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Comments
What is GREAT about this forum is that each one of us can share automotive information with other interested individuals, based on our first hand experience and our automotive knowledge. ----- This sharing allows everyone to read and consider the presented information, come to their own conclusions, and take their own actions. ----- While the modern automobile has been tested prior to being offered for sale, nothing beats "real world testing," and this real world testing is usually where the the issues arise! -----I am sure that GM never envisioned that their 2.4 direct injection engine would have these kinds of problems. ---- There are many people of this site that have a strong background in automotive maintenance as a career, and also as a "hands on hobby," and their are others who just drive their vehicles, and do the basic maintenance according to the manufacturer's product manual. ----- This site allows everyone to eavesdrop into each other's world, and as such, we can learn from one another, and in the process consider different opinions. ----- It does NOT mean that one person is right, while another person is wrong. It just means that we see automotive maintenance from a different point of view. The modern engines today are totally different from the engines of the 40's, 50's, 60's, 70s, etc, and yet the basic operating principles are the same. Because they are different, they are "charting new territory" both in terms of engine operation, and in terms of engine maintenance. Vehicle manufacturers historically do not advocate the use of any product that they do not offer for sale under their name! This is just good business. But on the other hand, it does not mean that the "aftermarket products" cannot perform a service as advertised. --- (A perfect example are the aftermarket computer chips that are offered for sale to increase engine performance. Chevrolet will not endorse them, but that does not mean that they do not perform as advertised.) --------- (I could purchase an aftermarket chip for my 2010 2.4 LTZ Malibu to increase its performance.) The automotive vehicle manufacturers do not have all the answers in terms of vehicle performance and vehicle maintenance. Some "back yard / good old boys & girls with the right equipment can come up with some very unique / creative ideas that are "off the chart" in terms of acceptable maintenance. ---- Success is doing something that solves a problem, and in the process, brings about a desired result! ---- (You do not necessarily have to know why it works, you only need to know that it solves a current problem! If you want, you can do the research at a later date!)
Best regards!
Dwayne :shades:
The one problem with internet forums is that people rarely take the time to post when their vehicles are running fine and everything is normal. The problem posts sometimes make it seem like every car is a lemon (and that could explain why I haven't purchased a new one in the last 13 years!).
What is the difference between the 2 ??
It's pretty clear there has been a problem with this car and its engine. Any suggestions as to what I can do to get GM to honor the powertrain warranty without my having to hire and attorney?
I don't use the dealer because they are inefficient. it's a huge pain to take half a day out of work just to get you oil changed. It shouldnt be that way. If they were fast then everybody would use them. And I just plain dont trust them either.
Sorry to hear about your engine. Feel free to contact us at socialmedia@gm.com (include VIN, name, and dealership) or by phone at 800-222-1020 and we will see what options are available for you for this repair. We look forward to hearing from you.
Amber N.
GM Customer Care
I have a 2010 equinox. They just replaced everything but the engine as it ran out of oil with no oil light on. There is now a recall that came out my dealer told me, that is why they fixed my car. Go back to the dealer or to another chevy dealer and tell them you know about the recall.
Good luck!
NOW MY FRONT LEFT WHEEL BEARING IS GOING !!!!!!!!!
Any recall on that coming !!
Equinox the gift that just keeps giving.
So with that being said, I depart this forum and wish you all the best of luck with your Equinoxes
If you have a new vehicle that is under the "new vehicle warranty" and / or "an extended GM warranty" it is VERY smart to have a GM dealer do all of your drive train service. ------ If something happens all of your vehicle records are in one location. (End of discussion with GM!)
I change my engine oil and filter every 2,500 miles, and I use a fuel additive at every fill up. (MY CHOICE!) ----- When it comes time for an "oil and filter change," I make an appointment with the selling dealer for 7:45AM in the morning. I present my vehicle for service. I walk to a local breakfast shop, enjoy a nice breakfast, and I get my vehicle back by 9:00AM.
I do not have any issues because they are using a GM oil filter, and the correct engine oil. If a problem occurs it is NOT my issue. It is a GM / Dealer Issue! ---- In addition to oil and filter service, I also have the dealer do all the other service such as brakes and tires. No one other than a GM dealer services my vehicle. They know that I am their customer, and they "go out of their way" to give me OUTSTANDING service. I appreciate their efforts.
QUESTIONS: ----- How much money are you saving by doing your own oil & filter service? ----- If you take you vehicle to the "fast lube shops," how do you know the "skill of the service people?" ----- I have read horror stories about these places. ---- I would stay with the dealer for service.
Just my opinion. ------------- Dwayne
Thank you for your vote of confidence! (I grew up in an automotive / tool making environment as a child, and before I was out of the 8th grade I could tune up an engine, assemble an engine, and perform general automotive service on the vehicle.)
MISSMO1951:
If you live that far from a GM dealership, you have three possible choices with regards to oil & filter service.
1.) Purchase a supply of GM oil filters for your vehicle from a GM dealer. Purchase a couple of cases of GM quart bottles of oil from the GM dealer for your vehicle. ------- (I am sure they will give you a discount on this large purchase!) KEEP ALL OF YOUR RECEIPTS! ------ Change your own oil and filter! ------ (KEEP A SERVICE RECORD / DATES & MILEAGE!)
2.) If you do not have the skill to perform this service for yourself, find a local service station that YOU TRUST, and bring the above supplies to the mechanic to have the service performed. ------ (YOU WILL HAVE TO PAY A SERVICE CHARGE FOR THIS SERVICE!) ------ When he / she writes the service bill make sure that your GM parts and oil are listed on the "service bill" along with the date, mileage and vehicle VIN number. ------- (KEEP ALL OF YOUR "SUPPLY" AND "SERVICE RECEIPTS." ------- MAKE TWO COPIES OF THESE RECEIPTS. KEEP THE ORIGINALS AT HOME AND COPIES IN THE VEHICLE.)
3.) When your vehicle needs oil & filter service, make an appointment with the dealer, travel the distance, and make a day of it by doing other "fun things!"
With regards to the failure of the timing chains, there are only a few possibilities.
1.) The chain material is defective.
2.) The timing chain components are defective.
3.) The chain is NOT receiving adequate lubrication.
4.) The oil is not being changed frequently.
GM needs to do the research on this issue and "come forward" with their determination. ------- I personally like the looks of the Equinox, and I like the idea of the four cylinder engine, --- but I will NOT CONSIDER A PURCHASE until GM solves these engine problems. ------ I have a 2010 LTZ four cylinder Malibu with 45,000 miles that does NOT burn oil between 2,500 oil and filter changes. ---- The engine is VERY quiet and responsive for a four cylinder. THE QUESTION IS: ---- Why is the four cylinder direct injection engine suffering all of these problems? ---- Is it the additional weight of the SUV? ---- Is it related to the fuel direct injection? ---- Is it a carbon producing engine that seizes the rings on the pistons causing "blow by," and PCV problems, and valve closing problems? ----- Something is different, and GM is not telling the whole story, and it is their responsibility to be "straight forward" with the customer base "IF" they want to sell future Equinox vehicles! ----- Maybe we can get some input on this subject from one of the GM representatives! -------- All the best to everyone! ----- Have a GREAT day! ---- Have some fun! ---- Remember this is not a rehearsal for the real thing. The life you are living in the "here and now" is YOUR LIFE!
Just my opinion. ----- Dwayne :shades: :confuse:
Has it been proven that the failures on the 2.4 Equinox Engine are manufacturing flaws? ---- Has GM given a reason for the stalling, oil burning and and timing chain failure? ----- I have done a search on the "net," and I have not found any answers to these questions. ---- There are only two possibilities; ---- manufacturing flaws, ---- or not enough maintenance using high quality products. ---- YES, maintenance will not solve an "on-going manufacturing component flaws!" ---- Having said that, now is the time for GM to "shed some light of these problems!" --- People have paid their "hard earned money" for an American name plate vehicle, and they have an "expectation of receiving a high quality vehicle" that operates as designed, and I am sure stalling, rough idling, oil burning and timing chain failure are NOT part of the design of the vehicle by GM.
Best regards! -------- Dwayne :shades: :confuse: :sick:
I am surprised that the dealer told you to "continue to drive the vehicle" with a defective timing chain. ----- If you have an extended warrant you might have a $50.00 dollar deductible fee for every service event. This is built into your warranty contract. ------ (I have a 100,000 mile GM extended warranty on my 4 cylinder 2010 Malibu with zero deductible, so I pay nothing for a warranty service event!)
NOTE: ---- "IF" the timing chain breaks while you are driving, depending on the engine design, your pistons will hit the open valves, and this will destroy the entire engine.
NOTE: ---- There are tow types of engine designs. --- "Interference" and "non-interference." ----- If you have a "interference designed engine," and the timing chain breaks the pistons will hit the open valves! When this happens the engine will stall, and the vehicle will coast to a stop. Vehicle control during this event will be an issue! ----- If you have an extended warranty a loaner car should be provided. ----- At this point in time only a timing chain is needed, but if it fails, a new engine will be needed. ----- I do not understand the dealer's logic? They are trying to save money on the "loaner car," and taking a chance on destroying an engine. ------- (Penny wise and dollar foolish on the part GM and the dealer!)
Just my opinion. ----- Dwayne :confuse: :shades:
1.) The Equinox has a high pressure fuel pump to feed fuel to the fuel injectors for the direct injection fuel system.
2.) For some reason, this pump develops a fuel leak, and fuel is allowed to enter the crankcase of the engine.
3.) The fuel mixes with the engine oil, and thins out the oil.
4.) The oil can no longer do it's job lubricating the engine and the timing chain, and as a result, the cylinder walls and piston rings are destroyed along with the timing chain.
5.) The engine becomes an oil burner and the timing chain fails.
QUESTIONS: ---- Why are the direct injection high pressure pumps failing? ----- Do these pumps depend on the fuel for internal lubrication like the fuel pump in the fuel tank? ----- Is it s seal that is going bad? ----- If it is a "lubrication issue" and would a "top cylinder fuel additive" prevent the pump from destroying itself? ---- Are the replacement pumps any better than the original pumps. ----- Is GM doing any research on this problem or are they just riding out the issue? (I would hope that they are working on a fix to this problem, because the Equinox is a beautiful vehicle, and it would be a shame to have the "name plate destroyed" in the automotive marketplace over a fuel pump.)
In addition to this pump issue, some people believe that "short trip driving" with this vehicle causes carbon to form on the tip of the high pressure fuel injector causing the spray pattern to change, and some fuel remains in a "liquid form" within the cylinder rather than a "fine mist." This liquid fuel washes away the lubrication from the cylinder walls, and this action over time causes damage, and as a result, the engine becomes an "oil burner." "Blow by" then increase, and the PCV system now has to deal with additional fumes in the intake system. ----- Raw fuel also enters the crankcase and thins out the oil!---- The additional fumes from the crankcase passing through the PCV system causes a build up on the back of the intake valve causing it to remain open, and this causes a "rough idle" and "engine stalling!" ----- Here again, would a top cylinder fuel additive prevent this injector problem?
I hope that this information is helpful! ----- Best regards to all! ---- Dwayne :shades:
If we could find a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox owner that uses Chevron Gasoline exclusively in his / her vehicle, and who DOES NOT have any of these problems we would know that a "fuel additive" could eliminate the problem.
Chevron gasoline contains a fuel additive that controls carbon, and cleans the fuel system. It is known as "Tectron!" This additive can be purchased in automotive supply stores, and it is recommended that it be used in the fuel every 3,000 miles.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Back in the late 90's Outboard Marine Corporation the manufacturers of Johnson & Evinrude Outboards had major problems with "carbon" in their fitch engines. Those boat owners who used Chevron Gasoline never had any problems. QUESTION: ---- Could "history" be repeating itself, but now in land based engines? I just took delivery of a new boat, and I am using an upper cylinder lubricant in the fuel of the I/O engines.
Best regards to all! --------- Dwayne :shades:
Still would like to know difference between L.A.F. Engine & L.E.A. Engine??
The LAF has a 11.4:1 compression ratio that helps build power, slightly dished pistons that increase combustion efficiency and injectors with an application-specific flow rate.
The LEA has a a compression ratio of 11.2:1. It adds direct injection and electronic throttle control.
Just for discussion purposes, lets assume that GM and the dealer replaces the timing chain and the "direct injection fuel pump" with a new / improved / redesigned pump that no longer dumps fuel into the engine's crankcase. ---- This does no mean that your problems are over. ----- The oil that was "diluted by gasoline" destroyed the timing chain, and it also caused damaged to the cylinder walls, and the engine bearings at the same time. (IF YOUR ENGINE IS USING OIL NOW, THIS IS THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM!) ----- Putting a new fuel pump and a new timing chain assembly on the engine is only putting "first aid" on a major problem! ----- The engine needs to be rebuilt. ----- Left in this state, it will be an "oil burner!" ---- If my Equinox was under a GM extended warranty, I would NOT accept this minimum repair. ----- If your vehicle is NOT under an extended warranty, then you have to make your own decision. Your position is not as strong!
Should GM rebuild the engine? ----- YES! ---- But what they "should do" and what they "will do" are two different things! ------ If the fuel pump destroyed the timing chain, GM should remove the engine from the vehicle and install a fully dressed replacement engine with an "updated direct injection pump." ----- Your engine would be then sent back to the factory to be remanufactured. ---- This is done all the time in the "marine inboard / I/O engine world!" ------ When new boats come from the factory with defective engines, the "engine manufacturer" has the dealer remove the bad engine and a complete fully dressed engine is provided as a replacement. Customer satisfaction is VERY IMPORTANT in the boat sales world! These are BIG ticket items!
ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ISSUE, if GM and the dealer are replacing the "timing chain," and the "direct injection fuel pump" with the "same direct injection fuel pump" that was used when the vehicle was manufactured, the problem will return, and this will be an "on-going issue" for the life of the vehicle!
Best regard to all! ----------- Dwayne :shades:
Once you get your vehicle back from the dealer, have all future oil and filter service performed by that dealer. All of your service records will then be in one location. In addition, there will be no discussion with regards to the "quality of the oil," and the "quality of the oil filters" being used in the service operation. ------- CHANGE YOUR OIL AND FILTER OFTEN! ---- (Clean engines are HAPPY engines!) Service records are very important with regards to getting warranty service. I am glad everything worked out for you. ----- Best regards! ---------- Dwayne :shades:
I will put my purchase contract on line in next 24 hours if you come clean and and show your 2010 Nox trade issues... You will probably cry when you see my deal!
I had all my oil changes done at the dealer at 3000 miles or so. To me, frequent oil changes are CHEAP maintenance.. and this also gave credence to my claim as the records were all there.
Talty Chevy in Morris, IL treated me very well and were great to work with resolving the issues!
So far I have about 7,000 miles on the new engine. Gas mileage is back up to about 28 mpg and everything seems fine.
Sorry to hear that your experience has led you to feel this way. If you would like for us to look further into your concerns please email us at socialmedia@gm.com [attn Amber]. Please provide additional details.
Thank you
Amber N.
GM Customer Care