Crankshaft End Play

[dhalltoyo]

6.0L on my 2008 Express 3500 Cutaway had experienced a recurrent serpentine belt squeak/squeal. It went into the dealer 5 times. Last time they replaced power steering pump pulley, crankshaft pulley, tensioner pulley and the belt.

 

Quiet for about 8-10 days.

 

On trip number 6 back to the dealer, they finally discovered excessive crankshaft end play. I had begun to notice a slight knocking sound when accelerating from a dead stop and continuing until the RPM's hit about 1500. I thought it sounded like spark knock when you get cheap fuel.

 

There was so much play it damaged the block, but it never threw a crankshaft engine code. That seems pretty wierd. They are getting a replacement engine (long block).

 

A friend said that to much movement over that period of time can adversely affect the torque converter and tranny.

 

How would a GM Service Tech check for excessive wear and or damage to those components?

[Draenor]

Thoe only way I see if the crank code wa thrown is for the sensonr not pick up the reluctor wheel. The play must not of been "that " excessive.

As for the TC, they should be able to visually see athe damage done it when it mate the TC to the flywheel.

 

Just make sure you stress that they inspect it carefully when they do the repairs.

[dhalltoyo]

Do you know if a long block comes with the water pump?

[Zembonez]

Crank end play should not have any effect on the trans or converter. The splined input shaft is not bottomed out and therefore has room to move. Really long term excessive movement might wear on the input shaft but a technician would be able to see that when the engine is out. I think that is unlikely.