2004 and Rotor and Cap

Hi all.

I have 2 1500 Silverados and both of them have now had 2 Rotor and Cap replaced in them.

Has anyone else encountered this problem.

Tim:

I am having the same problem. The truck started running rough intermittingly along with a few other things. After several trips to the dealer, the problem was found to be a corroded distributor cap and dirty fuel injectors. With the injectors cleaned and a new cap, I went on my way. 13,946 miles and nine months later, the problem returned. I took it to another dealer (geographical reason not because I was unhappy with the first) and they told me the I had the same problem. I sent a letter to Chevy (see below) and they have been looking into it.

I talked to the service manager today and he said they received a new technical bulletin and that they said could fix the problem free of charge. Additionally and maybe related, there is a heavy smell of gasoline about the vehicle and it will not pass Maryland emissions. I will take the vehicle in tomorrow and let you know what happens.

Here’s the letter I sent to Chevy:

I have in front of me two invoices. Both resulted from problems I had from my 2002 Chevy Silverado. The first is dated 8-6-03 (vehicle mileage 34,238). The second dated 5-20-04 (vehicle mileage 48,184). On both invoices the distributor cap and rotor were replaced. The fuel injectors were cleaned. Both due to corrosion. Both repairs took place at Chevy authorized dealerships.

I’m a regular guy who drives his vehicle in a regular fashion. I live in Washington DC. I regularly drive the truck (singing “Like a rock” and other Bob Seger songs.) to work. I sometimes take materials to a job site. Then I drive home. Sometimes on Sunday’s, I’ll put the dog in the truck, turn on some Country music (I don’t really like country music but you can’t drive around in a pick up with a dog and not play it.) and get some gas. That’s about it.

I don’t drive through the mud, forge rivers, tow heavy loads, or take my mother-in-law to market in the bed. Really nothing special. I don’t live near a chemical plant, salt water, time share sales men or any other corrosive environment.

So what in the Sam Hill is going on here? I certainly hope Chevy isn’t saying that I have to replace my distributor cap and rotor every 13,946 miles. Could it be the fuel injectors are so poorly designed that they need to be de-clogged every eight months? Is it normal to regularly spend $480.15 on these services? How can I purchase a Chevy product in the future when I am worried about the heartbeat of America becoming a heart attack?

Please tell me that you have some plausible explanation for this?

Back with more information soon,

Jake

Hi Tim.

Thanks a lot for that information. I got two of these tucks and both have had the rotor cap problem. Both of these trucks have had the parts replaced twice at under 35,000 Km.

I am going to my dealer and show them your letter.
I will of course remove your name and any personel information.

Once again thanks



Tim:

I am having the same problem. The truck started running rough intermittingly along with a few other things. After several trips to the dealer, the problem was found to be a corroded distributor cap and dirty fuel injectors. With the injectors cleaned and a new cap, I went on my way. 13,946 miles and nine months later, the problem returned. I took it to another dealer (geographical reason not because I was unhappy with the first) and they told me the I had the same problem. I sent a letter to Chevy (see below) and they have been looking into it.

I talked to the service manager today and he said they received a new technical bulletin and that they said could fix the problem free of charge. Additionally and maybe related, there is a heavy smell of gasoline about the vehicle and it will not pass Maryland emissions. I will take the vehicle in tomorrow and let you know what happens.

Here’s the letter I sent to Chevy:

I have in front of me two invoices. Both resulted from problems I had from my 2002 Chevy Silverado. The first is dated 8-6-03 (vehicle mileage 34,238). The second dated 5-20-04 (vehicle mileage 48,184). On both invoices the distributor cap and rotor were replaced. The fuel injectors were cleaned. Both due to corrosion. Both repairs took place at Chevy authorized dealerships.

I’m a regular guy who drives his vehicle in a regular fashion. I live in Washington DC. I regularly drive the truck (singing “Like a rock” and other Bob Seger songs.) to work. I sometimes take materials to a job site. Then I drive home. Sometimes on Sunday’s, I’ll put the dog in the truck, turn on some Country music (I don’t really like country music but you can’t drive around in a pick up with a dog and not play it.) and get some gas. That’s about it.

I don’t drive through the mud, forge rivers, tow heavy loads, or take my mother-in-law to market in the bed. Really nothing special. I don’t live near a chemical plant, salt water, time share sales men or any other corrosive environment.

So what in the Sam Hill is going on here? I certainly hope Chevy isn’t saying that I have to replace my distributor cap and rotor every 13,946 miles. Could it be the fuel injectors are so poorly designed that they need to be de-clogged every eight months? Is it normal to regularly spend $480.15 on these services? How can I purchase a Chevy product in the future when I am worried about the heartbeat of America becoming a heart attack?

Please tell me that you have some plausible explanation for this?

Back with more information soon,

Jake

I'm assuming these trucks have the 4.3 V6?

Hi Tim.

Thanks a lot for that information. I got two of these tucks and both have had the rotor cap problem. Both of these trucks have had the parts replaced twice at under 35,000 Km.

I am going to my dealer and show them your letter.
I will of course remove your name and any personel information.

Once again thanks

Tim:

I just got back from the dealer ship and here is what they put on the ticket:

SES light on, corrosion on distributor cap again, failed emissions, starting to run poorly. Misfire like last two times. Codes P0175, P0172, P0300.
Inspect and replaced distributor per updated bulletin using insulated foam sleeve on A/C line.

The parts listed are:

One 93441559 Distribut 2.361
One 10108445 Gasket 2.363.445
One 15190971 Sleeve 9.#OURIS

My guess is that condensation from the A/C line was dripping onto and getting into the distributor, thus the corrosion. It is a pretty busy shop, so I couldn’t get a hold of the mechanic to talk to him about it.

True to the service manager’s word, there was no charge for the work. It was covered as a warranty item even though the vehicle now has 51556K and is well out of warranty.

Whether this is related to the vehicle failing Maryland emissions or the heavy smell of raw fuel, I don’t know. My emissions repair report is filled out and ready to go back for inspection. No charge for this either. Just thought you might want to let your dealer know that there may be other related problems.

Anyway, hope this helps and let me know how it turns out. I would be happy to send you ant of the paper work if it will help you with your dealer.

Jake

I'm assuming these trucks have the 4.3 V6?

Evidentally they are, because, as you know, the 4.8/5.3s lost their distributors, lol.