftable 6 speed transmission.) --------- Best regards! -------- Dwayne

NOTE: I am not worried about an "overdose of vitamins!" ----- Your body expels excess vitamins everyday!

dowop · July 2013

I am pretty sure the 2010- 2011 Equinox used the LAF. 2012- 2013 use the LEA.

djm2 · July 2013

There must be a difference in the engines ---- OR--- the engines are assembled at a different location, with different parts from different vendors! ------ As a group we should investigate this issue, and share the uncovered information on this site. This will help the owners of the Equinox. There is something going on with the Equinox 4 cylinder engines that is NOT happening to the 2.4 Malibu engine. Lets uncover the "Mystery!!! ----- It could be a "group activity!" ----- I feel like I am back in High School! -------- Dwayne :shades: :confuse:

stever · July 2013

We have Identifix reliability ratings here and it may be helpful to compare the 2010 Malibu with the 2010 Equinox.

The Malibu has minimal engine issues between '06 and '10 while the '10 Equinox stands out for having moderate problems.

"An occasional problem on this vehicle is failure of the Coolant Pump Chain (2.4L Engine)."

dowop · July 2013

I had a 2010 Equinox with the 2.4 & it made the ticking sound from the day I bought it. Dealer said it was caused by high pressure fuel pump. I changed the oil every 3000 miles. I traded it in for a 2013 2.4 Equinox & it does not have the ticking sound. I have a little over 3000 miles on it.

cjga · July 2013

Keep your fingers crossed

kynox · July 2013

You guys correct me if I`m wrong but I believe the 2.4 in the Malibu is not a direct injection engine as in the Nox. I believe the Malibu uses a throttle body as its fuel delivery system. With direct injection fuel is delivered at a higher pressure and uses 2 fuel pumps to do so. I believe it is also more prone to carbon buildup. I have 40,000 miles on mine. Have now had the chain issue fixed. Just got back from a 1000 mile trip. No oil consumption issues and gas mileage for the trip was 30.9 mpg with cruise set on 73 mph for all but 120 miles of the trip.

whatandwhy · July 2013

I have a 2010 Equinox and I am experiencing a LOUD sounding engine. It sounds like a diesel engine and it's a 4 cylinder. When I brought it and returned to the dealership to pick up my license plates I asked them why does the engine sound so loud. The sales person said he gets that question all the time and it's because of the type of engine it is. Over the years the sound has became louder and louder. Sometimes the engine seems as though it skips too. I've also experience annoying sounds from the rear hatch door. I've taken my car back to the dealership several for the noise. I love the idea of the vehicle but I am so disappointed in my Equinox. The dealerships are slick because they do not record your complaints in the system. I highly recommend that anytime you experience an issue make sure they record it in their system and it's printed on your service order. Do not allow them to hand write it on your service order. I agree with another posting that Equinox owners should have a class action case against Chevy. It is so unfair to pay your hard earned money and get a lemon.

gmcustsvc · July 2013

Hello whatandwhy,

To add to that, if you're experiencing a certain issue with your vehicle, either contact GM Customer Service by phone or let us know here on the forum. We can document your issue and have it on file for future reference.

Amber N.
GM Customer Care

audionutty · July 2013

The 2.4L LE5 on the 2010 malibu is not the same as the equinox LAF engine. Malibu does not have direct injection. The cars with the same engine code as the 2010-2011 equinox are the 2010-2011 buick lacrosse, 2011 buick regal and 2010-2011 gmc terrain

djm2 · July 2013

If the "direct injection 2.4 engine" is more prone to carbon buildup, then using a "fuel additive" on every fill up just might control the carbon build up on the piston rings, and keep them free to move within the piston grooves. This could then prevent the high consumption of engine oil. ---- A "high quality fuel additive" would also lubricate the fuel pump, and the fuel injectors. In addition, the "fuel additive" will keep the injector tips, and the combustion chamber clean. ------- Clogged fuel injectors would cause a rough idle.------ Fuel injectors are "electromechanical devices," and they need some lubrication to function smoothly! But like everything else, the final decision rest in the hands of the owner of the vehicle. Some people believe in fuel additives, and some people do not believe in fuel additives. ------ I use an additive at every fill-up! -------- Dwayne :shades:

djm2 · July 2013

HISTORY DOES HAVE A TENDENCY TO REPEAT ITSELF!

Back in the late 90's OMC, (Outboard Marine Corporation), manufacturers of the Evinrude & Johnson line of outboards came out with a new technology call "Fitch!" ----- This was a "new fuel and oil delivery system" for two cycle outboards. ----- It was a form of a "direct injection of fuel" into the combustion chamber of the two cycle outboard. (THERE WAS NOTING WRONG WITH THE TECHNOLOGY! It was a major breakthrough in fuel delivery for outboards!) ------ The problem developed when the outboards were tested. ------ Most outboards are tested at "wide open throttle," (WOT), for hours. This new technology passed with flying colors, but in the "real world of use," outboard motors are NOT run at WOT all the time. This is especially true on fishing boats. It was found that when run at other RPMs, these engines produced "carbon," and this "carbon" would seize the rings on the pistons, and these "seized piston rings" would destroy the cylinder walls, and over time the power head of the outboard was destroyed. ------ Unfortunately, OMC did not know what was causing the power head problem and they "payed out" many power heads on their warranty and extended warranty programs. This along with other issues caused OMC to go out of business. ----- Bombardia from Canada purchased OMC, redesigned the combustion chamber of the "Fitch Engine," fixed other quality control problems, and now markets the engines as E-Tec! ---- What is interesting about the "OMC Fitch engines" is that those owner who used "Chevron Gasoline with Techron" did NOT have the "carbon build up problem." ---- Had the other owners known about this information a lot of power heads could have been saved! What we are seeing with the "direct injection on the 2.4 in the Chevrolet Equinox" is very similar to the early OMC Fitch engines! ------ QUESTION: ---- Would Techron or another fuel additive help? ---- I do not know, but it would be worth a try! ------ Just a thought to consider! ---- Dwayne :shades: :confuse:

stever · July 2013

All gas in the US since 1995 has had deposit control additives in it. (Wikipedia)

If you have Chevron in your area, you can use it and get a smidge of Techron in every tank. I used it regularly when I lived in Boise for a decade, although I still had to clean my throttle body every 30k miles.

The Toyota gel issue (aka sludge) a few years ago was interesting. Toyota's answer was to shorten the oil drain interval. But they wound up moving and changing the oil passages in the engine. Also interesting was the fact that many owners had sludge even though they changed their oil at the "old fashioned" 3,000 mile interval.

rski43 · July 2013

Stever@Edmunds> granted deposit control has been in place since '95, but not all "deposit control" additives are created equal. Read at http://www.toptiergas.com. I've been using Shell or Mobil exclusively for the last 7 yrs, live in MA. It does make a difference.

stever · July 2013

That's another fun topic.

"Edmunds.com put this question to experts in several fields, including an automotive engineer at a major carmaker, gasoline manufacturers and two engineers with the American Automobile Association (AAA). It boils down to this: You can stop worrying about cheap gas. You're unlikely to hurt your car by using it."

Top Tier Gas

After moving to the UP of Michigan three years ago I didn't have much choice in gas so I've been using a brand I'd never heard of. One day I glanced at the pump and noticed the "Top Tier" label on it. I still had to get my throttle body cleaned last month, lol.

nox123 · July 2013

Im a firm believer in using fuel additives on a regular basis; I have been using Lucas & Seafoam additives in my new cars and trucks for over 25years. I just traded a 2010 4cyl Nox with 55k on a 2013 V6 Terrain. My 2010 never had any engine issues or let me down in past 42 month. In addition; I have never had the need for throttle body or injection pressure cleaning due to using additives. Using fuel Additives and changing oil regulary is good cheap preventive maintenience.

djm2 · July 2013

I also believe in the use of additives, but just for some "fun," I decided to do a search on this subject. ------- I came up with the following information which just might be helpful to everyone on this site.

Direct Injection is being used by auto manufacturers to "wring out" more power and efficiency from the gasoline internal combustion engine.

DI is more efficient, and it helps to generate more power than an engine with port injection.

There is also a problem with this technology, and this problem is "carbon build-up over time," and this can degrade power and efficiency. ---- Excessive carbon deposits overtime have an extremely negative effect which includes performance loss, sporadic ignition failure, and potential holes burned into the structure of the catalytic converter, (should a bit of carbon break lose and pass through the combustion chamber.)

DIRECT INJECTED ENGINE EFFICIENCY

1.) DI uses a "leaner fuel air mixture ration!"
2.) With DI the fuel inside the combustion chamber is allowed to burn more efficiently.
3.) DI engines use a mixture of 40 or more parts of air to one part of fuel (40:1). ---- A normal gasoline engine has a ration of 14.7:1. ---- A leaner mixture allows fuel to be burned much more efficiently.
4.) In DI the engine burned the fuel more completely.
5.) To maintain optimum combustion efficiency, the injectors must be operating very close to original equipment design specifications, and hard carbon deposits within the combustion chamber must be kept at a minimum level.
6.) Fuel injectors are designed to operate through several billion cycles during their useful life. --- The first common problem relating to injectors is restriction. --- Even a slight restrictions will change both the injector's atomization quality, the volume and it's ability to deliver at a given load and a given engine rpm. ---- Given time, contaminants will restrict injector flow. Just ONE inefficient injector will affect the overall performance and fuel efficiency of an engine. Everyday, unburned fuel adheres to the injector pintles and to the orifices, and this will eventually alter injector flow volume and injector fuel spray patterns. ---- When the engine is stopped, heat will bake the residual fuel onto the nozzle tips. That will cause a lack of engine performance, leaking fuel injectors and damage to the O2 sensor and Cat Converters. ---- Restricted injectors will build carbon deposits. Carbon deposits are a VERY poor heat conductor. As a result, the fuel vaporization process, eventually will become less effective. Cylinder combustion efficiency will be reduced. ----Fuel is wasted. Performance is decreased.
7.) Heavy carbon deposits can become a very effective fuel sponge. This effectively causes a "lean air fuel mixture!"
8.) Carbon buildup in the combustion chamber will also affect heat transfer. An additional heat build up of just 30 to 40 degrees from excessive combustion chamber combustion deposits can cause pre-ignition resulting in a reduction in fuel economy and engine damage.
9.) Several factors contribute to combustion chamber deposits.
a.) Fuel injector problems.
b.) Oil vapor emission from the PCV SYSTEM.
C.) A loss of piston ring movement.

Techron, BG, Lucas & MMO are some of the products that could be used to control some of this problem! ---- (There are also other high quality products on the market! Do a search on the "net!") ----- I hope that this information has been helpful! ---- All the best! --------Dwayne :shades:

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