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DOD killing my L76 2008 Vortec Max – Help!


F1CAM

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DOD killing my Vortec Max – Help!

 

Hello All,

 

Well my personal ride has developed a most irritating situation.. I have the L76 motor in my truck with DOD. I had a #4 intake lifter lock in the down position causing a P304 misfire code… (no valve train noise at all) I pulled the head off, changed all 4 of those AMF lifters back to new original DOD ones and Truck ran perfect and even more quite than it ever has.. This lasted for 2 days… Then the truck started acting up again when dod was kicking in (coasting off highway) and eventually locked the same dam #4 intake lifter down again..(now had valve train noise, took pushrod out and was quiet) I was beside myself, consulted with a local dealer (which was very helpful) and determined that I most likely was the VLOM solenoid that may be the problem.. Ordered a new VLOM assembly and put it in but it never unlocked that lifter.. So I am back to square one.. Thankfully I do my own work and am not getting killed on the labor but still hurting in the pocket.. Talked more about the situation with the shop foreman at Chevy to see if he ever had this situation.. He said NO and determined (best guestimate) that the Cam may be worn just enough on that lobe to not allow the instant transfer of the Lock and Unlock of the lifter causing a delay and keeping lifter locked.. Didn’t make to much sense…Or I would have had to do the VLOM first and then the lifter.. I did the reverse. What could be the cause for this to re-occur?

 

What are the odds now that I fix that one lifter again and it won’t lock up.. To do a cam swap is a lot more work and Money. I am looking for the easiest and cheapest fix right now.. I was thinking of just doing the one lifter again and unplugging the dod harness , what will happen if I do that? I can’t afford a programmer right now

 

Truck has 142k highway miles with NO mods at all – not even a K&N.. Always maintained and not abused. Inside motor looks nice and clean.

 

I was wondering to go with a DOD delete kit and if I go that route I will also need a Cam – Either a Stock “take out” or a slightly better one.. I just want reliable, I have my other cars to worry about going fast.. Also with those type of miles so I need to go in deeper while I was in there to change the Oil Pump and timing chain?

 

Can you Help me with any Budget Sensitive recommendations?? I am assuming if I go with a DOD delete kit I will need to redo my computer or get some type of programmer?? I almost thought since I have a NEW VLOM maybe I should just go back to all stock and try to find someone (you?) who has a takeout set of lifters and cam.. Can all 1 bolt cams use the VVT system like I have? I know the G8 doesn’t have it. I am very familiar with LS1 motors but never had a "VVT" cam experience...

 

Can I use a takeout or new L99 Camaro SS Cam that has VVT and DOD? GM cams can be bought for about $100 . If I had to do a cam swap also is that any better of an option.. There are a lot of people with new Camaros that take out the DOD stuff to upgrade and don’t know which route to take..

 

Sorry for rambling on but I am very frustrated and broke I have $800 in parts in it now and no change.… Thanks again for your time and I look forward to your response..

 

Dave

772-284-1169

[email protected]

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+1 you can unplug the vlom for now, (so long as you can stand a check engine light) and have the dod shut off later with programming. No need to switch cam or lifters etc. as long as there is nothing wrong with them mechanically.

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Just an update.. I opted to go the simple and quickest and cheapest route. I pulled the motor apart again yesterday and decided to just change the (1) #4 DOD intake lifter again which was found to be stuck in the locked position. The Cam did not look to be damaged or worn any more than the other lobes from what I can see thru the lifter bores. This time I also changed the lifter trays.. Should have it all back together this evening after work.. One thing I am going to do for sure is to Leave the VLOM/DOD harness disconnected. Other than an SES light should everything else run ok till I get it programmed off? Once I get it programmed will I need to reconnect the harness?

 

I will keep you posted.. Thanks for all the input..

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