Monday, Feb 10, 2003 at 08:18
The 1998 model had the head replaced under warranty, then the complete long engine because the block also had cracks . It took approx 1 1/2Hrs to heat up then pressurise the cooling system.
The second motor (2000 model) failed then hydraulic locked due to oil in rear cylinder caused by turbine shaft snapping. 6 weeks later it failed again this time because the high pressure oil pump sensor/ release valve had jambed open not allowing the oil rail to pressurise, no pressure means no diesel. When this motor was pulled down the same cracks were apparent. No warranty this time !
There is also another problem with oil circulation through the block "2000 Model". There is an "O" Ring seal on the oil pick up tube/ strainer assembly in the sump which leaks and sucks air causing oil volume to be reduced.
GMH are aware of this problem and there is a fix !
What alerted me to the problem was the further the vehicle was driven 3 - 4Hrs + the more power it lost up hills and the higher the fuel consumption rose. Fuel comsumption would rise over 20Ltr/ Klm and each time you would stop to refill; the fuel cap would POP off
the neck as you unscrewed with pressue buildup behind it - like a champagne cork.
On numerous occassion the dealer checked out the vehicle nothing was found to be wrong.
THEN, the motor began starting each morning and ran showing NO Oil Pressure on the gauge and the warning light on. When the "O" RIng Seal was finally replaced the loss of power on long trips and increased fuel consumption disappeared, the starting problems were also cured !
Ciao4Now
FollowupID:
7443