TSB alert......1st oil change
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: 08-18-2007
Posts: 602
From: Warrington PA
TSB alert......1st oil change
I found this on "The Cobalt SS Network Forum"
I don't think that they will mind it being posted here
BTW, had no problem with mine during the 1st oil change,as mime was built in Feb., but something we need to be aware of just in case
First Oil change LNF TSB
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Just a heads up for those who change their own oil , keep an eye on the drain plug . This applys to cars built between certain build dates ,so you might want to check yours .
#PIP4415: Heli-Coil Moves When Removing And/Or Installing Engine Oil Drain Plug - (May 8, 2008)
Subject: Heli-Coil Moves When Removing and/or Installing Engine Oil Drain Plug
Models: 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt, Cobalt SS, HHR, HHR SS, Malibu
2008 Daewoo G2X
2008 Opel GT
2008 Pontiac G5, G6, Solstice, Solstice GXP
2008 Saturn Aura, Sky, Sky Redline, Vue
Manufactured between 3/20/2008 - 4/30/2008
with 2.0L, 2.2L, or 2.4L Engine (RPOs L61, LAT, LE5, LNF)
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The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.
Condition/Concern:
When removing or installing the engine oil drain plug, the heli-coil may come out of position. In some instances it may come out with the drain plug. This is the result of an issue with the original heli-coil, not the oil pan.
Recommendation/Instructions:
If this concern is encountered, remove the oil heli-coil and install a new one using a M12 x 1.75 heli-coil from a local supplier. The instructions from the heli-coil supplier should be used. If necessary, several heli-coil suppliers can be located on the internet by entering "heli-coil" in the internet browser and clicking search.
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.
GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.
I don't think that they will mind it being posted here
BTW, had no problem with mine during the 1st oil change,as mime was built in Feb., but something we need to be aware of just in case
First Oil change LNF TSB
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Just a heads up for those who change their own oil , keep an eye on the drain plug . This applys to cars built between certain build dates ,so you might want to check yours .
#PIP4415: Heli-Coil Moves When Removing And/Or Installing Engine Oil Drain Plug - (May 8, 2008)
Subject: Heli-Coil Moves When Removing and/or Installing Engine Oil Drain Plug
Models: 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt, Cobalt SS, HHR, HHR SS, Malibu
2008 Daewoo G2X
2008 Opel GT
2008 Pontiac G5, G6, Solstice, Solstice GXP
2008 Saturn Aura, Sky, Sky Redline, Vue
Manufactured between 3/20/2008 - 4/30/2008
with 2.0L, 2.2L, or 2.4L Engine (RPOs L61, LAT, LE5, LNF)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.
Condition/Concern:
When removing or installing the engine oil drain plug, the heli-coil may come out of position. In some instances it may come out with the drain plug. This is the result of an issue with the original heli-coil, not the oil pan.
Recommendation/Instructions:
If this concern is encountered, remove the oil heli-coil and install a new one using a M12 x 1.75 heli-coil from a local supplier. The instructions from the heli-coil supplier should be used. If necessary, several heli-coil suppliers can be located on the internet by entering "heli-coil" in the internet browser and clicking search.
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.
GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.
Senior Member
Joined: 06-27-2006
Posts: 732
From: Kingsville On
I wonder why there is a heli-coil there in the first place sounds like they ran a bunch of over size pans.Then repaired them rather then scrap them out and save some money.That may be the reson they are only in a certain build group.
Senior Member
Joined: 03-19-2008
Posts: 223
From: Burbank, IL
GTOMIKE, I had the same first thought as you did, Then I was kinda thinking that this was a good idea for us (Jiffy Lube Kids Overtightening and stripping out the Oil Pan???) I could be way wrong here...
Senior Member
Joined: 04-12-2008
Posts: 527
From: Cedarburg, WI
I think the reason that they have a helicoil on the drain plug hole is because it has a die cast aluminum pan. The aluminum threads would strip out or cross thread very easily. The helicoil insert permits you to have a much stonger steel thread to tighten your plug into. I'm sure this is the engineering behind it...
I'll bet the ones that have been failing where not tapped correctly or were installed incorrectly.
I'll bet the ones that have been failing where not tapped correctly or were installed incorrectly.
Senior Member
Joined: 05-06-2008
Posts: 1,076
From: Over here
Thanks for the post. My first oil change is compliments of the dealer, so I'll remind him of the TSB then.
I like the unambiguous ambiguity in the TSB where it says...
I like the unambiguous ambiguity in the TSB where it says...
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.
Senior Member
Joined: 06-02-2008
Posts: 2,358
From: Fairport Harbor, OH
I think the reason that they have a helicoil on the drain plug hole is because it has a die cast aluminum pan. The aluminum threads would strip out or cross thread very easily. The helicoil insert permits you to have a much stonger steel thread to tighten your plug into. I'm sure this is the engineering behind it...
Senior Member
Joined: 04-12-2008
Posts: 527
From: Cedarburg, WI
Founding Member
Joined: 11-23-2007
Posts: 8,210
From: Texas
That quote is in all TSB's and PI's, same as the bottom wording "To be used by proffessional service technicians". Just more legalistic wording. When someone wants to have a copy of a bulletin I delete all of that.
This is actually called a PI, which is preliminary Investigation. It's not a TSB until GM legal makes it one.
This is actually called a PI, which is preliminary Investigation. It's not a TSB until GM legal makes it one.
Senior Member
Joined: 05-06-2008
Posts: 1,076
From: Over here
