Car Repair > 1997 GMC Suburban with Vortec engine broke down Christmas ... >

Ask Your Car Question. Car Experts Answer You ASAP.

(Not a Car Question?)

1997 GMC Suburban with Vortec engine broke down Christmas Day - cam shaft & distributor rotor -- at 70mph. Mechanic has replaced both, started up truck and hears loud banging noise, like hammer inside block. Does anyone know what the likely cause is (I know, I know, you can''t see the truck), as I am already G''s into the repair and love the truck but need to know true extent of problem and options on whether to repair or wreck.

Optional Information:
1997 GMC suburban vortec

Already Tried:
replaced cam & distributor rotor

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Status: Closed Value: $15

Hello Customer (name blocked for privacy),did the mechanic determine if if is a lower end problem,bearings, or upper engine area, valve train? He will has to try and determine which cylinder is the concern .What was the failure that caused the cam to be replaced?

I will give an honest answer to the best of my knowledge. If my answer helps, please accept,if it saves you some money a bonus is appreciated.Thanks for using Just Answer, Jerry

Reply to Roadside Jerry's Post: I asked the same question about location; he hasn't diagnosed where the problem is. When engine is hand cranked, rotor & cam line up. The engine turns over with no noise, but when it starts up, the knockling starts. The cause, we assumed, was the gear wheel on the distributor rotor stripping at speed. The cam was inspected and shows some minor cracking and wear. This is a second engine with about 75K on it; first engine went 100K under 1st owner, who then replaced it and trasnmission, had everything NASCAR blueprinted. I am 2nd owner.

Hello Customer (name blocked for privacy), as you well know it is impossible to diagnose the sound with out listening to it. Any time a noise is described as a hammering, it means it is not a simple repair. If it is a bearing,a repair could be done like replacing the crankshaft and rod on the problem cylinder. The best way, but not the least expensive is a quality re built,from a company such a Jasper Engines or better yet a GM Goodwrench engine.Sometimes trying to repair seems to make sense,but it the long run you are better to a complete job from the start.Jerry

I will give an honest answer to the best of my knowledge. If my answer helps, please accept,if it saves you some money a bonus is appreciated.Thanks for using Just Answer, Jerry

Think you can answer this question?
Login or Become an Expert

DISCLAIMER: You acknowledge that any information you may obtain from individuals you contact through use of the Just Answer service comes from those individuals, not from Just Answer!, and that Just Answer is not in any way responsible for any of the information these third parties may supply. The site and services are provided "as is" with no warranty and no representations are made regarding the qualification of an Expert. Responses and comments on Just Answer! are for general information and are not intended to substitute for informed professional advice (such as medical, legal, investment or accounting) and do not establish a professional-client relationship. Just Answer! is not intended or designed to address EMERGENCY QUESTIONS which should be directed immediately by telephone or in-person to qualified professionals. Please carefully read the Terms of Service.

Just Answer! > Car Repair

Related Answers