| Subject: | Engine Block Casting Void - RTV Bleed Holes May Be Perceived as Porosity |
| Models: | 2006-2008 Chevrolet Cobalt |
| 2006-2008 Chevrolet Malibu |
| 2006 Pontiac Pursuit (Canada Only) |
| 2006-2008 Pontiac Solstice |
| 2007-2008 Saturn Aura, Aura Hybrid |
| 2007-2008 Saturn Vue Hybrid |
| with any of the following engines: |
| 2.2L Engine (VIN D or F - RPO L61) |
| 2.4L Engine (VIN B or P - RPO LE5) |
| 2.4L Engine (VIN 5 or Z - RPO LAT) |
The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.
Condition/Concern:
When diagnosing an engine oil leak, some technicians may notice voids in the engine block material, along the crankcase half joint. These voids are RTV bleed holes as shown below. In some instances, the RTV bleed holes may be mistaken for engine block
porosity.
- RTV Bleed Holes
- Engine Block RTV Groove where the Lower Crankcase Half Attaches
Recommendation/Instructions:
If a void in engine block material is noticed while diagnosing an engine oil leak, do not assume that it is a result of engine block porosity and replace the engine. Instead, refer to the diagram above to determine if it is simply an RTV bleed hole.
If it is an RTV bleed hole, it is not a defect in the engine block. The RTV bleed hole designed to allow excess RTV to bleed out of the RTV groove when the crankcase half is torqued to the engine block.
Please follow this diagnostic or repair process thoroughly and complete each step. If the condition exhibited is resolved without completing every step, the remaining steps do not need to be performed.
