96 LT-4 rocker arm recall -HELP

[Rich C.]

I've been looking at LT-4 96's for awhile now. I've read up on all the recall info on the Grand Sport site. (Affected vin #'s were to have rockers replaced by dealer) However on 2/3 of the cars I've inquired about, owner and/or dealer has no idea if it's been done or has no idea of recall. My chevrolet dealer has been hit or miss as to searching vin #'s to see if recall was performed. Has any one heard of catastrophic engine failure that recall campaign mentions? Would you change out rocker arms as insurance if you couldn't verify that recall was performed? Another local chevrolet dealer quoted me $450.00 PLUS parts to do it.Thanks



'73 LS-4 454 owned 23 years!

[Norman Y.]

Re: 96 LT-4 rocker arm recall -HELP

Rich
I have a page from Corvette Fever Jan. 1998 that talks about the rocker arm recall. There were 2 recalls, the rocker arms supplied on the first recall were defective and were to be returned to GM. The article defines the VIN # range. If you send me your e-mail address I will scan this page and send it to you.

I owned a 96 LT-4 but it was beyond the VIN range for the recall. I do not know the symptoms of the failure, nor did I know of other owners having the recall installed.

Norm

[Norman Y.]

Re: 96 LT-4 rocker arm recall -HELP

Rich
I went to the C4 section of Corvette Forum and did a search for "LT-4 rocker arm recall". Two threads showed up with info on the recall. The info there exceeded that contained in the above CF mag. article. I suggest looking up the Corvette Forum info.

Norm

[Jim T.]

Re: 96 LT-4 rocker arm recall -HELP

http://www.hashmarks.com/techtips/rockerarmrecall.htm This is a informative article on the LT4 concerning the rocker arm recall.

[Bill W.]

Re: 96 LT-4 rocker arm recall -HELP

I had a new 96 LT4 . They replaced the rockers on it . Any Chevrolet dealer should be able to enter your complete vin and see if there are any open recalls If not call the GM customer service line they will be able to help you .

[Rich C.]

Re: 96 LT-4 rocker arm recall -HELP

That's what I attempted to do at DeNooyer Chevrolet in Albany, NY. Service manager said "Nope, not a recall, just a service bulletin", said Vin # too old to check and replacement rockers discontinued, then ignored me. He didn't want to listen to recall info on Grand Sport site. Would you buy a LT-4 and change rockers if recall hadn't been performed as piece of mind? I wouldn't imagine chevy still covering this. I'm basically limiting my search to cars with less than 40,000 miles.

[Bill W.]

Re: 96 LT-4 rocker arm recall -HELP

If its a service bulletin its only good during warranty periods or a dealer can extend it about a year after warranty .If its a recall its good until it is repaired . I just had a recall done on my 01 pickup with 18,000 miles . Dealers cant pull history on cars that are to old . If you call GM customer service they will help you find your info . the number is in the owners manual . Have your vin # and the recall number handy when you call . I think if this lt4 is still on the road the car was not included or was already repaired .

[Rich C.]

Re: 96 LT-4 rocker arm recall -HELP

Old thread update... I purchased a 1996 LT-4 Collector edition in August! Seller met me at Carlisle! Seller had an entire folder of everything done to the car since day 1. And there it was, a receipt for the rocker arm changeout! There was no 'recall campaign sticker' attached to radiator shroud or anything like that. If it hadn't been for the diligence of previous owners keeping the receipts...I'd always be wondering!!! What a blast this car is...when I can wrestle it out of my wife's hands!

1973 LS-4 454 Coupe Owned 23 years
1996 LT-4 Collector Coupe Owned 5 months!!!WP_20131021_003.jpgWP_20130823_001.jpg

[Joe L.]

Re: 96 LT-4 rocker arm recall -HELP

I've been looking at LT-4 96's for awhile now. I've read up on all the recall info on the Grand Sport site. (Affected vin #'s were to have rockers replaced by dealer) However on 2/3 of the cars I've inquired about, owner and/or dealer has no idea if it's been done or has no idea of recall. My chevrolet dealer has been hit or miss as to searching vin #'s to see if recall was performed. Has any one heard of catastrophic engine failure that recall campaign mentions? Would you change out rocker arms as insurance if you couldn't verify that recall was performed? Another local chevrolet dealer quoted me $450.00 PLUS parts to do it.Thanks



'73 LS-4 454 owned 23 years!

Rich------



Sometimes, when a recall is performed on a car, there will be a small label placed under the hood. The label will say "campaign" and then a number, usually hyphenated. I don't know, though, if such labels were used in the case of the LT4 rocker arm recall. But, if they were and the label is there, then you KNOW the recall was done.

As far as replacing them now, the dealer may be able to come up with the $450 of labor, but where are they going to get the parts? The LT4 rockers, GM #12557779, are discontinued without supercession. By the way, these were the "good" rockers which replaced the "bad" ones, GM #12551311. Of course, you could replace with aftermarket.

[Jim T.]

Re: 96 LT-4 rocker arm recall -HELP

I received notification from GM after I bought my 1985 Corvette used in 1992. The letter concerned recall of the seat belts. My 1985 seat belts work fine even today and I still have the letter. I would have to locate the letter and reread it, but I did not have to take the 85 in if my seat belts were working OK.
My 1996 LT4 was bought new in June 1996 and was not included in the problem rockers of earlier LT4's. The roller rockers were made for GM by Crane. The roller rockers may still be available from Crane today.

[Joe L.]

Re: 96 LT-4 rocker arm recall -HELP

I received notification from GM after I bought my 1985 Corvette used in 1992. The letter concerned recall of the seat belts. My 1985 seat belts work fine even today and I still have the letter. I would have to locate the letter and reread it, but I did not have to take the 85 in if my seat belts were working OK.
My 1996 LT4 was bought new in June 1996 and was not included in the problem rockers of earlier LT4's. The roller rockers were made for GM by a company that I cannot at this time remember who manufactured them. The roller rockers may still be available from the same company.

Jim-----


The LT4 rocker arms were manufactured by Crane Cams. I expect that Crane could supply rockers for the LT4 today. However, whether they are the OEM-spec rockers is another question.

[Jim T.]

Re: 96 LT-4 rocker arm recall -HELP

Thanks for the info Joe. I read in the "Similar Threads" at the bottom of these posts about LT4 Rocker Arm Recall-Will Chevrolet Still Repair? I also got a memory jog there about Crane Cams and corrected my post. The LT4 cars are also identified that had the problem rockers and what was wrong with them. Have you ever driven or rode in a LT4 Corvette?

[Joe L.]

Re: 96 LT-4 rocker arm recall -HELP

Thanks for the info Joe. I read in the "Similar Threads" at the bottom of these posts about LT4 Rocker Arm Recall-Will Chevrolet Still Repair? I also got a memory jog there about Crane Cams and corrected my post. The LT4 cars are also identified that had the problem rockers and what was wrong with them. Have you ever driven or rode in a LT4 Corvette?

Jim------


I doubt that Chevrolet could still replace the rocker arms, even if they were willing to do so since the rocker arms are no longer available. I doubt that they would use aftermarket parts.

I've never ridden in or drove an LT4.

[Edward J.]

Re: 96 LT-4 rocker arm recall -HELP

Rich, A note on recalls in general, GM made recalls for safety related items failures. and campaigns would sometimes relate to extending the factory warranty on a specific problem item(s) that sometimes arose after the warranty period these items were not related to safety items. when problems arose in the field on cars or trucks TSB bulletins were issued to help the techs. locate issues easier.

[Tom H.]

Re: 96 LT-4 rocker arm recall -HELP

1996 Chevrolet Corvette | Corvette VIN Y Service Manual | Document ID: 226508

---

#96-C-07A: CAMPAIGN: ROCKER ARM ATTACHING PIN NOT FULLY SEATED - (Dec 1, 1995)
Subject: PRODUCT CAMPAIGN 96-C-07(a) - INADEQUATE RETAINING LOAD HOLDING ROCKER ARM ROLLER PIN IN PLACE -- REISSUE -- -------------------------------------------------------
Model and Year: 1996 CORVETTES WITH LT4 ENGINE -------------------------------
To: All Chevrolet/Geo 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:
PLANT YEAR MODEL PLANT CODE FROM THROUGH ---- ---- ----- ----- ---- --------
1996 Y-Car Bowling Green "5" T5100052 T5111116 1996 Y-Car Bowling Green "5" T5600012 T5600363
Involved vehicles have been identified by Vehicle Identification Number Computer Listings. Computer listings contain the complete Vehicle Identification Number, owner name and address data, and are furnished to involved dealers with the campaign bulletin. Owner name and address data furnished will enable dealers to follow-up with owners involved in this campaign.
These listings may contain owner names and addresses obtained from State Motor Vehicle Registration Records. The use of such motor vehicle registration data for any other purpose is a violation of law in several states. Accordingly, you are urged to limit the use of this listing to the follow-up necessary to complete this campaign. Any dealer not receiving a computer listing with the campaign bulletin has no involved vehicles currently assigned.
PARTS INFORMATION
Notice: -------
A pre-shipment of part numbers 12557779 (Rocker Arms) and 10108625 (Rocker Cover Gaskets) will be sent to involved dealers of record the week of May 6, 1996. Pre-shipment will equal parts for approximately 40% of the number of assigned vehicles to be repaired. Pre-shipment parts will be charged to the dealers open parts account.
Parts are to be obtained from General Motors Service Parts Operations (GMSPO). Please refer to your "Involved Vehicle Listing" prior to ordering requirements. Normal orders should be placed on a DRO = Daily Replenishment Order. An emergency requirement should be ordered on a CSO = Customer Special Order.
Quantity/ Part Number Description Vehicle ----------- ----------- ---------
12557779 Rocker Arm Assembly 16
10108625 Gasket, Rocker Cover 2
OWNER NOTIFICATION
Owners will be notified of this campaign on their vehicles by Chevrolet Motor Division (see copy of owner letter included with this bulletin).
DEALER CAMPAIGN RESPONSIBILITY
All unsold new vehicles in dealers, possession and subject to this campaign must be held and inspected/repaired per the service procedure of this campaign bulletin before owners take possession of these vehicles.
Dealers are to service all vehicles subject to this campaign at no charge to owners, regardless of mileage, age of vehicle, or ownership, from this time forward.
Owners of vehicles recently sold from your new vehicle inventory with no owner information indicated on the dealer listing, are to be contacted by the dealer, and arrangements made to make the required correction according to the instructions contained in this bulletin. This could be done by mailing to such owners a copy of the owners letter accompanying this bulletin. Campaign follow-up cards should not be used for this purpose, since the owner may not as yet have received the notification letter.
In summary, whenever a vehicle subject to this campaign enters your vehicle inventory, or is in your dealership for service in the future, please take the steps necessary to be sure the campaign correction has been made before selling or releasing the vehicle.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
ROCKER COVER REMOVAL
LH SIDE
1. Note setting of all electrical devices and then disconnect battery.
2. Remove fuel rail beauty cover.
3. Remove booster vacuum hose from intake manifold.
4. Remove distributor vent hose from intake manifold.
5. Remove fuel rail cover attaching studs.
6. Remove hoses (2) from A.I.R. check valve.
7. Loosen A.I.R. check valve tube at exhaust manifold and pivot away from rocker cover.
8. Remove air cleaner assembly.
9. Remove accessory drive belt.
10. Remove generator bolts and rear bracket and lay generator aside.
11. Remove rocker cover bolts (4) and cover. Both rocker cover gaskets should replaced with new gasket P/N 10108625.
RH SIDE
1. Remove fuel line beauty cover.
2. Remove PCV fresh air hose.
3. Remove rocker cover bolts (4) and cover.
ROCKER ARM REMOVAL AND REPLACE
1. Rotate engine clock wise to TDC number 1 cylinder firing position. This can be done by watching number 1 cylinder valves as crankshaft balancer hub arrow approaches the 12 o'clock position. If a valve moves as arrow moves to the 12 o'clock position, the engine assembly is in the number 6 cylinder firing position. Crankshaft must then be turned one more revolution to reach number 1 cylinder firing position.
2. In this #1 firing position the following rocker arms should be replaced with new rocker arms P/N 12557779:
Exhaust 1,3,4,8 Intake 1,2,5,7
3. Loosen rocker arm nut and lift rocker arms from stud.
4. Install new rocker arms P/N 12557779. Be sure push rod is properly seated in the lifter and rocker arm.
5. Install nuts and torque to 25 Nm (18 lb. ft.).
6. Rotate engine clock wise one more revolution until hub arrow is again at 12 o'clock position. This is a number 6 cylinder firing position.
7. In this #6 firing position the following rocker arms should be replaced with new rocker arms P/N 12557779:
Exhaust 2,5,6,7 Intake 3,4,6,8
8. Repeat steps 3 through 6.
9. After rocker arm installation be sure that the roller tip of the rocker arm is squarely seated on top of valve stem. (Refer to 1996 Corvette Preliminary Service Manual Section 6AlB-l3, Figure 14).
ROCKER COVER INSTALLATION
RH SIDE
1. Install rocker cover and bolts (4). Torque bolts to 12 Nm (106 lb. in). New rocker cover gaskets P/N 10108625 should be used.
2. Install PCV fresh air hose.
3. Install fuel line beauty cover.
LH SIDE
1. Install rocker cover and bolts (4). Torque bolts to 12 Nm (106 lb. in). New rocker cover gaskets P/N 10108625 should be used.
2. Install generator, generator bolts, and rear bracket. Torque front generator bolts and bolt with nut to 50 Nm (3 7 lb. f t) Torque rear bolts and bracket bolt to 47 Nm (35 lb. ft).
3. Tighten A.I.R. check valve tube at exhaust manifold and torque to 55 Nm (41 lb. ft).
4. Install hoses (2) from A.I.R. check valve.
5. Install booster vacuum hose to intake manifold.
6. Install distributor vent hose to intake manifold.
7. Install fuel rail cover attaching studs. Torque studs to 12 Nm (106 lb. in.).
8. Install fuel rail beauty cover.
9. Install accessory drive belt.
10. Install air cleaner assembly.
11. Connect battery and reset all electrical devices as noted in Step 1.
12. Install Campaign Identification Label.
CAMPAIGN IDENTIFICATION LABEL
Each vehicle corrected in accordance with the instructions outlined in this Product Campaign Bulletin will require a "Campaign Identification Label". Each label provides a space to include the campaign number and the five (5) digit dealer code of the dealer performing the campaign service. This information may be inserted with a typewriter or a ball point pen.
Each "Campaign Identification Label" is to be located on the radiator core support in an area which will be visible when the vehicle is brought in for periodic servicing by the owner. When installing the new Campaign Identification Label, be sure to install the clear protective covering. Additional Campaign Identification Labels can be obtained from VISPAC Incorporated by calling 1-800-269-5100 (Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST). Ask for Item Number S-1015 when ordering.
Apply "Campaign Identification Label" only on a clean, dry surface.
CLAIM INFORMATION
Submit a Product Campaign Claim with the information indicated below:
PART FAILED PARTS LABOR LABOR REPAIR PERFORMED COUNT PART NO. ALLOW CC-FC OP HOURS ---------------- ----- ------- ------ ----- ----- ------
Rocker Arm 18 12557779 ** MA-96 V9790 1.1* Replacement
* For Campaign Administrative Allowance, add 0.1 hours to the "Labor Hours".
** The "Parts Allowance" should be the sum total of the current GMSPO Dealer Net price plus 40'6 for the rocker arms and rocker cover gaskets needed to complete the repair.
Refer to the General Motors Corporation Claims Processing Manual for details on Product Campaign Claim Submission.
May, 1996
Dear Chevrolet Corvette Customer:
This notice is sent to inform you that Chevrolet Motor Division is conducting a recall campaign that includes your vehicle.
REASON FOR THIS RECALL
General Motors has determined that certain 1996 Chevrolet Corvettes equipped with 5.7L (RPO LT4) engines 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 but, with a resultant engine failure likely to occur.
WHAT WE WILL DO
To correct this condition, dealers are to install new rocker arms in your engine. This service will be performed for you at no charge.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
Please contact your Chevrolet dealer as soon as possible to arrange a service date and so the dealer may order the necessary parts for the repair. Instructions for performing this service have been sent to your dealer and parts are available. Please contact your dealer to arrange a service date as soon as possible. You may ask your dealer if you wish to know how much time will be needed to schedule and process your vehicle.
The enclosed owner reply card identifies your vehicle. Presentation of this card to your dealer will assist in making the necessary correction in the shortest possible time. If you have sold or traded your vehicle, please let us know by completing the postage paid reply card and returning it to us.
We are sorry to cause you this inconvenience; however, we have taken this action in the interest of your continued satisfaction with our products.
Chevrolet Motor Division GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION
General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.