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Reports of needle bearings being found in the oil pan on some late model GM 4.8L-6.0L engines have been received.

Engine Builders: Reports of needle bearings being found in the oil pan on some late model GM 4.8L-6.0L engines have been received.

According to AERA’s Technical Committee, needle bearings in the oil pan for 1998-2002 GM 4.8L, 5.3L, 5.7L and 6.0L VIN V, T, G, S & U engines have been found during routine oil changes due to one or more failed rocker arms. To resolve this issue inspect all rocker arms for failure, and replace all if any have failed.

If no failed rocker arms are found, check the vehicle service record for previous rocker arm repair. If a previous repair was made, the engine may not have been thoroughly cleaned.

Engine Builders: Different components in the cylinder heads of some Caterpillar 3056 diesel engines have caused confusion. Here is some guidance to tell which head you’re working on.

According to AERA’s Technical Committee, specification differences in the 1996-2002 Caterpillar 3056 diesel cylinder head should be referenced any time one is serviced.

Depending on the engine production number, these engine’s cylinder heads use different components. These different components include valves, guides, springs, retainers and keepers. The easiest way to determine which head is being worked on is to determine which valve spring assembly or which valves are being used.

Engine Builders: Valve train noise has been reported on some 1995-’98 Hyundai 1.5L VIN C engines. Vehicles that have received infrequent oil changes are likely candidates for this type of noise.

The noise is due to excessive valve lash from deposits that plug the rocker arm oil feed passage to the lash adjuster. To properly clean out the rocker arms and lash adjusters, Hyundai offers the following information.

1. Remove the rocker arms from the rocker shaft, making sure to keep them in order.

2. Spray or dip the rocker arm in solvent.

3. Blow compressed air, using a rubber tipped gun, through the lash adjuster. Place your finger over the vent port on the topside of the rocker arm; this will force air through the oil passage back to the rocker shaft hole and dislodge any particles in the oil passage.

4. Inject solvent into the rocker arm oil passage using an applicator tube. If the rocker arm oil passage is clear, solvent will flow out of the lash adjuster bore.

For information on receiving all of AERA’s regular monthly technical bulletins and other association services and benefits, call toll free 888-326-2372 or e-mail info@aera.org.