5.7 Vortec Crate Engine Problems

[Fishin1]

I have been having major problems with getting a reliable new motor for my boat. I purchased a New Vortec 5.7 in march of this year. Right out of the crate the engine had a sever lower end knock.<br />The supplier who I purchased it from didn't want to hear anything about it. I contacted the manufacturer and after further inspection they shipped me another long block. Well just this weekend after about 7 break in hours something let go again, with a sever bottom end knock. I spent the extra money for a new motor so I wouldn't have these problems. Is this a common thing with GM Vortec engines? Has anyone else experienced these problems with the New 2003 GM engines?

 

[imarolltide]

Re: 5.7 Vortec Crate Engine Problems

you asked about the 03 gm engines,do mean the 4.6,5.3,6.0,8.1 engines or do you just mean the new crate 5.7 crate engines.if you were talking about the new generation of the LS series engines wich include the most popular 5.3,then they are i would think way too complicated for inboard applications.in my six years of selling gm parts i probaly sold 30 5.7 vortec engines,and never had any complaint or problem from them.though they were notorious for a cold knock that would go away in less than a minute.but if you do truly have an engine problem dont let the dealer fool you, wether it is a marine engine or not you still have at least a 12 month-12,000 mile warranty from the original date of purchase.good luck

 

[hondon]

Re: 5.7 Vortec Crate Engine Problems

What is this engine replacing? How are you propped?Over rev? Lugging it?Why did the original engine fail in the first place?

 

[conimicut1]

Re: 5.7 Vortec Crate Engine Problems

Make sure you are prepressurizing your engine before the first start. Don't start it dry and prefill the oil filter. Other than that I know some vortec are having piston slap problems, but they go away after warm.

 

[Fishin1]

Re: 5.7 Vortec Crate Engine Problems

My concern was just with the 5.7s. Which was replacing a 87' 5.7. As for the first engine, It was shipped to me with oil and an oil filter already installed (didn't seem right to me for a new engine). We changed the oil and primed the engine with a distriuter primer. Had good oil pressure. After about 1 min of running at an idle it started with a knock the wouldn't go away. Talked to the manufacture and he sent some lifters out for the dealer mechanic to try. Not the problem, knock was still there. They then sent another engine. This time no oil in it, but it looked used and repainted, with an oil filter on it. This time this engine worked, till 8 hours in. I both the mechanic and I broke in the engine it never went over 3/4's throttle, and had 55 to 60 psi oil pressure, temp 150. <br /><br />Thanks for the replies so far.

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: 5.7 Vortec Crate Engine Problems

I'd be on the phone with them and the person who sold it to you screaming! It is outrageous! The squeeky wheel gets the oil!

 

[hondon]

Re: 5.7 Vortec Crate Engine Problems

Why did the original engine fail in the first place ,and where are these replacements coming from?

 

[Fishin1]

Re: 5.7 Vortec Crate Engine Problems

Engine failure was do to bad connecting rod bearings. Not sure if this is a common thing with the new 5.7's.

 

[clanton]

Re: 5.7 Vortec Crate Engine Problems

Were the bearings bad, due to lack of oil, or just defective bearings?