Monte Carlo V6-260 4.3L DSL (1983)
Lifter / Lash Adjuster: Customer Interest
Diesel Engine - Excessive Exhaust Smoke, Engine Noise
Number:
83-133
Section:
6A (VI)
Date:
Mar.., 1984
Subject:
EXCESSIVE EXHAUST SMOKE AND ENGINE NOISE - 4.3L V6 DIESEL ENGINE
Model and Year:
1982-83 MALIBU, MONTE CARLO, EL CAMINO AND CELEBRITY VEHICLES
TO:
ALL CHEVROLET DEALERS
CONDITION
Some 1982 and 1983 Malibu, Monte Carlo, El Camino and Celebrity vehicles equipped with a V6 diesel engine may experience excessive black exhaust
smoke and abnormal engine noise after being driven several miles at highway speeds.
CAUSE
At highway speeds, crankcase blowby in the engine flows through the oil drain back holes in the block and cylinder head. This restricts oil return from
the top of the cylinder head to the crankcase. The level of oil may increase on top of the cylinder head to the point it is drawn into the engine crankcase
ventilation system. This will result in excessive exhaust smoke and engine noise. The oil level in the engine may be one (1) pint to one (1) quart low after
this occurrence.
CORRECTION
1.
Oil drain into the engine may damage the ring land on a piston causing an increase in blowby. Remove the oil fill cap and see if there are excessive
vapors coming out. If there are, perform a compression test on each cylinder to determine if there is piston ring land damage. Pistons with
damaged lands must be replaced.
2.
Following service manual procedures, remove the lifters and examine the lifter bores for any machining irregularities or any bore wear that will
allow an increase in oil flow out of the top of the lifter bores.
3.
Install valve lifters, P/N 5234464 (standard) or P/N 5234491 (.010) oversize). These lifters have reduced oil flow.
4.
It is essential that a standard lifter not be installed in a .010 oversize bore. Put the lifter in half way and wiggle it. It should be snug.
5.
Probe the four (4) drain back holes in the lifter area of the block to make sure they are not plugged.
6.
Examine the cast hole between the bolt holes for the lifter retainer. There should be no more than 1/8 inch of casting flash around the edge of the
hole. Carefully break off and discard any extra flashing.
7.
Install a new lifter retainer, P/N 22522529.
8.
Probe the oil drain back holes in each end of the cylinder head to make sure they are not plugged.
9.
Use care upon reassembly not to use too much RTV sealer on the intake manifold and valve cover. Engines that have standoff clips or dimples use
a 1/4" diameter bead. Other engines use a 1/8" diameter bead. The use of excessive sealer may result in pieces of sealant plugging the oil drain
back holes.
PARTS INFORMATION
Name
P/N
Quantity
Valve Lifter (standard)
5234464
12
Valve Lifter (.010 oversize)
5234491
As Required
Lifter Retainer
22522529
1
