Hi:

This is my first posting to the Chevy HHR forum. I am a retired General Motors employee (Finance function); and I am inclined to be patient and understanding of the service side of automobile ownership.

I have several topics that I have questions about, but the following is the more import issue to me.

I am the original owner of a 2009 HHR SS. Chevy replaced my engine around 65,000 miles due to a porosity defect in the block. With about 4,000 miles on the replacement engine (purportedly a new engine and not a re-manufactured engine) I have returned to the Chevy dealership for several installation defects (for continuity I have dealt with same service writer each time):

1. Loud noise upon cold start that reminds me of a lifter/tappet in my 1967 Ford club wagon inline 6 cylinder, which at the time I could replace myself. The dealership HHR-specific mechanic claims it is a normal sound for the SS. However, my original engine never made the noise. As of today the noise remains. I have a recording if anyone wishes to hear it.

2. Poor fuel mileage and severe fuel odor in the passenger compartment, which when located by dealership was due to improperly connected fuel coupling. Side note - because the order did not dissipate and became so intense over time, my neighbor, who drag races Volkswagens as a hobby, advised be to carry a fire extinguisher with me on my trip to dealership that day.

3. Sudden loss of power and loud whine emanating from the engine compartment, which when located by dealership was due to improperly/loose turbo connections.

4. Now there is increased lag in acceleration and some drive-train “slap” when backing off the accelerator under normal (i.e., not aggressive) driving; and while on level surface road conditions. When you decide to have fun and "hot rod" it, there is a pause, whine and then slight jerk prior to increased acceleration.

5. For item 4 above, I am considering whether to return one last time to the dealership, go to a different dealership, or escalate this to the District Sales & Service manager.

I received an email today with a request to “post” something to the forum. So I decided to find out if anyone has recommendations I should pursue.

Thanks, Nat

 

Welcome to the forum!

If you could post the sound clip/video from items 1 and 4, it would help the brains out a lot...

I remember not hooking my braided line (from turbo to intake) and hearing some noises I didn't like. But they disappear with the line hooked up.

porosity sucks, IMO. I understand nothing/no one is perfect. But if porosity is happening during the building of the engine, there is some kind of contamination in the metal, creating imperfections. Imperfections in parts that get pounded on sometimes(or all of the time in some peoples cases) can lead to failure.

While its cool that the GM will fix it, It would be nice if they could put it back together properly...That sounds like your case, that they just didn't put things back together properly...An engine mount would make some noises under acceleration and maybe feel a jerk...

Did they give you a new turbo as well??? a new turbo may take time to break in some cases(not sure if borg warner turbos need break in)

What do you mean by "drivetrain slap"? like the engine slowing you down under deceleration? or more jerking?

OH and one last question...Do you have the automagic tranny or 5 spd???

 

As far as #4, do you have a 5 speed or automatic? It could be transmission related but need to know which one you have before I give an opinion.

 

#1 isn't there a TSB about upper engine noise when cold? Check the "official TSB thread".

 

I am not encouraged by your post, Nat. My '09 HHR SS is currently at the dealership for an engine replacement at less than 61K miles. I took it in in mid-Jan '13 due to significant coolant loss (no external leaks) and elevated oil level. They pressure tested the cooling system & found to hold tight & was told that oil did not have coolant contamination based on mechanic's visual/tactile observation. Only drove ~2,400 mi in the next five months due to continued concerns--frequent refills of coolant reservoir &, eventually, rough running (missing) upon start up triggering "check engine" light, plus increased engine noise. Latest (current) service visit required ~2d+ for diagnosis. They recognized that it was missing on a cylinder, so this time they kept t-shooting. Again pressure tested overnight without failure. However, they acknowledged "crazy high" oil level & did actual chemical analysis of oil indicating coolant contamination. Finally pulled pan finding nasty sludge & could confirm leakage in cylinders #2 & #3. I've not been given a specific explanation regarding the leak cause--no mention of the porosity issue. I figured it to be a seal failure of some sort.

All covered under Powertrain warranty & was provided a 2013 Malibu within first day of second visit. New engine arrived on Friday after the Fourth. Today was informed that turbo is cracked & will also be replaced under PT warranty. Offered replacement of t-stat & serpentine belt for $135.

I love this vehicle. It has a little punch (esp. w/ 5-spd) and curb appeal, plus excellent mpg avg ~28-29 combo driving & the utility of being able to haul a coffee table or even small couch if needed. Not sure if I'll be able to trust the replacement engine now or if I can expect more issues. Don't know what I'd trade it for under the GM label--nothing comparable offered.

 

Welcome Nat & Brad, sorry you cars are broke, nice chevy is fixing them. The Batman had a new engine put in ran good.

 

I'm so sorry to hear about this Nat. I would like to do further research so could you please private message me your full name, address, phone number, vehicle identification number, and current mileage?

Thank you,

Jessica L.
Chevrolet Customer Care

 

Jessica L. Do you actually read these threads? "Nat" made his thread post back in April. We haven't heard from him since.
"brad4gm" has now joined this thread to talk about his SS.
If you want to throw out your generic reply, at least throw it in the right direction.

 

What I find amazing is that they want to charge for a t-stat and serpentine on a NEW engine. I'd have to ask what planet they thought you were from.
Was 2009 the year with the too deep stud hole TSB?

 

Firemangeorge,

I do apologize that you feel this way but I like to accommodate all my customers. Seeing that his post was only 3 months ago I wanted to make sure that he knew I was available for assistance. I do appreciate you informing me of this information though.

Thank you for the concern,

Jessica L.
Chevrolet Customer Care