What does a "broken engine" sound like

JPNNH · April 13, 2004

I was stopped at a red light...engine stalled...hard to restart then a loud banging sound (like a hammer on a metal barrell) started...could only drive 3-4 mph to get it off road & had it towed to dealer. What should I expect? If its the engine will I get a new one (2002 or 2004) Trailblazer is a 2002. Or will they fix the one in the car. Is there any information about this happening to others? I tried a search but came up emptyhanded...Thankx

Envoy Fan · April 13, 2004

I hope you are still under a warranty. Let us know what happened and the fix.

JPNNH · April 13, 2004

yup....got 2 months left until the 36 month expires...Yeehaa

Wingnut · April 13, 2004

I was stopped at a red light...engine stalled...hard to restart then a loud banging sound (like a hammer on a metal barrell) started...could only drive 3-4 mph to get it off road & had it towed to dealer. What should I expect? If its the engine will I get a new one (2002 or 2004) Trailblazer is a 2002. Or will they fix the one in the car. Is there any information about this happening to others? I tried a search but came up emptyhanded...Thankx

From your brief description, it does sound like a blown motor.

As for what goes back in there as a replacement..I would guess that they would put 02 parts back in it...But I have never had the pleasure of a blown motor that someone else (especially a dealer) is going to pay for....You are a lucky man.

Sorry to hear about the misfortune though.

See if they will give you an upgrade to the 6.0 liter.

Greg · April 13, 2004

That's one sound I hope I never hear.

Envoy Fan · April 14, 2004

See if they will give you an upgrade to the 6.0 liter.

Or at least the 5.3.

Don't let them give you just parts, like pistons and stuff. Make them give you a whole new motor.

GMCTech · April 15, 2004

GM has a special policy out regarding all motors built before feb 9,2002.

That policy (thus the warranty) last for 100000 miles. The engine blocks have a machining error that could compromise the integrity of the motor.

When one of these blows, it may run for a short time, it may not. It most likely will sound like a few marbles inside a soup can.

The motor will be replaced with a 2004 with a couple items being swapped over from the '02. (The knock sensors, the spark plugs, and the oil pan). There is no way to replace the internals if the engine fails in this manner - The cylinder linings have broken and they are not replaceable because of the block mis-machineing.

Have seen a couple already, and we are prepared for more. (There were a TON of trucks built before the cut-off date.)

Hope this helps. Good Luck.

Envoy Fan · April 15, 2004

Sounds like he will get a new motor according to GMCTech.

Strange they wouldn't put new spark plugs in the new motor.

GMCTech · April 15, 2004

Actually the new motor DOES come with plugs installed, but they are a different temp. rating than the '02.

We put brand new plugs in the replacement motors (the '02 part number).

JPNNH · April 15, 2004

Thanks very much for the info...Do you know where I can find that info online so I have something I can print....Thanks again...........Joel

jherdt · April 16, 2004

Scarey...great info though.

Jim

Wingnut · April 16, 2004

'01 Hoe That is one of the best looking Envoys I have yet to see! Great job!

GMCTech, is this just for engines that are documented to have CSK, piston slap, or other problems? Or is it possible for me to have the engine in my 02 crap the bed next week (warranty is long gone).....Are you are saying GM will replace it?

GMCTech · April 16, 2004

The bulletin applies to all 4.2L I6 motors manufactured before Feb 9, 2002.

If your motor has had a catastrophic failure (and you WILL know if it happens ), then GM will replace it up to 100k miles.

Hope this answers your question.

Wingnut · April 16, 2004

GM has a special policy out regarding all motors built before feb 9,2002.

Ah....It's just the I6's....I thought you meant ALL motors.

Thanks man

JPNNH · April 16, 2004

No problem...my brand new, in the crate engine will be arriving next week...& I have a loaner car until the job is complete...No questions asked! I'll let you guys know how it runs in 2 weeks or so...Thanks for all your help!