ZL1 Engine Failure - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Unreal · 02-25-2013, 07:39 AM

My friend Trevor has a 2012 ZL1. On the way home from a car show last night the motor let go. Was just cruising home. Car is bone stock besides wheels/tires. Picked a piece of piston up so definitely a major failure. I've never heard of issues like this on LSAs so it will be interesting to see what the dealer finds.

Updates:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unreal

He posted that the dealer already ordered a new motor. He has a Impala LTZ as a loaner until they get the new motor in. The owner of the dealer called him personally first thing in the morning. He bought it to take to shows and cruise around, no racing or hard driving on it.

Nothing but chevron 91 octane in it, which is the best available around here.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SSOOCH

I was there. Nothing out of the ordinary. We were leaving the Autorama. I was right behind Him in My SS. He took off... BOOM! Oil everywhere, metal fragments all over the road and in the underbelly pan with a bunch of oil. His ZL1 had been sitting in the Autorama for four days before this.We shall wait to see what the dealer says. No mods, no track time or heavy use and abuse of this ZL1. Only 8k miles. Trevor is a good Friend of mine. It's terrible. I'm sure GM will repair it up and send him on his way. It's gotta be a freak accident that or somebody did something to his car at the Autorama.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SSOOCH

I was at the dealer with Trevor yesterday. They haven't even begun to tear down anything. They have sent the data off his ECM to GM and are waiting to hear back. As long as they find that he hasn't tuned it they will ship a new motor per the Service Manager. His car has had full documented service and maintenance through this same dealer.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SSOOCH

I just heard from Trevor. The dealer reported that the ECM was clean, new motor is on order!!

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3-11-13 : UPDATED WITH MORE PICTURES...

yellow69z28rs · 02-25-2013, 07:53 AM

That's unbelievable.
Subscribed

LeanPocket · 02-25-2013, 08:07 AM

looks like detonation? low octane perhaps? Oil never changed?

otherwise that's unacceptable, the resale value of that car has gone to shit if they have to either rebuild the motor or replace the entire lsa motor since its a certified zl1. If that were me id be PISSED

SlingShot · 02-25-2013, 08:16 AM

Picked up the piece of piston from where ? Hope it was on the outside of the block ...

sycraft · 02-25-2013, 08:18 AM

I am sure the motor would be replaced, its the first major failure I have heard of from a stock one, even modified ones are holding up. Its mechanical, crap happens, they cant all be perfect, I even had a Viper that blew a stock motor at 400 miles new. Get the repair done and have fun, dont stress over it, there is a lot more things in life to stress over, a car is not one of them... I am sure GM will look into what happened. Would be curious when they read the computer, what they find. RPM at failure, temperature, ect.

Tyler H · 02-25-2013, 08:37 AM

That's a damn shame! Had my motor blow at 2200km in my Denali. Lifter broke and somehow got into the piston and so on. All this while sitting at a light with no warning. Dealer replaced the motor under warranty with no problems. I'm sure your friend has nothing to worry about. GM is very good at standing behind their product. At least in my experience. It still sucks to have such a failure so young into it's life. At least your pal will be provided with some courtesy transportation while his car is being repaired. Vehicles all have problems at some point but the difference is how the manufacture stands behind their product! Keep smiling cause it will be fixed and he will be back on the road with his ZL1 in no time!

Unreal · 02-25-2013, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeanPocket

looks like detonation? low octane perhaps? Oil never changed?

otherwise that's unacceptable, the resale value of that car has gone to shit if they have to either rebuild the motor or replace the entire lsa motor since its a certified zl1. If that were me id be PISSED

Always used highest possible and dealer changed the oil regularly.

Chunks of metal fished off the ground and belly pan. RPMs were <2k. He may have been idling at a stop light. I'll get more info today. It is already at the dealer. Onstar towed it.

toyosuprablue · 02-25-2013, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yellow69z28rs

That's unbelievable.
Subscribed

+1

Nvincent4708 · 02-25-2013, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sycraft

I am sure the motor would be replaced, its the first major failure I have heard of from a stock one, even modified ones are holding up. Its mechanical, crap happens, they cant all be perfect, I even had a Viper that blew a stock motor at 400 miles new. Get the repair done and have fun, dont stress over it, there is a lot more things in life to stress over, a car is not one of them... I am sure GM will look into what happened. Would be curious when they read the computer, what they find. RPM at failure, temperature, ect.

The E38 cannot log what happened at the time of the failure. Especially since it wouldn't be able to toss a code in that short time period. Say less than 10 seconds. Most likely a similar failure to my engine with the seized lifter in the bore and causing PTV contact.

newmoon · 02-25-2013, 08:48 AM

It's a good thing he was stock otherwise that would be one hell of a repair bill.

LeanPocket · 02-25-2013, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unreal

Always used highest possible and dealer changed the oil regularly.

Chunks of metal fished off the ground and belly pan. RPMs were <2k. He may have been idling at a stop light. I'll get more info today. It is already at the dealer. Onstar towed it.

Ok, that does cover him then. Those are some of the first things they check, they'll most likely cover the motor under warranty, i hope they dont get it sent to be rebuilt (some dealers do that) this is NOT a common problem, and hopefully this is a contained scenario. Post more pics if u can of the piston so we can further discuss and diagnose

Unreal · 02-25-2013, 09:20 AM

No way to rebuild it with a huge hole in the block. A piston piece can't be on the ground and it still be rebuildable.

HPT BANDIT · 02-25-2013, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unreal

No way to rebuild it with a huge hole in the block.

JB Weld : )

dmax86 · 02-25-2013, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HPT BANDIT

JB Weld : )

+1

2010SS2SS · 02-25-2013, 10:06 AM

If a piece of piston is laying on the ground, I doubt serioulsy they will be REBUILDING anything.

JFWJR179 · 02-25-2013, 10:48 AM

No mods ?
No abusive driving or over revving engine ?
No drag racing ?
No burning rubber ?

THEN, GM should replace the entire engine at no cost to owner.

SC2150 · 02-25-2013, 10:49 AM

First failure I have seen....I suspect a valve dropped.

LIVEVIL · 02-25-2013, 10:52 AM

Quote:

That's unbelievable.

What's unbelievable? That cast pistons can break in a supercharged application?

Quote:

otherwise that's unacceptable

Unacceptable yes, unless the owner put in 87 octane on purpose. But in no way is it unbelievable...

Whos_Drivin · 02-25-2013, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JFWJR179

No mods ?
No abusive driving or over revving engine ?
No drag racing ?
No burning rubber ?

THEN, GM should replace the entire engine at no cost to owner.

If the answer to all those is no, I claim bs...he couldn't have owned a ZL1!

mkorgan · 02-25-2013, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whos_Drivin

If the answer to all those is no, I claim bs...he couldn't have owned a ZL1!

nice one.....

KKreme15 · 02-25-2013, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JFWJR179

No mods ?
No abusive driving or over revving engine ?
No drag racing ?
No burning rubber ?

THEN, GM should replace the entire engine at no cost to owner.

Even if he had been to the dragstrip and done a burnout, it should still be replaced

:40 into this video

hognutz · 02-25-2013, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LIVEVIL

What's unbelievable? That cast pistons can break in a supercharged application?

Unacceptable yes, unless the owner put in 87 octane on purpose. But in no way is it unbelievable...

A major failure at no load like this is most likely not due to 87 octane or Hypereutectic pistons.

Most likely something broke causign a major failure.

at the rpm descriped you would not even be in boost or under load to cause the detonation required to fracture the piston. some other part most likely cause that.

As long as teh description of what happened is accurate.

Even forged, high strength steel componest fail if there is a mechanical failure in the engine.

I would not swet this at all. that is what waranty is for. with the synthetic oil supplied and age of the car I can't even see them denying based on oil changes. it is not like these car require 3mo/3000 mile oil changes.

affox83 · 02-25-2013, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KKreme15

Even if he had been to the dragstrip and done a burnout, it should still be replaced

:40 into this video

^^^This. Shouldn't matter since he's still stock.

Unreal: He has the ashen grey one around here, right? Sucks.

Hope it gets fixed soon. Winter tires...? Its too fraken cold here to drive it around otherwise.

ZL1LEGEND · 02-25-2013, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KKreme15

Even if he had been to the dragstrip and done a burnout, it should still be replaced

:40 into this video

"This car is built to take to the track, race all day, then drive home" -GM

Leave it stock, GM has to cover it. If not....lawsuit...especially with all the marketing material and videos GM put out advertising the ZL1s "racing" ability. But that will never happen. No reason they should not cover it.

sonic656 · 02-25-2013, 12:00 PM

Like others have said; shit happens, the dealer will cover it so no need to worry. It'll be back 100% in no time im sure.

02-25-2013, 07:53 AM	#2
yellow69z28rs Drives: 2013 ZL1 Convertible Black Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Alexandria La. Posts: 99	That's unbelievable. Subscribed __________________ Two BAD BLACK Dogs 69 X22 RSSS HUGGER ORANGE RAG TOP ALL OEM 69 X22 RSSS GARNET RED RAG TOP ALL OEM 69 X66 L78 OLYMPIC GOLD RAG TOP ALL OEM 69 X55 TUXEDO BLACK RAG TOP ALL OEM RAG TOP ROB

02-25-2013, 08:16 AM	#4
SlingShot Drives: 2012 ZL1 - #670 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Seminole, Fl. Posts: 6,316	Picked up the piece of piston from where ? Hope it was on the outside of the block ... __________________

02-25-2013, 08:18 AM	#5
sycraft Drives: 2012 Camaro LS "Hot Blown Six" Join Date: May 2012 Location: Port Saint Lucie, FL Posts: 1,669 View My Garage	I am sure the motor would be replaced, its the first major failure I have heard of from a stock one, even modified ones are holding up. Its mechanical, crap happens, they cant all be perfect, I even had a Viper that blew a stock motor at 400 miles new. Get the repair done and have fun, dont stress over it, there is a lot more things in life to stress over, a car is not one of them... I am sure GM will look into what happened. Would be curious when they read the computer, what they find. RPM at failure, temperature, ect. __________________ 2012 LS M6,Brembo Brakes, OEM Foglights (BCM Flashed for Fogs),4 Pack Guages, Factory Reproduction Wheels, RS 20"wheels/tires, Leather OEM Steering Wheel,Hurst Shifter, GM Hurst Leather Shifter knob,OEM Leather Console top,Carbon Fiber Stripe Package,Emblems with Carbon overlays, ZL1 Grill,LSR Stage 4 susp,1LE Strut Brace, SOLO Cats and Exhaust, 1LE Struts/shocks, IPF Supercharger-Redline Motorsports

02-25-2013, 08:48 AM	#10
newmoon Drives: 2012 5.0 Mustang, Brembo Track Pack Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: NC Posts: 1,305	It's a good thing he was stock otherwise that would be one hell of a repair bill. __________________ Presently Car-Less 2012 Ford Mustang 5.0. Brembo, 3:73s 2012 Challenger 392 auto 12:40s 112 stock 2010 SS, LS3, Cammed, LTs, NT05R,12:20s

02-25-2013, 09:20 AM	#12
Unreal Drives: 2006 Z06 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Gilbert, AZ Posts: 864	No way to rebuild it with a huge hole in the block. A piston piece can't be on the ground and it still be rebuildable. __________________ Nick 2006 Corvette Z06, LSX427 ECS Ysi 2012 Mustang GT

02-25-2013, 08:07 AM	#3
LeanPocket Drives: 2010 2SS Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Corpus Christi TX Posts: 474	looks like detonation? low octane perhaps? Oil never changed? otherwise that's unacceptable, the resale value of that car has gone to shit if they have to either rebuild the motor or replace the entire lsa motor since its a certified zl1. If that were me id be PISSED

02-25-2013, 08:37 AM	#6
Tyler H XLR8TNG Drives: 2013 Camaro ZL1 Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Calgary,Ab Posts: 171	That's a damn shame! Had my motor blow at 2200km in my Denali. Lifter broke and somehow got into the piston and so on. All this while sitting at a light with no warning. Dealer replaced the motor under warranty with no problems. I'm sure your friend has nothing to worry about. GM is very good at standing behind their product. At least in my experience. It still sucks to have such a failure so young into it's life. At least your pal will be provided with some courtesy transportation while his car is being repaired. Vehicles all have problems at some point but the difference is how the manufacture stands behind their product! Keep smiling cause it will be fixed and he will be back on the road with his ZL1 in no time!

02-25-2013, 10:06 AM	#15
2010SS2SS Drives: 2010 Camaro SS 2SS Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Cypress, texas Posts: 1,264	If a piece of piston is laying on the ground, I doubt serioulsy they will be REBUILDING anything.

02-25-2013, 10:48 AM	#16
JFWJR179 Drives: 2013 Camaro ZL1 Convertible Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Milford, CT Posts: 228	No mods ? No abusive driving or over revving engine ? No drag racing ? No burning rubber ? THEN, GM should replace the entire engine at no cost to owner.

02-25-2013, 10:49 AM	#17
SC2150 Account Suspended Drives: 2012 Camaro RS, RX supercharged Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Bradenton, FL Posts: 8,375	First failure I have seen....I suspect a valve dropped.

02-25-2013, 12:00 PM	#25
sonic656 Drives: 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Newnan,GA Posts: 150	Like others have said; shit happens, the dealer will cover it so no need to worry. It'll be back 100% in no time im sure.