1-10 How bad am I screwed?

Artryan · 12-29-2019, 09:33 AM

Ok, so quick rundown here. I own an M6 18 with approx 2600 miles. I bought it used with approx 1800 miles back in august. I do not rack the car, nor do I drag race. All I have done with this car is backroad driving and highway pulls. Yesterday I get home and notice a ticking sound at idle from what sounds like the top of the motor on the back drivers side of the head.

The car runs fine and I have no CEL's. My gut tells me something bad is going on here, but I'm no mechanic. I posted the video on FB and most people feel it is a lifter. The ONLY other possible thing I see that might be different is that the car smells like it's running rich and there is a thick layer of black "soot" on the tailpipes after just a hundred miles or so of driving. My only mods are Rotofab CAI and a Soler TB. The warranty is still intact.

What do I do now other than obviously take it to the dealer? Do I have it towed? Do I drive it? I am worried what this means for the future of this car, especially value wise. I owe a good deal of money on it, and it's depreciating faster than I can pay it off- which isn't a problem because I planned on having this car for a long time. I didn't think I'd be in this position at 2600 miles. Hopefully this link works..

https://www.facebook.com/ryan.art.35...omment_mention

Scottyz · 12-29-2019, 09:39 AM

Did you check your spark plug wires?

Scottyz · 12-29-2019, 09:41 AM

Check this thread out
https://www.camaro6.com/forums/showthread.php?t=566833

Camaro_QC · 12-29-2019, 09:41 AM

If you plan on keeping it for a long time to pay it off, don't worry about the future value of it. In the end, if you pay it off, it will be worth more than you owe on it, so you're good.

And if you have a ticking noise on the engine, I'd have it towed over there. Better be safe than sorry.

But beforehand call some dealers and ask them if a CAI and the TB can affect your warranty. Some dealers do not like mods. And some can argue that it had probably caused your issue even if we all know it didn't.

Keep us updated.

puppykat33 · 12-29-2019, 09:47 AM

+1 for spark plug wires

LT4Greg · 12-29-2019, 10:02 AM

The TB and Roto Fab might be causing the engine to run rich since the tailpipes are black and sooty but not sure what the noise issue might be though and I would definitely get it checked out since the warranty is still good! One question for you, have you checked the oil level in the engine? Sometimes if it’s low the engine will make noises like a lifter going bad or even a slight knocking sound. Good luck.

DaveC113 · 12-29-2019, 10:51 AM

It's likely the DI fuel system but a lifter not pumping up is possible too... the engine does make some noises that are much different from the many other GM V8s I've had at idle and off idle getting going.

It should take a dealer 5 min to diagnose if it's normal DI noise vs a lifter.

I think the tailpipes get sooty quickly, mine do on a totally stock car.

Artryan · 12-29-2019, 10:52 AM

The plug wires have been suggested, but I have not checked them yet. I will try to later today.

I put the TB and CAI on within the first couple of weeks of ownership. I didn't really notice the rich gas smell and excessive soot until very recently. It's possible it has always been like this, but I haven't noticed it.

There was some thinking on the FB page that I should continue to drive it until the engine fails considering there are no CEL's and no other signs of a problem other than the ticking noise, which I can't hear inside the car. The logic behind this is getting an entirely new engine rather than possibly do a disassemble job and replace some of the major components. I'm not sure how I feel about that logic. My gut tells me to have it towed in, but my mind wonders why I should settle for an engine that could potentially need major work done on a car this new with so few miles. I feel like I should not be the one who takes the beating over something that should not happen.

I will keep you posted on what happens this week. My guess is that the dealers are backed up, and if it needs parts, they will be difficult to come by. I don't expect this to be resolved in a timely manner.

LT4Greg · 12-29-2019, 11:00 AM

I agree with DaveC and yes the tailpipes are black and sooty on my ZL1 too! I do have the fuse pulled for the NPP exhaust which contributes to the black/soot on the outer tailpipes. I would not wait for something to happen to the engine and as soon as possible get it checked!

Scottyz · 12-29-2019, 11:10 AM

Just my suggestion.
If you know how to, check to make sure all the plug wires are seated correctly.
If they are and the noise is still there, myself, I would have it towed.
Reason being that warranty fixes can vary from dealer to dealer. I know this cause I worked for a Corvette dealer for close to ten years as a licensed technician.
If in the case the engine does have a mechanical problem and you run it till there is significant damage internally, you also run the risk they may just repair the bare minimum as opposed to a whole new engine.
I have seen this go both ways numerous times with both engines and transmissions that have internal mechanical failures.
I can explain further if you’d like to give you a better understanding but in the end there is often a lot that is looked at before GM throws a new engine in a car.

DaveC113 · 12-29-2019, 11:15 AM

The lifter is a relatively easy fix... if it's that, get it taken care of. Running the car if you know it's damaged is a poor choice imo.

PROMETHEUS · 12-29-2019, 11:29 AM

I seen your video on Facebook and I agree, it sounds like a lifter! Agree with the comments already posted.....you are at the mercy of the dealer, with respect to the CAI and TB impacting the warranty. Before you take it to the dealer, can you put the OEM CAI box back on?
Did you add those mods or did it come with them? It being a used car, was it tuned by the previous owner? If so, you can almost bet your power train warranty is gone.
Yes, have the car towed to the dealer. I would not drive it, but that is up to you.

I seen the posts about driving it, until the engine blows up! Bad choice!!!!!! If they were not going to cover the fix when it was just a lifter, they certainly aren't going to cover the "new engine" fix. Years ago, there was a Midas Muffler commercial which the theme was......you can pay me now or you can pay me later!

6spdhyperblue · 12-29-2019, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveC113

The lifter is a relatively easy fix... if it's that, get it taken care of. Running the car if you know it's damaged is a poor choice imo.

Agreed

Artryan · 12-29-2019, 11:45 AM

I have no issue with getting it towed, but I don't really believe that the customer should be tasked with diagnosing issues and ultimately being the one to decide if its drivable if there is a problem that does not seem to affect performance and throws no codes. I would be highly pissed off if they tried to deny me a fix under warranty for driving the car as opposed to having it towed.

Beyond that, I have no clue as to what the previous owners may have done, but according to the GM website, the car is still covered under warranty. I would THINK that if I were sold a car that is represented as having the balance of the factory warranty remaining when it actually doesn't would be grounds for legal action.

12-29-2019, 09:33 AM	#1
Artryan Drives: 2018 ZL1 , 2020 GMC AT4 Carbon Pro Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: Lexington, KY Posts: 132	1-10 How bad am I screwed? Ok, so quick rundown here. I own an M6 18 with approx 2600 miles. I bought it used with approx 1800 miles back in august. I do not rack the car, nor do I drag race. All I have done with this car is backroad driving and highway pulls. Yesterday I get home and notice a ticking sound at idle from what sounds like the top of the motor on the back drivers side of the head. The car runs fine and I have no CEL's. My gut tells me something bad is going on here, but I'm no mechanic. I posted the video on FB and most people feel it is a lifter. The ONLY other possible thing I see that might be different is that the car smells like it's running rich and there is a thick layer of black "soot" on the tailpipes after just a hundred miles or so of driving. My only mods are Rotofab CAI and a Soler TB. The warranty is still intact. What do I do now other than obviously take it to the dealer? Do I have it towed? Do I drive it? I am worried what this means for the future of this car, especially value wise. I owe a good deal of money on it, and it's depreciating faster than I can pay it off- which isn't a problem because I planned on having this car for a long time. I didn't think I'd be in this position at 2600 miles. Hopefully this link works.. https://www.facebook.com/ryan.art.35...omment_mention

12-29-2019, 09:41 AM	#4
Camaro_QC Drives: 08 Tiburon GS, 2018 Camaro 2.0T Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Québec Posts: 1,669	If you plan on keeping it for a long time to pay it off, don't worry about the future value of it. In the end, if you pay it off, it will be worth more than you owe on it, so you're good. And if you have a ticking noise on the engine, I'd have it towed over there. Better be safe than sorry. But beforehand call some dealers and ask them if a CAI and the TB can affect your warranty. Some dealers do not like mods. And some can argue that it had probably caused your issue even if we all know it didn't. Keep us updated. __________________ 2018 Camaro LS \| 6 spd \| 2.0L turbo \| Nightfall Grey \| RS package \| Technology Package. --------------------- Order WDGHKX 1100 - 5/08/2018 \| 3800 - 6/18/2018 2000 - 5/09/2018 \| 4200 - 6/21/2018 3000 - 5/28/2018 \| 5000 - 6/27/2018 6000 - 6/29/2018

12-29-2019, 09:47 AM	#5
puppykat33 Drives: Black 2019 ZL1 M6, Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: Georgia Posts: 323	+1 for spark plug wires __________________ 2019 Black ZL1, M6, CF Hood and Dash, Nav System, ZL1 Addons rock guards and lift points, Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, DD Smoked Marker Lights, Ceramic window tint, Gtechniq 9yr ceramic coating. JL Audio stealth box 12W6, Dyanamat trunk, Dead pedal cover, Soler TB/TC, Green Filter, Carbon-fiber Borla S-Type

12-29-2019, 10:02 AM	#6
LT4Greg Drives: 2017 Camaro ZL1 Coupe Join Date: May 2016 Location: Georgia Posts: 5,869	The TB and Roto Fab might be causing the engine to run rich since the tailpipes are black and sooty but not sure what the noise issue might be though and I would definitely get it checked out since the warranty is still good! One question for you, have you checked the oil level in the engine? Sometimes if it’s low the engine will make noises like a lifter going bad or even a slight knocking sound. Good luck. __________________ ZL1 Coupe, PDR, Exposed carbon fiber hood insert, My Link with Nav, M6 6 speed and Silver Ice Metallic. Mods done: ceramic window tint, GM Accessories Camaro floor mats and Roto-Fab CAI.

12-29-2019, 10:51 AM	#7
DaveC113 Drives: 2018 Camaro 1SS 1LE Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Front Range, CO Posts: 2,204	It's likely the DI fuel system but a lifter not pumping up is possible too... the engine does make some noises that are much different from the many other GM V8s I've had at idle and off idle getting going. It should take a dealer 5 min to diagnose if it's normal DI noise vs a lifter. I think the tailpipes get sooty quickly, mine do on a totally stock car. __________________

12-29-2019, 09:39 AM	#2
Scottyz 2019 ZL1 1LE MY GOON Drives: 1980 Z28 Big Red. Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: Stoney Creek Posts: 2,061	Did you check your spark plug wires?

12-29-2019, 10:52 AM	#8
Artryan Drives: 2018 ZL1 , 2020 GMC AT4 Carbon Pro Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: Lexington, KY Posts: 132	The plug wires have been suggested, but I have not checked them yet. I will try to later today. I put the TB and CAI on within the first couple of weeks of ownership. I didn't really notice the rich gas smell and excessive soot until very recently. It's possible it has always been like this, but I haven't noticed it. There was some thinking on the FB page that I should continue to drive it until the engine fails considering there are no CEL's and no other signs of a problem other than the ticking noise, which I can't hear inside the car. The logic behind this is getting an entirely new engine rather than possibly do a disassemble job and replace some of the major components. I'm not sure how I feel about that logic. My gut tells me to have it towed in, but my mind wonders why I should settle for an engine that could potentially need major work done on a car this new with so few miles. I feel like I should not be the one who takes the beating over something that should not happen. I will keep you posted on what happens this week. My guess is that the dealers are backed up, and if it needs parts, they will be difficult to come by. I don't expect this to be resolved in a timely manner.

12-29-2019, 11:00 AM	#9
LT4Greg Drives: 2017 Camaro ZL1 Coupe Join Date: May 2016 Location: Georgia Posts: 5,869	I agree with DaveC and yes the tailpipes are black and sooty on my ZL1 too! I do have the fuse pulled for the NPP exhaust which contributes to the black/soot on the outer tailpipes. I would not wait for something to happen to the engine and as soon as possible get it checked! __________________ ZL1 Coupe, PDR, Exposed carbon fiber hood insert, My Link with Nav, M6 6 speed and Silver Ice Metallic. Mods done: ceramic window tint, GM Accessories Camaro floor mats and Roto-Fab CAI.

12-29-2019, 11:10 AM	#10
Scottyz 2019 ZL1 1LE MY GOON Drives: 1980 Z28 Big Red. Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: Stoney Creek Posts: 2,061	Just my suggestion. If you know how to, check to make sure all the plug wires are seated correctly. If they are and the noise is still there, myself, I would have it towed. Reason being that warranty fixes can vary from dealer to dealer. I know this cause I worked for a Corvette dealer for close to ten years as a licensed technician. If in the case the engine does have a mechanical problem and you run it till there is significant damage internally, you also run the risk they may just repair the bare minimum as opposed to a whole new engine. I have seen this go both ways numerous times with both engines and transmissions that have internal mechanical failures. I can explain further if you’d like to give you a better understanding but in the end there is often a lot that is looked at before GM throws a new engine in a car.

12-29-2019, 11:15 AM	#11
DaveC113 Drives: 2018 Camaro 1SS 1LE Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Front Range, CO Posts: 2,204	The lifter is a relatively easy fix... if it's that, get it taken care of. Running the car if you know it's damaged is a poor choice imo. __________________

12-29-2019, 11:29 AM	#12
PROMETHEUS Drives: 2019 ZL-1, Shadow Gray, Sold Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Fredericksburg, VA Posts: 1,390	I seen your video on Facebook and I agree, it sounds like a lifter! Agree with the comments already posted.....you are at the mercy of the dealer, with respect to the CAI and TB impacting the warranty. Before you take it to the dealer, can you put the OEM CAI box back on? Did you add those mods or did it come with them? It being a used car, was it tuned by the previous owner? If so, you can almost bet your power train warranty is gone. Yes, have the car towed to the dealer. I would not drive it, but that is up to you. I seen the posts about driving it, until the engine blows up! Bad choice!!!!!! If they were not going to cover the fix when it was just a lifter, they certainly aren't going to cover the "new engine" fix. Years ago, there was a Midas Muffler commercial which the theme was......you can pay me now or you can pay me later!

12-29-2019, 11:45 AM	#14
Artryan Drives: 2018 ZL1 , 2020 GMC AT4 Carbon Pro Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: Lexington, KY Posts: 132	I have no issue with getting it towed, but I don't really believe that the customer should be tasked with diagnosing issues and ultimately being the one to decide if its drivable if there is a problem that does not seem to affect performance and throws no codes. I would be highly pissed off if they tried to deny me a fix under warranty for driving the car as opposed to having it towed. Beyond that, I have no clue as to what the previous owners may have done, but according to the GM website, the car is still covered under warranty. I would THINK that if I were sold a car that is represented as having the balance of the factory warranty remaining when it actually doesn't would be grounds for legal action.

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