2002 Piston Slap & Cylinder sleeve problem

I have a 2002 Trailblazer and have noticed a noise coming from the engine, upon further research it sounds like the dreaded "piston slap" noise talked about on GM's bulletin #03019. Which states you may "experience cracking of an engine cylinder bore liner, resulting in engine noise, poor performance, and/or stalls with no engine restart. Engine replacement is necessary to correct this failure." Does anyone have any pointers for me in regards to this problem? Note: GM also sent out a "Special Policy Adjustment" where they are extending a special warranty for 7 years or 100,000 miles for this problem.

I have a 2002 Trailblazer and have noticed a noise coming from the engine, upon further research it sounds like the dreaded "piston slap" noise talked about on GM's bulletin #03019. Which states you may "experience cracking of an engine cylinder bore liner, resulting in engine noise, poor performance, and/or stalls with no engine restart. Engine replacement is necessary to correct this failure." Does anyone have any pointers for me in regards to this problem? Note: GM also sent out a "Special Policy Adjustment" where they are extending a special warranty for 7 years or 100,000 miles for this problem.
I also have an 02 and on cold start it does that but after it warms up it seems ok. i dont notice any performance problems and it has stalled a couple times but always started right up. I didn't know they had a bulletin on these. I know their other cars w/ v6's like the gran prix had that and the dealer said it wasn't coverd unless damaged occured cuz of it and he said it usually doesn't happen. Are you saying that motor has to blow before they replace it or they will replace it if it slaps.............or are you wondering the same thing?

I'm wondering when the replacement happens and if you have to jump through hoops to get it done.

have you talked to a dealer yet. ihaven't yet about mine but i have 2yrs, 26000 mi. warranty left so i figured if it gernaded then i'll have it replaced. but if they r willing to replace it now, then it'll save me my deductible. should probably take it in to get it on record so if it does blow, they cant say it neglected. Does yours lose oil between oil changes? I am and i'm not burnin' it and i don't see any leaks anywhere. I only have a 5 qt oil pan to catch the oil and it only fills that when it should overflow.

I'm wondering when the replacement happens and if you have to jump through hoops to get it done.

It's a royal PITA if your only symptom is the piston slap noise. With the sleeve failure, it's pretty much catastrophic and craters all at once. In that case, dealers swap out the engine without a fuss. For the 'slap' most will try to sell you $$$ fuel system and intake cleanings, or oil system cleanings to see if it stops the noise. That's all a huge waste of cash IMO. A dealer may agree to teardown the engine for inspection, but they will want you to pay if they find nothing wrong.:banghead:

Joel

They are tearing down the engine to find out what is wrong. You are right . . . it is a PITA. They think the piston might need to be replaced. I can't BELIEVE how much that costs.

They are tearing down the engine to find out what is wrong. You are right . . . it is a PITA. They think the piston might need to be replaced. I can't BELIEVE how much that costs.is it loud all the time and qiets down after warm, or it stays loud

They are tearing down the engine to find out what is wrong. You are right . . . it is a PITA. They think the piston might need to be replaced. I can't BELIEVE how much that costs.

So they suspect a failed cylinder liner then? A co-worker of mine had (IIRC) 2 liners and pistons replaced on his 2002 TB, back in 2002. It's been trouble free for him since.

G/luck
Joel

It's not really a loud noise, just a ticking/knocking that never goes away, even when the engine warms up.

Sounds like piston slap, but it's hard to say. Let the dealer tear it down to find out. GM owes that to you on a 2002! The thing I've found with any dealer service dept, domestic or import is, if you have a service history with them, they'll treat you well. No history with them & you have to be on your gaurd. They will work with you, but sometimes you have to throw them a bone, keep cool, don the poker face, have them do some service on your dime, like a trans or cooling system service, etc.

G/luck
Joel

Sounds like piston slap, but it's hard to say. Let the dealer tear it down to find out. GM owes that to you on a 2002! The thing I've found with any dealer service dept, domestic or import is, if you have a service history with them, they'll treat you well. No history with them & you have to be on your gaurd. They will work with you, but sometimes you have to throw them a bone, keep cool, don the poker face, have them do some service on your dime, like a trans or cooling system service, etc.

G/luck
Joel
My TB seems to have the same noise described here. I have 50k on my vehicle. I just purchased my vehicle used and was wondering if there was any kind of dealer assistance I might be entitled to? Do you have any suggestions?
Respectfully, C. McKale

This thread is 6 months old, after this start a new one. Anyway piston slap noises cold are normal and GM will not address this issue, mine has had it for 4 years, now 80k and no problems, if in fact this is you problem someone familiar with this condition needs to listen to it.

I am in shock. My 4 year old and well cared for Trailblazer is terminal. It was running rough, so I took it in thinking it might be a fuel filter or pump. I was told that it was a PO302 error indicating a misfiire in cylinder #2. Only 50# of pressure with a spark. The thought is that the steel sleeve has shifted into the aluminum block causing this problem. Has anyone else had this problem??? This means a complete engine overhaul in a 4 year old car (67,000 miles) that is not yet paid off!

How do I get GM to give me assistance or a "policy adjustment" or whatever it is called??? Has anyone gone through this? HELP!!!

[email protected]

Only 50# of pressure with a spark. The thought is that the steel sleeve has shifted into the aluminum block causing this problem. Has anyone else had this problem??? This means a complete engine overhaul in a 4 year old car (67,000 miles) that is not yet paid off!

[email protected]

50psi would cause missfire!

From what I've heard, if the sleeve did shift into the block catastrophic failure woud have occurred by now.

Low compression could be a few things... A piece of carbon lodged between where the valve seats on the head, weak valve spring, gouge in the cylinder wall, cracked piston ring, blown headgasket, or... loose or crossthreaded spark plug (or compression tester!).

In the event that it was the compression tester not being seated correctly, your problem could have something to do with the ignition system itself. Maybe the spark wasn't adequate enough.

These are all just my thoughts on your situation.

I did see a post some time ago, where a 2002 4.2L owner had a low compression induced misfire from either a burnt valve or buggered seat. Dont remember which!?! Either way the individual had the top end redone.

Joel

That sucks man!

I would try and run some Techron fuel system cleaner through it, clean your throttle body, and then run some SeaFoam through the brake booster line. The SeaFoam really cleans the engine out, and if nothing else will help fix the problem.

Also, have you tried swapping coil packs to make sure that isnt an issue, just for kicks?

And, only if your VIN # falls in a certain range for 2002 model year only is the GM extended engine warrenty on cylinder liner failure covered for 7yr/100Kmi.