<VV> The demise of the American Car - Limited Corvair

[Matt Nall]

I bought one (my first new car) the first year (1971 model). Special ordered, 
red GT just like I wanted. Unloaded my 3 Corvairs to get it. By the time it 
reached 50,000 miles it was using 2 quarts of oil for every fillup of gas. My 
local dealer made multiple attempts to get it to run right while it was under 
warranty. I drove it from Raleigh NC to Pensacola FL and averaged 13 MPG! When 
Chevrolet offered to replace the engine, I took it in. They charged me $225 to 
remove and replace the head and tell me it "wasn't their problem". If the 
cylinders had been distorted because of the overheating problem they 
acknowledged, they would have replaced the engine for free, but they didn't find 
distortion. I am convinced that mine had scored cylinders because of fuel 
washing the cylinders because the engine shook so much the carburetor shook 
apart. I did not find out until years later that they had a "secret recall" for 
just that problem.

===============================================================


 Doug.. you had a lousy dealer!


While replacing ValveStem SEALS*  on several Vegas..to stop the terrible oil consumption...


I found TIGHT  valves......  and after re-adjusting.. no more shaking!  One had  85k miles that way!


There was NO SECRET    recall...   and normally only the first 4,000 engines had the warped cylinders....due to faulty pistons....


But many in SoCal did get the Sleeved shortblocks...free.....  Dealers screwed GM...  IMO


This also happened from '78-'81  with the GM 350  Diesels....  easy fixes made  into nightmares for customers...




*  because the head was FLOODED with oil...  Perfect Circle  seals were the only seals that would last..


Matt Nall
Charleston, Oregon
http://tinyurl.com/The-Patio
http://tinyurl.com/Matts-Tech-Pages