What's the deal with the GM Ecotec engine?
Last fall, GM agreed to a consolidated class action settlement regarding allegations its 2. 4L LEA Ecotec four-cylinder engine caused certain vehicles to overconsume oil because of a similar piston ring issue.
Who is covered by the Chevy Ecotec settlement?
First and most importantly: Anyone who, before April 26, 2019, bought or leased a 2010, 2011, 2012 or 2013 Chevrolet Equinox or GMC Terrain vehicle that was equipped with a 2.4-liter Ecotec engine and manufactured prior to the “production change” (i.e., the date when new vehicles were considered 2014 models) is covered by the settlement.
What is the oil consumption settlement for a Chevy Equinox?
A GM oil consumption settlement has been approved by a federal judge for customers of 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain SUVs equipped with 2.4-liter Ecotec engines. A Chevy Equinox Ecotec engine lawsuit alleges the piston rings, spray jets and PCV systems all contribute to oil consumption and engine damage.
Is there a settlement for oil consumption on a GMC Terrain?
Ellen Berman and Dayana Guach, et al., v. General Motors LLC. A GM oil consumption settlement has been approved by a federal judge for customers of 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain SUVs equipped with 2.4-liter Ecotec engines.
What vehicles are covered by the GM settlement?
Anyone who, before April 26, 2019, bought or leased a 2010, 2011, 2012 or 2013 Chevrolet Equinox or GMC Terrain vehicle that was equipped with a 2.4-liter Ecotec engine and manufactured prior to the “production change” (i.e., the date when new vehicles were considered 2014 models) is covered by the settlement. Excluded from the settlement are those who experienced engine failure or executed a “release of claims” in favor of GM for oil consumption problems.
What are GM reimbursements?
To be eligible for reimbursement from GM, class members had to have paid out of pocket for piston assembly repairs within the timeframes and mileage limits specified above. Reimbursable expenses include costs for repairs as well as reasonable rental car charges so long as documentation— such as receipts—is provided.
When will the settlement be given final approval?
We’re not sure yet, but we’ll keep you posted. The proposed settlement will first need preliminary approval from the judge before moving to the final approval stage.
How long does it take for General Motors to notify dealers of a 2013 model year?
Provides: Within the first 30 days of the date of the settlement’s enactment, General Motors will notify all U.S. dealers and class members who owned or leased 2013 model year class vehicles made prior to the production change that they qualify for the reimbursements offered by SCAs 15285 and 16118.
Does GM reimburse for repairs?
On top of offering free diagnoses and repairs for class vehicles, General Motors has agreed to fully reimburse—in cash—class members who previously paid out of pocket to replace their Equinox or Terrain’s piston assembly and were not previously recouped by GM.
Can you claim out of pocket expenses on an Equinox?
If you’ve kept your receipts—a practice ClassAction.org strongly recommends—from back when you owned or leased an Equinox or Terrain, you may still be able to make a claim for out-of-pocket expenses.
Does GM pay for SCAs?
General Motors has agreed to establish a “Special Coverage Adjustments” (SCAs) program through which it will pay for all or part of the cost of specified covered repairs to the affected vehicles —even for Equinox and Terrain models that are past their GM-issued warranty dates. This concession excludes vehicles owned or leased by those who have been previously reimbursed by GM via a goodwill adjustment or third-party service contract provider.
Why does the 2.4 Ecotec use so much oil?
2.4 Ecotec engines also have the tendency to consume large quantities of oil, primarily due to piston oil rings wear. Due to additional piston cooling, some of the oil made its way to the bad rings into the combustion chamber, where it was combusted. Good thing, GM acknowledged their mistake and offered a warranty extension for such an issue.
What are GM 2.4 Ecotec Engines?
The GM 2.4 Ecotec engine is a four-cylinder, 2.4-liter gasoline engine.
What is the cylinder head on a 2.4 Ecotec?
Mounted on top is an aluminum cylinder head with four valves per cylinder. The 2.4 Ecotec engine features a chain-driven double overhead camshaft design. As mentioned above, the 2.4 Ecotec engine has variable valve technology, which is absent in the older 2.2 Ecotec, which is also electronically controlled.
When did the 2.4 Ecotec come out?
The great GM 2.4 L Ecotec engine made its way to the automotive industry in 2006 and remained in the field for several years until its graceful exit in 2019 in the form of Polaris Slingshot. However, throughout its tenure, the engine served many vehicles, including Buick, Chevy, Saturn, Pontiac, and GM models.
Does the 2.4 Ecotec have a fuel pump?
The engine is also installed with a cam-driven high-pressure fuel pump providing the required fuel pressure of the direct injection system . The variable valve timing system combined with the direct injection allows the 2.4 Ecotec to deliver decent torque with lower RPM, produce lower emissions, and more power with less fuel.
Does 2.4 Ecotec have direct injection?
Carbon build-up on intake ports and valves as a result of oil blow-by through the intake tract. This happens because it does not have the exact mechanism as the conventional port injection system. Traditional ports spray fuel before the intake valves and wash any oil or carbon deposits.
Is the 2.4 Ecotec reliable?
Though it is among the most reliable engines, the 2.4 Ecotec has its fair share of shortcomings and a few common problems. These issues cover all of the engine modifications and versions. So with that, let’s take a few minutes to discuss some of them.
Why Have GM Class Action Lawsuits Been Filed?
Unhappy consumers allege the new piston rings allow oil to enter parts of the engine it shouldn’t, resulting in overconsumption of oil.
What Is Causing the GM 5.3 Engine Problems?
The GM 5.3L V8 Vortec 5300 engines make use of an Active Fuel Management (AFM) system that is also called a cylinder deactivation system. This technological advance reportedly can improve fuel economy by 7.5 percent by letting the engine stop using half the engine’s cylinders when the vehicle is operating at lower RPMs with a light load.
Can You Join a GM Class Action Lawsuit for Oil Consumption?
If you own or lease any of the 2011-2014 vehicles listed that were built with a GM 5.3 engine, you could be eligible to participate in a class action lawsuit against GM for oil consumption issues.
What is a GM Ecotec?
GM ECOtec are popular tuning projects and with carefully picked sports modifications like a remap, turbo upgrades and camshafts you will dramatically maximize your driving pleasure.
Where are exhaust restrictions located?
Typically exhaust restrictions can be located the emissions filters installed, so adding a better flowing race alternative such as a sports catalyst pretty much removes this restriction, thanks to it's larger size and surface area, and will effectively raise the performance to levels you would expect without having a catalyst installed, but keeps the car road legal.
Does the ECU map affect torque?
The ecu map and injectors and fuel pump also have an effect on the torque gains you'll make.
Is Ecotec a good power plant?
The ECOtec power plant are fantastic to work on and thanks to their popularity there are increasing numbers of mods and performance parts around.
Lawsuit Claims PCV System Defect Causes Elevated Crankcase Pressures
The suit alleges that the 2.4L Ecotec engine contains a design defect allowing the PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) system to become clogged by various elements, such as moisture, sludge, grime and ice. As a result, the engine’s crankcase pressure exceeds the engineered threshold of the rear main seal.
What Does the PCV System Do & Why Is It Important?
The PCV system has two jobs, to remove blow-by gases from the crankcase and recirculate them via an intake manifold. If PCV isn’t able do its job, then there can be a build up of excessive pressure leading to oil leaks in your car. Because the crankcase pressures can rise so quickly, even the best gaskets lose their ability to seal the engine.
2.4L Ecotec PCV System Unlike Traditional PCV Systems
GM’s 2.4L Ecotec engine uses a unique PCV design, with a fixed orifice vacuum port molded within the intake manifold. Rather than a more traditional design which makes use of a ventilation valve, the Ecotec engine relies on the fixed orifice seated between #2 and #3 intake runners to expel the engine’s gases.
Is There A Fix For The GM PCV System Problems?
Currently their is no permanent fix known at this time. However, GM technicians have been instructed per a diagnostics bulletin on how to clear a clogged 2.4L Ecotec PCV system. The service calls for the use of a 1/16 drill bit to be inserted into the PCV orifice in order to clear any debris.
Owners Forced to Pay Out-Of-Pocket For PCV System Repairs
Owners have had to pay out-of-pocket for the repairs, as their is currently no recall for this defect. Reported costs range from $2,000 to as much as $7,083.89 for repairs. Making matters worst, owners are often told the problem “could” reoccur far down the road despite the cleaning the PCV orifice and new rear seal.
Status of the GM 2.4L Ecotec PCV System Class Action Litigation
This is an active class action lawsuit. This suit has been brought on behalf of the Plaintiffs and a class of current and former Buick, Chevy or GMC vehicle owners.
GM 2.4L Ecotec Owner Voices
My 2017 equinox engine died in the middle of the road I’m coming traffic both ways start a backup started making knocking noises no oil light came on…after all this fighting with gm many times they stated that it was due to the pcv system that the rear main seal was out I had to have the car towed because i was out of warranty no one would help me so I have a thirty something $33000 that I couldn’t drive lost both of my jobs due to the 2.4L having the same issues as prior year equinoxes..
What are the problems with modifying the Ecotec?
Let the Wrenching Begin!The immediate problem with modifying the new Turbo Ecotec will be the uniqueness of the design. Even though many parts are shared with the other members of the Ecotec family, many of the power-making parts are not. The cylinder head was built specifically for the SIDI fuel injectors so there are no immediate replacement performance heads. The cast pistons are unique due to their internal channels for the oil squirters. If you were to swap in existing aftermarket forged pistons, you would lose much of the benefits of the oil cooling and since the top of the pistons is dished specifically for SIDI, it's doubtful they would work at all. Because of the design of the phasers and variable valve timing, a swap of the cams would be tricky as well. Even the computer, which is based on the new 58-tooth reluctor wheel, is something that the aftermarket is just now starting to figure out how to tune. Like all new technologies, there's a learning curve involved and this engine is all about cutting-edge tech.
How does Ecotec fuel injection work?
This system differs from the fuel delivery process of a conventional engine by spraying fuel directly into the combustion chamber , where it's mixed with air drawn into the chamber through the intake. In a conventional fuel-injected engine, air and fuel are mixed in the intake port or intake manifold prior to going into the combustion chamber. Direct injection is an evolution of this process and offers improved control of the fuel by introducing it closer to the point of combustion.
How much horsepower does a turbo Ecotec have?
Many of the technical innovations in the Turbo Ecotec, like variable valve timing and intercooling, have been around for a while, yet it's the unique way these systems are combined with new, cutting-edge, technology that allows this small-displacement engine to churn out a very impressive 260 horsepower and an equal amount of torque. It may not sound like much when compared to GM's 505-horsepower LS7, but at only two liters, it's the highest specific output engine ever built by GM. What's not to love about 2.1 horsepower per cubic inch? We're not suggesting you rip out your 383 stroker motor and toss in an Ecotec, but we invite you to learn about the technology that may eventually find its way into the V-8s that we love. After all, at 2.1 hp per cubic inch, GM's LS7 would be putting out over 896 hp, and that's a number worth shooting for.
How does an oil cooler work on an Ecotec engine?
Oil-Cooled PistonsBelow each piston lies an oil cooling jet. These jets spray oil directly into channels that are cast into the bottom of the oil-galley pistons. This helps to reduce piston temperatures by as much as 95 degrees. The system continuously delivers pressurized oil to cool and lubricate. This reduces noise, friction and greatly adds to the durability of the engine at high power levels. The oil pump used in this engine is the same as that found in all other Ecotec engines and it was designed from the onset to support future high-performance applications.
What is the oil pump used in Ecotec?
The oil pump used in this engine is the same as that found in all other Ecotec engines and it was designed from the onset to support future high-performance applications.
Why did GM choose a turbo over a supercharger?
We asked Guard why GM chose a turbo over a supercharger and he had this to say: "This engine from day-one was designed as a global engine. Turbos are well-received in Europe, but the same cannot be said for supercharging. The turbo also suffers less from parasitic losses typical of superchargers. Also, the dual-scroll turbo coupled with SIDI resulted in virtually no turbo lag, so a supercharger was even less necessary." Being able to effectively market the engine overseas means that overall costs for the powertrain development can be spread over the international market.
Is the 2.0 Ecotec a compromise?
Bottom LineGM feels this is a "no compromise" package and they have gone through all the validation processes to show it will hold up to real-world use. The folks at GM are understandably proud of their accomplishment with the new turbo Ecotec and the synergy of various technologies employed. "The 2.0-liter turbo is the pinnacle of Ecotec performance to date, with additional growth planned. The groundwork for its capabilities was laid on the drawing table at the very beginning of the Ecotec's development," said Groff. "Prior work and a far-thinking engine design continue to help GM respond to market demands around the globe more quickly and with greater accuracy."
What is the engine code for a GM Ecotec?
GM Ecotec engine. The GM Ecotec engine, also known by its codename L850, is a family of all-aluminium inline-four engines, displacing between 1.4 and 2.5 litres. While these engines were based on the GM Family II engine, the architecture was substantially re-engineered for the new Ecotec application produced since 2000.
When was the Ecotec 2.2 L61 introduced?
The first engine in the Ecotec Gen I line-up was Ecotec 2.2 L61, introduced in May 1999.
How big is the Ecotec 2.2?
The engine is 665 mm (26.2 in) in length, 642 mm (25.3 in) in width, 655 mm (25.8 in) in height and approximately 139 kg (306 lb). The Ecotec 2.2, model L61 first appeared in the 2000 Saturn LS1; the L61-powered Saturn Ion also replaced the Saturn -powered Saturn S-Series . There are a few variations to the standard L61.
How much does an Ecotec weigh?
139–150 kg (306–331 lb) The ' Ecotec ' name was adopted in 1994 for the new generation of Family II engines (2000 in North America) . The name was already used for the Opel GM Family II engine, Family 1 and Family 0 ranges. GM intended this new Ecotec to become its global 4-cylinder, and it has already fully replaced their OHV I4 line.
Where are GM engines made?
It is manufactured in multiple locations, to include Spring Hill Manufacturing, in Spring Hill, Tennessee while the engine block and cylinder heads are cast at Saginaw Metal Casting Operations in Saginaw, Michigan .
Can a 2.0 Ecotec LSJ be supercharged?
The supercharger and inlet manifold from the 2.0 Ecotec LSJ engine can be purchased as an official kit from GM and along with modified software in the ECM, can create a 2.2 supercharged version of this engine.
What is the lawsuit against Chevy Equinox?
A Chevy Equinox Ecotec engine lawsuit alleges the piston rings, spray jets and PCV systems all contribute to oil consumption and engine damage. In addition, owners allege the SUVs don't have adequate warning systems to protect the vehicles from negative effects of oil consumption problems.
What did the judge rule in dismissing the GM class action lawsuit?
In dismissing the GM class action lawsuit, the judge ruled the plaintiff fails to allege facts which support that GM was aware of any fuse block defects predating the sale of the vehicles listed in the lawsuit.
What is the C7 Corvette class action lawsuit?
As reported by the Detroit Free Press, the consolidated class-action lawsuit was brought by eightteen 2015-2019 C7 Corvette owners, specifically the Z06 and Grand Sport trims.
What is the Malibu accelerator sensor lawsuit?
A Chevy Malibu accelerator sensor lawsuit alleges the cars are equipped with defective accelerator pedal position sensors and/or faulty electronic throttle controls that cause messages that read, 'Engine Power is Reduced.'
What is a bent wheel lawsuit?
A Chevrolet Corvette bent wheel lawsuit alleges 2015 to present Z06 and 2017 to present Corvette Grand Sport cars have wheels that crack, bend, warp and eventually cost a small fortune to replace .
Why is General Motors suing?
The class action lawsuit alleges General Motors manufactured and sold vehicles that consume abnormally high quantities of oil because of numerous problems with the engines. The plaintiff claims the primary problem is the piston rings that don't hold enough tension to keep engine oil in the crankcase, resulting in low oil levels and inadequate lubrication of engine components.
What is a fuse block lawsuit?
A General Motors fuse block class action lawsuit alleges certain GM vehicles have problems with the tension of the terminals that can cause stalled engines and other electrical malfunctions.
