TSB VSC166 - ECU Update to prevent rod bearing damage

[bal]

Hey All,

Had not seen this before so I apologize if it's already been posted, but I stumbled across NHTSA# 10143480 / VSC_166_TSB published 7/19/2018 which states:

"TSB - This document is the Technical Service Bulletin for the new Voluntary Service Campaign to provide information regarding a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to protect the engine from excessive connecting rod bearing damage."

Interestingly, I could not find any mention of this bulletin on Kia Global Information center so I could not get a copy of the bulletin.

 

[bal]

Noticed there is a TSB forum after posting this. Feel free to move it there.

 

[washguy]

Bal thanks for posting ! Wow ,so yes an ecu for every vehicle does pretty much everything...and ive built or help build a whole lot of engines ...racing and otherwise....so im scratching my head on this one....how can an ecu prevent connecting rod bearing damage? The rod/bearing is clearanced when building or what bearing for what clearance does an engine need? So,this is purely mechanical...how would an ecu come into play?....maybe the ecu can command oil pressure or something to that effect?,,,,Nah....that seems oh so strange to me...but im an old drag racer from the 80's and 2000's what do I know? Wash

 

[Ucinn]

That's for the FWD version...lol

 

[bal]

That's for the FWD version...lol

Yeah, I also thought it odd the NHTSA lists the RWD Stinger as FWD. It is a government agency, after all.

 

[washguy]

That's for the FWD version...lol

LOL okay ...so im still wanting to be schooled on how an ecu can solve bearing damage? fwd 2wd 8wd....unicycle drive.....my rod bearings awaiting to be schooled lol Wash

 

[Goodbrand]

wait, this released a front wheel drive version of the stinger #weak

 

[robz32]

Bal thanks for posting ! Wow ,so yes an ecu for every vehicle does pretty much everything...and ive built or help build a whole lot of engines ...racing and otherwise....so im scratching my head on this one....how can an ecu prevent connecting rod bearing damage? The rod/bearing is clearanced when building or what bearing for what clearance does an engine need? So,this is purely mechanical...how would an ecu come into play?....maybe the ecu can command oil pressure or something to that effect?,,,,Nah....that seems oh so strange to me...but im an old drag racer from the 80's and 2000's what do I know? Wash

You are absolutely correct, and that has not changed since you built an engine (Im in the process of finishing one). The clearances can not be changed by the ECU, the only thing I can think it might help fix is timing, but even then it has nothing to do with rod bearings.

Clearly that TSB is meant for another vehicle and not the Stinger.

 

[washguy]

Thanks Robz for the reply... Doesn't that make you wonder what's goin on no matter what vehicle it is? Maybe something didnt translate well ? Wash

 

[upsidedown]

You are absolutely correct, and that has not changed since you built an engine (Im in the process of finishing one). The clearances can not be changed by the ECU, the only thing I can think it might help fix is timing, but even then it has nothing to do with rod bearings.

Clearly that TSB is meant for another vehicle and not the Stinger.

Irrespective of which vehicle it is for, the timing can absolutely have an effect on the rod bearings.

As the correct timing is determined based on a number of operating parameters, if the ecu has too much timing advance it may create detonation

Detonation causes abnormally high loads on the top rod bearing causing it to lose the interference fit in the rod big end. This may lead to a situation where the bearing becomes less stable in the rod big end causing loss of clearance at the rod parting line and reduced ability for the oil to flow correctly. Hence a possibly damaged bearing

So technically the ecu can't control the clearance directly but it can influence the longivity

 

[Ucinn]

I believe the Sorento 2.4 had something done to try and protect the internals and they also extended the drivetrain warranty on them to 120K..never had the problem in mine. They also had a recall for the v6 14$15 Sorentos for internal parts but don't recall what that one was for either.

 

[Mike_TX]

This helps explain it -

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2018/MC-10143471-9999.pdf

 

[westcoastGT]

wait, this released a front wheel drive version of the stinger #weak

.......yes , Limited Edition , Called the "Steven Tyler" . its actually a RWD for those of us that only drive backwards !

 

[Ucinn]

I just got this recall in the mail yesterday. It is for 2.0T and 2.4 Sorentos. After having the ECU reflashed, they are giving you a lifetime warranty on the block..That will be a nice piece of mind to have.