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Did GM ever fix the timing chain breaking issue, and, if so, what year? The 3.8 was discontinued in 2009. Have read about major timing chain issues for the 3.6, but have not heard that the design flaw was ever corrected.
GM changed the chain design from a 9.5 pitch to a 7.7mm pitch. That ended the impact on the gears issue. At the same time, they changed the mapping on the OLM to a much shorter sequence. Some are still having issues but it seems that the ones effected are those that are using the OLM. Folks changing the oil at 5000 miles are not seeing the issue. GM also made up their own oil spec called DexosI in an attempt to curb the chain issue- it hasn't worked yet. Frankly, a better oil selection for the 3.6 direct injected engine would be one with very low NOACK. It has to do with deposits formed and their effect on the tensioners. AC Delco Blend, Pennzoil Ultra are the highest rated out there with single digit NOACK. Most other oils, synthetics included, are much higher and buy you nothing but troubles in these engines. The Ford Eco-Bust is the same with NOACK and carbon deposits on the intake side of the engine, FWIW. If you have this GM engine, change oil using a quality 5w-30 and change at 5000 mile intervals seem to solve the issue.
I won't own any direct injected engine. They have been considered a design flaw for decades. But if I had a GM 3.6 Direct Injected engine, I'd be using Rotella 5w-40 oil in it and not worry about the fuel mileage. It will effect it probably 1....maybe as much as 2 mpgs at most. But with the much higher HT/HS rating, the issue of the chains and bearing wear is pretty much gone. Engine life would be considerably longer too. I'd be changing oil every 5000 miles with a good quality filter like Purolator or Delco.
Subject: --11340B Special Coverage Adjustment Timing Chain Wear
Models:
2009 Buick Enclave
2007-2009 Cadillac CTS, SRX, STS
2009 Chevrolet Traverse
2007 GMC Acadia
2009 GMC Acadia
2007 Saturn OUTLOOK
2009 Saturn OUTLOOK
Equipped with 2.8L/3.6L Engine (LP1/LY7/LLT)
Supercede:
The labor time in this bulletin has been revised. A front end alignment is not required due to the frame only being lowered and reinstalled. Please discard all copies of bulletin 11340A, issued May 2012.
Condition
On some 2007 model year GMC Acadia; Saturn OUTLOOK; 2007-2009 model year Cadillac CTS, SRX, STS; 2009 model year Buick Enclave; Chevrolet Traverse; GMC Acadia; and Saturn OUTLOOK vehicles that are equipped with a 2.8L/3.6L V6 engine (LP1/LY7/LLT), under certain driving conditions, and with the vehicle's original oil change intervals, the timing chain could wear prematurely and cause the illumination of the Service Engine Soon light.
Special Coverage Adjustment
This special coverage covers the condition described above for a period of 10 years or 120,000 miles (193,000 km), whichever occurs first, from the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, regardless of ownership.
Dealers are to replace the timing chain. The repairs will be made at no charge to the customer.
I have an 07 GMC Acadia. Bought used 3 months ago. Had oil changed yesterday and a piece of timing chain was found. Had the Vin # looked up at a dealer ship today and found out that it was replaced in 2011. Could the piece found be from the one that was replaced?
Subject: --11340B Special Coverage Adjustment Timing Chain Wear
Models:
2009 Buick Enclave
2007-2009 Cadillac CTS, SRX, STS
2009 Chevrolet Traverse
2007 GMC Acadia
2009 GMC Acadia
2007 Saturn OUTLOOK
2009 Saturn OUTLOOK
Equipped with 2.8L/3.6L Engine (LP1/LY7/LLT)
Supercede:
The labor time in this bulletin has been revised. A front end alignment is not required due to the frame only being lowered and reinstalled. Please discard all copies of bulletin 11340A, issued May 2012.
Condition
On some 2007 model year GMC Acadia; Saturn OUTLOOK; 2007-2009 model year Cadillac CTS, SRX, STS; 2009 model year Buick Enclave; Chevrolet Traverse; GMC Acadia; and Saturn OUTLOOK vehicles that are equipped with a 2.8L/3.6L V6 engine (LP1/LY7/LLT), under certain driving conditions, and with the vehicle's original oil change intervals, the timing chain could wear prematurely and cause the illumination of the Service Engine Soon light.
Special Coverage Adjustment
This special coverage covers the condition described above for a period of 10 years or 120,000 miles (193,000 km), whichever occurs first, from the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, regardless of ownership.
Dealers are to replace the timing chain. The repairs will be made at no charge to the customer.
I lost a lot of money on my 2008 SRX to fix this issue (Cadillac/GM would not accept that it is a manufacturing defect) and then sold it at huge loss back in 2011 (too many things were falling apart, leaking oil, burning lights, engine light on, etc).
Wish this bulletin was out earlier.
Of course it was the last GM purchased vehicle for me after previous Oldsmobile and Buick Rendezvous lemons...
I despise these "we've extended coverage until..." things.. The Vortec 2800 and 3500 engines had a head design flaw where the valve seats would have excessive wear.. They extended coverage to 100k miles.. Most of the vehicles they were installed on came with 100k powertrain warranties to start with.. So.. They basically did nothing.
Of course.. I'm at 188k on my 2800 and going strong.. But, it always just makes you wonder..
My 2008 SRX Cadillac has 48,000 original miles on it. Vehicle was started while in driveway to warm up and within 3 minutes of running, the timing jumped and caused the rod to go thru the block. GM won't honor warranty because it's past the 5 yr / 50,000 miles warranty period....of course....dealer called and said it'll be over $12,000.00 to fix with a new motor....(yes,that's correct, 12 thousand dollars)....has anyone else had this problem or heard of same issue happening? I think it's totally ridiculous that this has happened with only 48,000 miles on this car!!
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