'96 LT-4 Rocker Arm Recall- Will Chevrolet Still Repair?

[Rich C.]

One more question before I start shopping. There was a recall on early to mid LT-4 rocker arms. Would Chevrolet still replace these, after 16 years? The car has less than 30,000 miles on it. The car I'm going to look at VIN# falls in the recall range. Can my Chevrolet dealer do a search of VIN# to see if it's been done?

'73 LS-4, owned 21 3/4 years

'96 LT-4 CE, coming soon!

[Keith S.]

Re: '96 LT-4 Rocker Arm Recall- Will Chevrolet Still Repair?

While I cannot speak as to what Chevrolet would do, or what the applicable consumer laws are in your situation in this particular circumstance, here in Canada, if a recall is as a result of a federal mandate, ie: the reason for the repair is in order for the vehicle to be in compliance with a federal emission or safety law, then yes they would honor it...........if it was due to something they decided to do on their own for other reasons, then probably not due to the elapsed time.

The dealer will be the arbiter, without question......and yes....they will do the VIN search. I've worked at dealers for 20 years, and that's including a Chevrolet one as well.

[Duke W.]

Re: '96 LT-4 Rocker Arm Recall- Will Chevrolet Still Repair?

I never knew there was a recall on early LT4 rocker arms. Do you have any details?

I've always scoffed at the use of roller tip rockers arms, which I consider a complete waste of money.

Joe L. recently reminded my that GM used them (off-the-shelf aftermarket Crane pieces as I recall) on LT4s. Yeah, but this was a one-year-only engine option, and the LS engines don't have roller tips. I always figured it was just for "bling".

But now it comes out there was a problem. I'm curious as to the details?

Duke

[Pat M.]

Re: '96 LT-4 Rocker Arm Recall- Will Chevrolet Still Repair?

Duke, here's the relatively short version:


1996 LT4: Campaign: Rocker Arm Attaching Pin Not Fully Seated
Model Year: 1996 Corvettes With LT4 Engine
Subject: INADEQUATE RETAINING LOAD HOLDING ROCKER ARM ROLLER PIN IN PLACE
Source: Chevrolet Product Campaign
Number: 96-C-07A

TO: ALL CHEVROLET DEALERS

General Motors has decided that CERTAIN 1996 Chevrolet Corvettes equipped with 5.7L engines (RPO LT4 - VIN Code "5") may have been built with rocker arms that have inadequate retaining load to hold roller attaching pins in the rollers. When there is inadequate retaining load, the pin may back out, with a resultant engine failure likely to occur.

To correct this condition, dealers are to replace the rocker arms.

NOTICE: Previously received rocker arms P/N 12551311 must not be used. The rocker arms previously received should have been returned to GMSPO (reference GMSPO Information Bulletin #96-128). Any vehicles previously repaired with P/N 12551311 rocker arms as a result of the canceled Campaign No. 96-C-07 must have new rocker arms installed.

VEHICLES INVOLVED

Involved are certain 1996 Chevrolet Corvettes equipped with 5.7L (RPO LT4) engines built within the following VIN breakpoints:

YEAR MODEL PLANT CODE FROM THROUGH
1996 Y-Car Bowling Green "5" T5100052 T5111116
1996 Y-Car Bowling Green "5" T5600012 T5600363

[Clem Z.]

Re: '96 LT-4 Rocker Arm Recall- Will Chevrolet Still Repair?

some had the crane rocker arms roller tip axle shaft come loose. on the LS series engine they has some come apart at the fulcrum and needles went thru the engine

[Rich C.]

Re: '96 LT-4 Rocker Arm Recall- Will Chevrolet Still Repair?

I found it on the Grand Sport home page. I went to my Chevrolet dealer today and they couldn't locate the car (the one I'm considering purchasing) in their data base, they did provide me with a car-fax report for free though.Which strangely enough showed a dealer installed a 'front end mask', several years ago, whatever that is!!! They said they could check with the regional office on Monday.

[Clem Z.]

Re: '96 LT-4 Rocker Arm Recall- Will Chevrolet Still Repair?

I found it on the Grand Sport home page. I went to my Chevrolet dealer today and they couldn't locate the car (the one I'm considering purchasing) in their data base, they did provide me with a car-fax report for free though.Which strangely enough showed a dealer installed a 'front end mask', several years ago, whatever that is!!! They said they could check with the regional office on Monday.

most likely a "bra" to prevent stone chips.

[Rich C.]

Re: '96 LT-4 Rocker Arm Recall- Will Chevrolet Still Repair?

some had the crane rocker arms roller tip axle shaft come loose. on the LS series engine they has some come apart at the fulcrum and needles went thru the engine

OUCH, that is a scary scenario, exactly why I want to know if the car I'm looking at has been serviced, because it falls in the VIN # range.

[Clem Z.]

Re: '96 LT-4 Rocker Arm Recall- Will Chevrolet Still Repair?

OUCH, that is a scary scenario, exactly why I want to know if the car I'm looking at has been serviced, because it falls in the VIN # range.

they used crane narrow body gold roller rockers and i believe crane still sells them.

[Joe L.]

Re: '96 LT-4 Rocker Arm Recall- Will Chevrolet Still Repair?

I never knew there was a recall on early LT4 rocker arms. Do you have any details?

I've always scoffed at the use of roller tip rockers arms, which I consider a complete waste of money.

Joe L. recently reminded my that GM used them (off-the-shelf aftermarket Crane pieces as I recall) on LT4s. Yeah, but this was a one-year-only engine option, and the LS engines don't have roller tips. I always figured it was just for "bling".

But now it comes out there was a problem. I'm curious as to the details?

Duke

Duke-----

The LT4 rocker arms had both roller tips and roller trunnions. The roller tips are not of significant benefit but the roller trunnions are.

[Joe L.]

Re: '96 LT-4 Rocker Arm Recall- Will Chevrolet Still Repair?

they used crane narrow body gold roller rockers and i believe crane still sells them.

clem------

The LT4 rocker arms were anodized BLUE. So, don't go showing up with any gold-anodized rocker arms. That's a no-no.

[Clem Z.]

Re: '96 LT-4 Rocker Arm Recall- Will Chevrolet Still Repair?

clem------

The LT4 rocker arms were anodized BLUE. So, don't go showing up with any gold-anodized rocker arms. That's a no-no.

the ones that are sold thru crane are gold . it is dark under them rocker covers and i don't think the engine will know.

[Joe L.]

Re: '96 LT-4 Rocker Arm Recall- Will Chevrolet Still Repair?

OUCH, that is a scary scenario, exactly why I want to know if the car I'm looking at has been serviced, because it falls in the VIN # range.

Rich-----


For certain recalls they will place a sticker somewhere under the hood indicating the car has been repaired. However, they do not always do this, especially if it involves a non-safety issue.

[Clem Z.]

Re: '96 LT-4 Rocker Arm Recall- Will Chevrolet Still Repair?

clem------

The LT4 rocker arms were anodized BLUE. So, don't go showing up with any gold-anodized rocker arms. That's a no-no.

how about this ?? http://www.grandsportregistry.com/lt1vslt4.htm#ROLLERS

[Pat M.]

Re: '96 LT-4 Rocker Arm Recall- Will Chevrolet Still Repair?

Guys I just looked and my LT4's rocker arms are silver.