Blown 4.6 GXP

[DougC]

I can find no reference to anyone else having this happen. but it would appear that my 2004 GXP 4.6 Northstar has lunched the engine. Massive amount of smoke out the tail pipes.

My garage ( not a GM garage) says it gone, can't tell witout tearing it apart what the issue is. It is not a water into the cylinder issue but they suspect a gasket leaking oil. And I really don't think they want to ear it apart and if they did, they don't have the facilities to a proper rebuild (actually what garage would for the Northstar).


My dealership is wroking with GM to see if there is any goodwill available.

Everyone has checked the gm tsb's and whatever else they have and they can find no reference to this type of problem.

ANyone want to make an offer?

This is my second blown engine (first was the 3.8 in a buick).

Thanks for listening just venting.

[1fatcat]

Where do you live?

[DougC]

I have updated my profile, but I have also found a company near tillsonburg (2 hours away) that claims to fix these engines so will have to call them on Monday. Maybe cheaper then 8k for a rebuilt crate engine.

[1fatcat]

OK, keep me posted.

[dpnewfie]

How many miles on the engine? Blown head gaskets were a common issue on the N* but IIRC the issue was fixed on the newer gen's. Anyway, keep us informed.

Norm

[CMNTMXR57]

I'd buy it just for the fog lights. :D

Seriously though, headgaskets, regardless of generation (although more present in early models), is a known issue. As long as the rotating assembly isn't damaged and no damage to the cylinder or bearing surfaces, it may still be cost beneficial to replace the gasket. YEa, yea, yea, it ain't easy to do on a N*, but it is doable.

[dpnewfie]

Thanks for the clarification on the head gaskets. I wasn't sure if it was still an issue or not.

I agree as well; though the N* is not fun to work on, its not impossible.

Norm

[01bonneSC]

LOL This is what I thought what u meant when u said Blown in the title
http://www.superchevyperformance.com/Pr ... e=17802896

Thats the route I think u should go!

[Jim W]

Doug, how many kilometres on the car?

[CMNTMXR57]

LOL This is what I thought what u meant when u said Blown in the title
http://www.superchevyperformance.com/Pr ... e=17802896

Thats the route I think u should go!

That's the STS-V and XLR-V's hand built engine. I keep tabs every day for STS-V's on Autotrader.

[DougC]

The car has 120,00 KM (Approx 80,000 miles).

I still do not know exactly what has gone, broken, blown but it is oil on the back of the pipes and car. The oil is down a liter (qt) and the coolant is not contaminated..
But I have made the decision and the car has been replaced.
So now I have to dispose of a broken vehicle.

Will consider offers but remember it is in Canada.

Oh yeah nice crate engine at the link above 4000 off! (I will take two).

Doug

[00Beast]

You're not going to part it out, are you?

[1fatcat]

Pictures?

[CMNTMXR57]

First dibs on wheels and fog lights. :D

Just being proactive on that.

Seriously, people need pics of the car to make such a decision.

[1fatcat]

Doug, I sent you a private message.

[ck2001]

Have you fixed it or are you interested in selling it

I would consider buying it i am located in mississauga

[unirok]

The 4.4 northstar in my car recently blew as well. Cause was determined to be a failed oil pump. By the time I got a message on the DIC the engine was toast.

[CMNTMXR57]

On a handbuilt motor?

[unirok]

On a handbuilt motor?

My thoughts exactly. Unfortunately the engine took out the transmission in the process ??? so both were replaced. I am kinda sad that I had to have such major work done but on the bright side I have a brand new drive train now so I guess it worked out.

[CMNTMXR57]

I've been watching STS-V's now for about a year. It's hard to pass up a 470hp S/C V8 that's handbuilt by Caddy's performance team, for $30K~ used. But knowing how finicky my Northstar is, I have sorta been apprehensive about a S/C version in an even tighter engine compartment and having ot work on it.

One thing I also noted on several test drives I've had, is that they seem "tight". Not tight like a great road car "tight", tight as in, the car didn't want to rev and run. Don't get me wrong, with the exception of one I drove, they got up and moved when you put the screws to it, but it didn't seem like they wanted to. This compared to the normal N* like in my GXP the loves to rev and loves to play. A couple of guys on the Caddy forum said a tune will change all that.

However, watching the new CTS-V mop up the Eurobloods left and right, I've got half a notion to hold out another year and let prices on them drop.