07-31-2012, 10:35 AM | #1 |
CAM ZL1
Drives: 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: MidMichigan
Posts: 36
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Oil Leakage Problem -- Resolved!
I currently own a 2012 ZL1 (VIN #1526) that has been to Hell and back. After weeks in the shop, a motor replacement, and over $17,000 in repairs, I finally have an answer as to why oil kept leaking... a $0.40 rubber grommet.
I have been posting on this issue for quite some time (refer to the forum "Serious ZL1 Defects"), but thought it may be helpful to start a new forum to better share this issue with other Camaro enthusiasts that may run into this problem. I'll try to keep this brief. After following the break-in period per the owner's manual, I ran my ZL1 into high engine RPM's (5-6,000). After driving it awhile I started smelling burning oil, and to my surprise, could see oil puddling under the car. My ZL1 was in and out of the shop for over a month with the Service Technician trying to diagnose the problem. Rendering the fourth attempt and consulting numerous engineers, the oil leak was due to a mis-punched grommet. The blocked grommet caused pressure to build in the engine which caused oil to leak passed the main seal in both motors at high RPM's. It seems to me like this could be a sporadic issue with the ZL1 PCV System, if it is ZL1 specific, and if in fact this mis-manufactured grommet was not a one-time error. So if anyone finds that after driving the car at high engine RPM's that there is noticeable oil leaking, I would definitely check the PCV System before assuming anymore serious repairs. Thank you again to those that provided me with feedback and support throughout this tremendous headache. I hope no one else encounters this issue; however, if someone does, please don't hesitate to communicate it with the rest of us here on the forum.
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"It's like the SS, just meaner."
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07-31-2012, 10:40 AM | #2 |
Drives: 2012 Blk ZL1 Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Baton Rouge, LA
Posts: 938
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I'm glad you got everything in order and I"m glad you're a member of this community and was able to share your issue. Now go enjoy the beast!
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07-31-2012, 10:41 AM | #3 |
Drives: 1970 chevelle Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Central NH
Posts: 1,427
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at least now you can drive that thing and enjoy it till the new one comes in. If it were me i would have some track days and autocross as well as drag strip events in my near future. have fun now with this one cause when the new one comes in its back to break in
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MY Car 2015 Z06 Z07 Daytona Sunrise Orange Metallic Dads Car 2013 ZL1 vin 963 Crystal Red Tint Coat/Black Wheels Exposed Carbon Fiber Insert 6 Spd Manual |
07-31-2012, 11:25 AM | #4 |
Where am I?
Drives: Zoe the ZL1, 2012 Frontier Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Mars, PA
Posts: 6,071
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Glad your Z is back up and running Cam.
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FOR SALE: 2013 ZL1 Message me if interested |
07-31-2012, 11:40 AM | #5 |
Drives: 2013 Camaro ZL1 Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: El Paso, Tx
Posts: 688
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It must have been a nightmare, this gives me second thought about modding, then having GM deny the repairs...
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Devliered July 20, 2012
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07-31-2012, 11:42 AM | #6 |
Drives: 13 ZL1 1091, 04 Ram 2500, 12 CX9 Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Lancaster, PA
Posts: 559
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I am soooo glad for you. It sucks that your car was down for so long, but at least it is fixed now. Are they going to give you the original motor, so that you could have it for all numbers matching since nothing was wrong with it? I feel it's the right thing for them to do since it's been down so long. I remember reading one of the people said about checking the PCV system.
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07-31-2012, 11:44 AM | #7 | |
Drives: 2011 2SS/RS IOM/PEARL STRIPES-6M Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: DFW
Posts: 151
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Quote:
http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showpo...&postcount=146 |
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07-31-2012, 12:05 PM | #8 | |
Drives: 2023 Black ZL1 Auto Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: FEMA Region 4
Posts: 2,935
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Quote:
Is this the grommet where the PVC valve goes into the engine? I'm sure many folks who've smelled oil after a run would like to check this. |
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07-31-2012, 12:23 PM | #9 | |
CAM ZL1
Drives: 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: MidMichigan
Posts: 36
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Quote:
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"It's like the SS, just meaner."
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07-31-2012, 12:31 PM | #10 |
DBLCHBY III
Drives: 15 1LE Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Team Canada
Posts: 2,789
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Im glad you are all fixed up Cam
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07-31-2012, 01:04 PM | #11 | |
Drives: 2017 Camaro ZL1 Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Johnston, IA
Posts: 273
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Quote:
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07-31-2012, 01:45 PM | #12 |
CAM ZL1
Drives: 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: MidMichigan
Posts: 36
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They are still replacing the 2012 with the 2013 with a production date of 8/27/12. I haven't heard anything otherwise. I don't feel as confident in my 2012, especially rendering the damage that has occured after the fact. Even that I tried to overlook, but unfortunately the peace of mind is still gone.
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"It's like the SS, just meaner."
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07-31-2012, 01:52 PM | #13 |
Drives: 2017 ZL1 "Scarlett", 6 spd. Coupe Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: TEXAS!!
Posts: 423
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Just a quick congrats to you the way you handled yourself through this entire process. I'm sorry you had to endure the stress of seeing your car being torn down. I'm also very happy for you getting a new car from Chevrolet. All involved are due big kudos for their actions. Again, Job well done Cam.
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07-31-2012, 02:41 PM | #14 |
Drives: 2014 Z51 Corvette Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 1,349
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Congrats!
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Tags |
engine, leak, motor, oil, problem |
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