Edmunds.com | Inside Line | Auto Observer Your Account | Help | Directory
You are here:
![[F]](http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com/media/townhall/webxicons/site.gif){kind=small}
Forums
SUVs Chevrolet Suburban & Tahoe Chevy Tahoe Maintenance and Repair
485 messages, Last post on Oct 13, 2008 at 12:11 PM
You are in the Chevrolet Suburban & Tahoe Forum. Your Hosts are steve_ & tidester
|
Replying to: tahoess2004 (Jun 06, 2008 8:18 am)
|
|
|
Replying to: d1514s (Oct 11, 2008 7:46 am) |
|
|
|
|
Replying to: d1514s (Oct 11, 2008 7:46 am) I had the same experience with my 2004 Z-71 Tahoe back in June of this year. There were no visible signs of leaks or drips from gaskets or the water pump. After being jacked around by the the GM dealer that I bought the Tahoe from and being told that I needed to spend between $3,500.00 - $5,000.00 for new cylinder heads, I took it over to an independent mechanic and he went on-line to a website called "ALL DATA on Line" which appears to be a pay site & bam, there it was: "Engine - Coolant Loss With No Visible Leaks" This problem is not isolated to to Chevy Tahoes. Appears to effect several GM models and even Saabs from 2001-2006. Castech is the manufacturer for the cylinder heads that can have a defect that shows up as a porosity leak and even a small crack (in the cylinder head). "ALL DATA" recommends replacing the cylinder heads, i.e., $1,500.00 - $2,500.00 (estimate) while GM shows no remorse or responsibility. I didn't want to put that much into a 100k mile vehicle, so we did a band-aid approach by installing some $4.00 radiator sealer that plugged the porosity leak. It's been running great for over 20K miles with no leaks.You will get no help from GM on this one. Good Luck
|
|
|
|
|
Replying to: tahoess2004 (Oct 12, 2008 9:57 am)
|
|
|
Replying to: tahoess2004 (Oct 12, 2008 9:57 am) Arrie |
|
|
|
|
Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Oct 12, 2008 10:26 am) Mr. Shiftright, I think that is exactly what I said in items # 471 & 478. I specifically referenced Castech as the manufacturer of the cylinder heads listed in the service bulletin from ALLDATA.My disappointment on this issue is GM's position on repair and warranty. The problem seems to be fairly common if it is in a service bulletin and GM simply blows off their customers that are putting out some very serious money for an upper-end SUV. If Castech is putting out an inferior product, it would appear that GM would make them stand behind their product or find a better manufacturer of cylinder heads. The mechanic that got me to try the sealant could have taken the low road and told me the same thing that the GM dealer did, but he didn't. GM simply said, "sorry you have a problem", not taking into account they had sold me and others inferior cylinder heads. Their only suggestion was to replace the inferior parts they installed using my money for about $5,000.00 to $6,000.00. I own my own business as well and I don't treat my customers that way. By they way, the Castech cylinder heads showed up in certain Saab models as well, (reference # 471). |
|
|
|
|
Replying to: tahoess2004 (Oct 13, 2008 7:31 am) So I see your problem as having two dimensionis here: a) did in fact your Castech heads fail the inspection or did they exhibit no evidence of porosity and b) even if they did fail, GM is not under any legal obligation to assist you other than "good will"--which apparently they did to 1/2 the price. I know it's disagreeable, but IMO the situation turned out better for you than it did for a lot of people. If I may at least suggest this: that you consider the use you got out of the heads in terms of mileage and that in a sense you got a "pro-rate" deal.
|
|
|
|
|
Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Oct 13, 2008 7:46 am) Mr. Shiftright: I don't want to argue semantics or even perspective with you, all I'm saying is if GM is installing an inferior part on any of their cars and trucks that has been giving problems for a number of years, they should address it.Take better care of the people that have supported them through good years as well as bad. GM is trading today  $6.46 compared to a year ago $42.84, maybe they can't afford to address anything, but keeping the ship afloat. By they way, I would not consider $5,000.00 - $6,000.00 to repair a defective part a 50% discount. I was quoted less than 50% of that by another mechanic.
|
|
|
|
|
Replying to: tahoess2004 (Oct 13, 2008 8:46 am) It seems reasonable to me that you'd have the outside mechanic fix the truck. You can't buy a substitute for $2,500. |
|
|
Replying to: tahoess2004 (Oct 13, 2008 8:46 am) ____________________________________________________________________ You are correct. Maybe I am old fashioned but I don't consider cylinder heads on an engine a service item....they should last as long as the engine block other than valve guides, etc. The heads themselves should not have defective castings that lets water seep through the metal. How the hell does this stuff happen? And why does GM not step up to the plate and take care of business on this stuff? I have an '06 Suburban approaching the end of factory warranty and I am now looking into buying an extended warranty to cover the vehicle for another 4yrs/40,000 miles because of all the transmission failures, $1,000 fuel pump replacements, etc. occuring on these late model GM units. My last new Suburban was a '92 and when I sold it it had 160K miles on it...with original fuel pump, transmission, engine, etc. As they say "they don't build 'em like they used to". Nowdays it is all electronic gadgets, nice interiors, fancy wheels, etc. I want an SUV with bulletproof power train and fuel pumps that last the life of the vehicle. Probably asking way too much. |
|
You are here:
Forums
SUVs Chevrolet Suburban & Tahoe Chevy Tahoe Maintenance and Repair
New? Join Now!
Forum Tools
Search Forums
Browse by Vehicle
2009 Chevrolet Tahoe
2000 Chevrolet Tahoe Limited/Z71
Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
Today's Chats
