Some 1984 Centurys and Skylarks equipped with LR8 2.5L engines (VIN Code R) may experience cracks in the cylinder block casting between the valve lifter cavity and the water jacket resulting in a loss of engine coolant and subsequent engine failure.
Should the engine block crack, due to the conditions identified in this Special Policy bulletin, General Motors will replace the partial engine Part Number 10030773 and the following associated parts:
Cam Shaft Transmission Insert Pilot Bushing Cam Gear Oil Filter Crank Gear Engine Oil Lifters Engine Coolant Gaskets
This Special Policy covers both parts and labor for a period of five (5) years or 100,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the date the vehicle was originally placed in service.
This "Special Policy Adjustment Bulletin," should be filed in the 3 ring binder furnished to the dealer by General Motors in Sept. 1982. There will be no owner notification letters mailed on this Special Policy.
All 1984 Centurys and Skylarks equipped with LR8 2.5L engines (VIN Code R) within the following serial number breakpoints:
Parts are to be obtained from the General Motors Warehousing and Distribution Division (GMWDD). These parts, when required, should be ordered from GMWDD on a C.I.O. order with no special instruction code, but order on an advise code (2).
PART NUMBER QUANTITY DESCRIPTION ----------- -------- ----------- 10030773 1 Partial Engine
IMPORTANT - P/N 10030773 consists of block, pistons and rod assemblies, crankshaft, crankshaft bearings, rod bearings, and rear seals.
10029787 1 Cam Shaft
10005942 1 Cam Gear
10028052 1 Crank Gear
5233745 8 Lifters
10026805 1 Gasket Kit
10026815 1 Gasket Kit
10009785 1 Manual Transmission Insert Pilot Bushing (Skylark)
10018699 1 Automatic Transmission Insert Pilot Bushing
25010792 1 Oil Filter
1052734/1052915 1 (10 oz.) RTV
1052763 3 qts. Oil
1052367 1 (16 oz.) EOS (Engine Oil Supplement)
1052753 6 qts. Engine Coolant
1. Pressure test for evidence of coolant loss.
2. If pressure test shows no visible evidence of coolant loss, remove cover from valve lifter area and inspect casting above lifter cavity (see illustration).
3. With engine warm and pressure applied, coolant should be visible using a "black light."
4. If condition is evident, cylinder block and those associated parts identified in this bulletin must be replaced using applicable replacement procedures referenced in Section 6A and 6A3 of the 1984 Buick Chassis Service Manual. To prevent camshaft lobe and valve lifter scuffing, lubricate lifters and camshaft journals during assembly with engine oil supplement, part number 1052367.
-------------- Claims for customer reimbursement or previously paid repairs are to be submitted to the Buick Zone Office for review and disposition.
When performing the repairs outlined in the Service Procedure of this bulletin submit a warranty claim for credit as follows:
FAILED PART LABOR OPERATION TROUBLE LABOR NUMBER NUMBER CODE HOURS ------ ------ ---- ----- 10030773 T5104 92 Century *8.9 hrs. Skylark *8.5 hrs.
* Add additional Labor Time as required:
A/C = .4 hr. Cruise = .2 hr. To Recondition All Valves = 1.1 hr. Auto Trans. - Skylark Only = .4 hr.
Zone authorization is not required for claims meeting the criteria outlined in this bulletin.
General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those 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 a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.