Complaint Review: Auto Zone

In December I purchased a 350 ci long block from Auto Zone for my 1991 GMC pickup. I paid $1200 plus a $400 core charge to Auto Zone for the engine. I took the vehicle to a local "do-it-yourself" garage, removed the old engine, transferred the necessary parts from the old engine to the new engine and re-installed the engine in the truck.

The first time I started the engine, it ran rough. I put a vacuum guage on the TBI (throttle body injection) vacuum port and got low vacuum readings. Thinking the manifold gasket did not reseat properly, I replaced the manifold gasket. The engine still ran rough. I then pulled the valve covers off to check the valve rocker arm adjustments. I noticed the #2 exhaust valve was cocked and metal parts laying on the top of the head.

Additionally, I saw multiple piles of sludge that were not there when I purchased the engine (yes, new oil, filter, cooling lines, and radiator, scrubbed and steam cleaned the oil pan, new oil pump...)

I went to the local Auto Zone and they contacted the district manager who informed me they did not handle the engines as it is a RECON-INC engine, the warranty is not through them and they can do nothing for me, even though the engine has zero miles and has an obvious manufacturing defect. I purchased the engine from Auto Zone, picked up the engine from Auto Zone and am required to return the core to Auto Zone.

I feel it is a RIP-OFF that a large parts distributor can use this thin excuse that since they don't manufacture the engine they cannot do anything about the warranty. They do not manufacture any of the other parts that they sell (ie clutches, water pumps, alternators etc...) yet they warranty them.

I have yet to contact the "manufacturer" (RECON-INC) about this and will update the report with results as they occur.

David
Lusby, Maryland
U.S.A.