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Spartan Engines

Spartan Engines review: Bad engine 8

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2:22 pm EDT
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Bought a "re-man" 350 chevy, the most common engine of all time.. Installed in a truck.. Started up and before I ran the break in cycle.. (Ran approx 2 min) checked oil level and coolant. Had to add a bit of coolant.. No problem as I had already "Primed" the engine before started and oil level was fine... I restarted and decided to run the break in cycle.. I noticed a slight "tick" and it was getting louder.. SHUT DOWN, was run a total of maybe 7 min.
When I checked the coolant of course it was a bit low... Checked oil, was a bit hazey... Ran another few min and checked oil.. Completely white with water/coolant.
When I called them they were talking a head problem and wanted a compression test.. Did it, 3 of the 8 cyl were 20-30 lbs less than the rest and 2 of them bled right down.. They exchanged the engine.. When it came out you could visually see the crack in the peft side and coolant down the drivers side into a cyl.
I have 6 people that saw this, not to mention the staff at Advance (that are going over and above to help)
Spartan engines is deneying claim and are being rediculous.. I will NEVER BUY A SPARTAN ENGINE Again, they are junk and their warranty might as well be written in pencil, I intend on sueing them.

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The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

8 comments
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realtech1
St Augustine, US
Sep 19, 2014 1:23 pm EDT

That's great ! Now I'm wondering if they cleaned that engine and resold it to me.. I have a very similar issue with the same engine from the same folks ! Only issue is, it's been over a month now and they have me checking everything from the injectors to the air pressure in the tires.

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GeoDude111
Williamsport, US
Dec 09, 2014 5:25 pm EST

I had a Head-gasket leaking oil on a Ford 4.0L. I followed their directions exactly and was told to have the head replaced and to source the parts myself. BIG mistake because after that they denied my claim and will only cover a portion of the labor cost as a "good faith payment." You nailed it when you said they treat the Warranty as if it were written in pencil... I will also look into what Legal recourse there is for me. NEVER AGAIN WILL I PURCHASE A SPARTAN ENGINE nor will I patronize a retailer who sells Spartan product.

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Ruth Lewis Pishner
US
Nov 13, 2015 12:19 pm EST

I am having the exact same problem. This is my second engine they have sent me and now it is bad also. They are denying my claim also. If you are really suing maybe we can start a class action suit. Call me [protected]

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David Milanese
US
Mar 25, 2016 8:05 pm EDT

we are on our 3rd engine, 1st showed signs of blowen head gasket, , went through there run of checking everything...2nd engine started dropping oil pressure and knocking, when I pulled engine found pained on inside of head. Paint had flaked off and stopped up oil pick-up tube screen. and ruined main bearings. .Just received 3rd engine it is also painted on inside of head. I think they paint them instead of cleaning them. Going to contact them Monday an see how it goes. I DO NOT RECOMMEND SPARTAN ENGINES!

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David Bond
US
May 03, 2017 3:27 pm EDT

I am on engine #2 here also.97 TJ Wrangler. First one went out with 604 miles on motor. Started leaking from #1 cylinder, and coming out exhaust pipe. Started warranty claim 4 weeks ago. Went thru all the help and solutions they provide. Finally got replacement motor 3 days ago, and took to engine shop. Had the engine gone thru with a fine tooth comb before install. 1st find, was shavings on top of 1 piston. 2nd was cam was worn to the point of taking it out and using a mic on it, almost worn out. Am now going thru Advance Auto upper people wanting a refund. They have my original core, and Im to the point now of having to rebuild it right. Wouldnt recommend them as a quality replacement option.

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Dear Spartan John
US
Jan 10, 2018 8:14 pm EST
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I wish! I so wished that I had read this complaint form before buying a Spartan/ATK engine! I could honestly write a book on my experience with them & Advance Auto. Just please dont buy their product! Rebuild WHAT YOU GOT that way you know what you got. If thats not a option find someone that can help you find a good replacement. You might pay a little more but i promise you will get a better quality engine. My 1st- Spartan 5.7(ASE-Installed) lasted 9mths 12K miles & 9gal of antifreeze- 2 Compression test- been dyed & UV- 2 other (ASE) mechanic's involved due to Spartan(John) thinking my original mechanic didnt know what he was doing until finally i got their attention. 2nd motor is installed going on 7500miles no problems yet fingers crossed. Spartan got the antifreeze guzzler back stated there where no issues with it denying my claim so i dont get labor cost back. I have more in labor cost than i do the motor. I thought about putting a sticker on my tailgate saying( I BOUGHT MY SPARTAN/ATK ENGINE AT ADVANCE AUTO & I WOULD ADVISE YOU NOT DO THE SAME!)

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racijr
US
Jan 16, 2018 1:48 pm EST

2003 explorer, burned oil from day one.Installed at 148302 engine noisey from day one of install.engine has174049 as of 1/12/18. lower end double knock from rods., timing chain and valve train noise.Engine is a piece of crap.will never buy another. Had a another issue with customers engine.installed 3 engines until we had a good one. Sparten denied to pay labor to install. advance auto went far beyond to help with issue.so i dont blame them at all, they payed for my labor. Wards Corner Shell Norfolk Va.

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lugwrench
US
Mar 26, 2018 8:47 pm EDT

GOT A 350 SPARTEN FROM ADVANCE AUTO IN WILKESBORO NC GREAT AUTO PARTS STORE GOOD PEOPLE .MY ENGINE RAN ABOUT 3MINS STARTED TO PUT COOLANT IN EXHAUST .CALLED SPARTEN TEC LINE DID WHAT THEY ASKED .THEY REPLACED THE ENGINE DENIED MY LABOR CLAIM .WHEN TALKING TO SPARTEN TEC LINE SAID THEY DIDN, T RUN TEST ALL THE ENGINES THEY SOLD .MY ENGINE HAD A CRACK IN CLY WALL.THE ENGINE WAS BUILT IN MEXICO .PLEASE DONT WASTE YOUR TIME WITH A SPARTEN ENGINE.RONNIE EVERETTE OWNER OF SERVICE CENTER OF MILLERS CREEK FOR 30PLUS YEARS.