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Changed the oil today, and looked at the pan and cut the oil filter open. Bought the car 12 days ago. Oil was new when I checked the dipstick. So the oil has at least 260 miles on it. Car has 54,7xx miles. Let me know what you guys think.
Looks super dirty for 260 miles. Can't really see any flakes or sparkles in those pictures and the filter media looks pretty good.
If fresh oil was added to top up the level, sometimes that fresh oil sits on top of the existing oil until the engine is started.
In this case, the oil on the dipstick might look super clean when in reality most of the oil (below) is not so clean.
If it runs fine, I would just keep an eye on it, maybe change it out early for the next service and see how it looks.
Enjoy your LT4 6-speed! Those are great cars
It does run good. It's super hard to get pics of the metal flakes, but trust me they are there. I'll upload a video of the engine running later today. It's recorded. Just gotta upload it on YouTube.
There's much going on with this car that I might take time to confirm some things. The other thread you have shows a reman ZF etc.
Since it seems you've easy access to the undercarriage. I might go so far as to check the block for the VIN derivative.I'd expect a 1T5XXXXXX with the XXXXXX being the sequence matching the SPID, door and w/shield. Did the seller mention any of the service work being done by him? After your purchase and title transfers is there any unusual ownership discrepancies with TEXAS DMV?
If you assumed it was a fresh change before driving home buy an oil analysis!
I agree with Will, 50 bucks for a blackstone year will just confirm your bearings are worn.
Unfortunately it doesn't look good. I agree with complete tear down before you really grenade the engine parts. Good time to upgrade with porting from Lloyd Elliot, good camshaft and better timing chain. Match/ flow your injectors, too.
Looks to me like there is some moisture in the oil + it is normal to have some gray bearing overlay hiding in recesses.
Cut the oil filter open with what? A can opener? If you do not have an oil filter cutter any other method = metal in the filter media.
Drive it with fresh oil for 1/2 hour to get the oil & bottom end up to temperature, if @ idle the con rods are not clammering for daylight & you still have some oil pressure your good to go.
I agree with Will, 50 bucks for a blackstone year will just confirm your bearings are worn.
I agree with both you and Will BUT we don't know under what premise this car was sold to him!!!! Who knows how a seller might respond to a definitive argument that there were issues with just a less than 300 mile drive!!
I agree with the suggestion put forward by 'Churchkey' also!!
I agree with both you and Will BUT we don't know under what premise this car was sold to him!!!! Who knows how a seller might respond to a definitive argument that there were issues with just a less than 300 mile drive!!
I agree with the suggestion put forward by 'Churchkey' also!!
There's nothing for the OP to lose!!
I have no clue if anything can be done from buying a used car. Not a nice position to be in, but it is what it is.
LT4 are generally bullet proof, I find this odd the engine with (supposedly 51K miles) is having this problem. Maybe the LT4 recall was never done for the engine...not sure if that would cause the OPs current problems. Have you confirmed the mileage? You can't roll back mileage in an 96, but if the ECBM was changed that can cause the mileage to be different.
Subject: PRODUCT CAMPAIGN 96-C-07(a) - INADEQUATE RETAINING LOAD HOLDING ROCKER ARM ROLLER PIN IN PLACE -- REISSUE -- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Model and Year: 1996 CORVETTES WITH LT4 ENGINE --------------------------------------------------------
To: All Chevrolet/Geo Dealers ------------------------------------
General Motors has decided that CERTAIN 1996 Chevrolet Corvettes equipped with 5.7L engines (RPO LT4 - VIN Code "5") may have been built with rocker arms that have inadequate retaining load to hold roller attaching pins in the rollers. When there is inadequate retaining load, the pin may back out, with a resultant engine failure likely to occur. To correct this condition, dealers are to replace the rocker arms.
NOTICE: Previously recieved rocker arms P/N 12551311 must not be used. The rocker arms previously received should have been returned to GMSPO (reference GMSPO Information Bulletin #96-128). Any vehicles previously repaired with P/N 12551311 rocker arms as a result of the canceled Campaign No. 96-C-07 must have new rocker arms installed. VEHICLES INVOLVED Involved are certain 1996 Chevrolet Corvettes equipped with 5.7L (RPO LT4) engines built within the following VIN breakpoints: YEAR MODEL PLANT PLANT CODE FROM THROUGH 1996 Y-Car Bowling Green "5" T5100052 T5111116
1996 Y-Car Bolwing Green "5" T5600012 T5600363
Involved vehicles have been identified by Vehicle Identification Number Computer Listings. Computer listings contain the complete Vehicle Identification Number, owner name and address data, and are furnished to involved dealers with the campaign bulletin. Owner name and address data furnished will enable dealers to follow-up with owners involved in this campaign. These listings may contain owner names and addresses obtained from State Motor Vehicle Registration Records. The use of such motor vehicle registration data for any other purpose is a violation of law in several states. Accordingly, you are urged to limit the use of this listing to the follow-up necessary to complete this campaign. Any dealer not receiving a computer listing with the campaign bulletin has no involved vehicles currently assigned.
PARTS INFORMATION
Notice:
A pre-shipment of part numbers 12557779 (Rocker Arms) and 10108625 (Rocker Cover Gaskets) will be sent to involved dealers of record the week of May 6, 1996. Pre-shipment will equal parts for approximately 40% of the number of assigned vehicles to be repaired. Pre-shipment parts will be charged to the dealers open parts account.
Parts are to be obtained from General Motors Service Parts Operations (GMSPO). Please refer to your "Involved Vehicle Listing" prior to ordering requirements. Normal orders should be placed on a DRO = Daily Replenishment Order. An emergency requirement should be ordered on a CSO = Customer Special Order.
Part Number Description Quantity / Vehicle
12557779 Rocker Arm Assembly 16
10108625 Gasket, Rocker Cover 2
OWNER NOTIFICATION
Owners will be notified of this campaign on their vehicles by Chevrolet Motor Division (see copy of owner letter included with this bulletin).
DEALER CAMPAIGN RESPONSIBILITY
All unsold new vehicles in dealers, possession and subject to this campaign must be held and inspected/repaired per the service procedure of this campaign bulletin before owners take possession of these vehicles.
Dealers are to service all vehicles subject to this campaign at no charge to owners, regardless of mileage, age of vehicle, or ownership, from this time forward.
Owners of vehicles recently sold from your new vehicle inventory with no owner information indicated on the dealer listing, are to be contacted by the dealer, and arrangements made to make the required correction according to the instructions contained in this bulletin. This could be done by mailing to such owners a copy of the owners letter accompanying this bulletin. Campaign follow-up cards should not be used for this purpose, since the owner may not as yet have received the notification letter.
In summary, whenever a vehicle subject to this campaign enters your vehicle inventory, or is in your dealership for service in the future, please take the steps necessary to be sure the campaign correction has been made before selling or releasing the vehicle.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
ROCKER COVER REMOVAL
LH SIDE
1. Note setting of all electrical devices and then disconnect battery.
2. Remove fuel rail beauty cover.
3. Remove booster vacuum hose from intake manifold.
4. Remove distributor vent hose from intake manifold.
5. Remove fuel rail cover attaching studs.
6. Remove hoses (2) from A.I.R. check valve.
7. Loosen A.I.R. check valve tube at exhaust manifold and pivot away from rocker cover.
8. Remove air cleaner assembly.
9. Remove accessory drive belt.
10. Remove generator bolts and rear bracket and lay generator aside.
11. Remove rocker cover bolts (4) and cover. Both rocker cover gaskets should be replaced with new gasket P/N 10108625.
RH SIDE
1. Remove fuel line beauty cover.
2. Remove PCV fresh air hose.
3. Remove rocker cover bolts (4) and cover.
ROCKER ARM REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT
1. Rotate engine clock wise to TDC number 1 cylinder firing position. This can be done by watching number 1 cylinder valves as crankshaft balancer hub arrow approaches the 12 o'clock position. If a valve moves as arrow moves to the 12 o'clock position, the engine assembly is in the number 6 cylinder firing position. Crankshaft must then be turned one more revolution to reach number 1 cylinder firing position.
2. In this #1 firing position the following rocker arms should be replaced with new rocker arms P/N 12557779:
Exhaust: 1, 3, 4, 8
Intake: 1, 2, 5, 7
3. Loosen rocker arm nut and lift rocker arms from stud.
4. Install new rocker arms P/N 12557779. Be sure push rod is properly seated in the lifter and rocker arm.
5. Install nuts and torque to 25 Nm (18 lb. ft.).
6. Rotate engine clock wise one more revolution until hub arrow is again at 12 o'clock position. This is a number 6 firing position.
7. In this #6 firing position the following rocker arms should be replaced with new rocker arms P/N 12557779:
Exhaust: 2, 5, 6, 7
Intake: 3, 4, 6, 8
8. Repeat steps 3 through 6.
9. After rocker arm installation be sure that the roller tip of the rocker arm is squarely seated on top of valve stem. (Refer to 1996 Corvette Preliminary Service Manual Section 6A1B-13, Figure 14).
ROCKER COVER INSTALLATION
RH SIDE
1. Install rocker cover and bolts (4). Torque bolts to 12 Nm (106 lb. in.). New rocker cover gaskets P/N 10108625 should be used.
2. Install PCV fresh air hose.
3. Install fuel line beauty cover.
LH SIDE
1. Install rocker cover and bolts (4). Torque bolts to 12 Nm (106 lb. in.). New rocker cover gaskets P/N 10108625 should be used.
2. Install generator, generator bolts, and rear bracket. Torque front generator bolts and bolt with nut to 50 Nm (37 lb. ft). Torque rear bolts and bracket bolt to 47 Nm (35 lb. ft).
3. Tighten A.I.R. check valve tube at exhaust manifold and torque to 55 Nm (41 lb. ft).
4. Install hoses (2) from A.I.R. check valve.
5. Install booster vacuum hose to intake manifold.
6. Install distributor vent hose to intake manifold.
11. Connect battery and reset all electrical devices as noted in Step 1.
12. Install Campaign Identification Label.
CAMPAIGN IDENTIFICATION LABEL
Each vehicle corrected in accordance with the instructions outlined in this Product Campaign Bulletin will require a "Campaign Identification Label".
Each label provides a space to include the campaign number and the five (5) digit dealer code of the dealer performing the campaign service. This information may be inserted with a typewriter or a ball point pen.
Each "Campaign Identification Label" is to be located on the radiator core support in the area which will be visible when the vehicle is brought in for periodic servicing by the owner. When installing the new Campaign Identification Label, be sure to install the clear protective covering. Additional Campaign Identification Labels can be obtained from VISPAC Incorporated by calling 1-800-269-5100 (Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST). Ask for Item Number S-1015 when ordering.
Apply "Campaign Identification Label" only on a clean, dry surface.
CLAIM INFORMATION
Submit a Product Campaign Claim with the information indicated below:
REPAIR PERFORMED PART COUNT FAILED PART NO. PARTS ALLOW CC-FC LABOR OP LABOR HOURS
Rocker Arm Replacement 18 12557779 ** MA-96 V9790 1.1*
* For Campaign Administrative Allowance, add 0.1 hours to the "Labor Hours". ** The "Parts Allowance" should be the sum total of the current GMSPO Dealer Net Price plus 40'6 for the rocker arms and rocker cover gaskets needed to complete the repair.
Refer to the General Motors Corporation Claims Processing Manual for details on Product Campaign Claim Submission.
Very interesting. I'll remove both valve covers, and see what's up. I bought the carfax on this car, no mileage roll backs or amything like that. Mileage is 54k indeed, car is super clean.
Very interesting. I'll remove both valve covers, and see what's up. I bought the carfax on this car, no mileage roll backs or amything like that. Mileage is 54k indeed, car is super clean.
Does your VIN fall within the recall mentioned? Carry the VIN to a dealer and ask.if it does. I'd think any performed Campaigns would be noted as completed. CARFAX I thought generally mentioned incomplete Campaigns. It might be interesting to have the CCM/BCM scanned for VIN.
I don't know if my vin falls into that criteria, but I'll find out. My dad is a used car dealer. We have every "car report" you can have on a car, on this car. Carfax doesn't mention any warranty work or recalls. But I'll double check that.
Looks to me like there is some moisture in the oil + it is normal to have some gray bearing overlay hiding in recesses.
Cut the oil filter open with what? A can opener? If you do not have an oil filter cutter any other method = metal in the filter media.
looks like a dull can opener but definitely not a hack saw.
Drive it with fresh oil for 1/2 hour to get the oil & bottom end up to temperature, if @ idle the con rods are not clammering for daylight & you still have some oil pressure your good to go.
03-08-2019, 04:16 PM
1996 LT4, metal flakes in my oil. Pics
