Buick V6 Recall for LIM Gaskets

[mtnagel]

My grandfather has a 2000 Buick Park Avenue with a 3800 Series II (L36) V6 engine and GM is conducting a recall because of the upper and lower intake manifold gaskets failing. Here is the exact statement on the recall letter (which he just got a couple weeks ago):

We have learned that your vehicle may develop an engine coolant leak at the upper intake manifold to throttle body gasket, or at the lower intake to upper intake gasket. This condition may result in a low engine coolant level and higher engine temperatures.

It goes on to say how they will fix it at no cost and even reimburse you if you already had this fixed.

My question: How close is the 3800 to our 3400? If they are close enough in design this could be an argueing point to GM/Pontiac.

I wonder if they are only doing Buicks because they are GM's 'premium' customers with more expensive cars. Maybe they will get to our lowly Pontiacs in the future (I'm not holding my breath though).

Any thoughts?

Thanks
Matthew

[illsmokeyou]

believe me with 2 V6's, I feel you man

[mtnagel]

I'm surprized I didn't get more response to this (maybe it's in the wrong section?), but I would think it would be very interesting if the 2 engines were pretty similar in design and they were only issueing a recall on the one in the more expensive car. No one else finds this interesting. It was like a smoking gun for me.

Anyway, maybe someone might know where to look to find out how similar they are? Any connections to a GM mechanic who works on them?

Anyone?? Please help.

[Themeneea]

i would guess that the engines are close to being the same. i think there both pushrod 60 degrees. but i think most people will think its wishful thinking for GM to fix our gaskets.

[mtnagel]

Originally posted by Themeneea
i would guess that the engines are close to being the same. i think there both pushrod 60 degrees. but i think most people will think its wishful thinking for GM to fix our gaskets. Thanks for the info. Do you think that specifically the intake gasket setup is the same for both engines?

Don't you think it's a step in the right direction that they are recalling those engines? It's a very expensive fix and for GM to recall those is pretty good.

Maybe they did Buick because not only are the cars more expensive, but I bet they sell a lot less than Pontiacs, which are much more common. So it will make their "premium" customers happy and they won't have to pay as much.

[mikem220153]

Actually the 3800 is an entirely different desgin from our 60degree V6's. As an interesting note, the 3.3 or 3300 is an offshoot of this motor. The 3300 was introduced in 1989.

Even though the 3800 and our 60degree motors share some characteristics, it is a totally different motor.

As far as the intake manifold gasket problem, I personally think GM is trying to avoid a recall on the 60degree engine, because it will cost them tons more to fix these engines than the 3800. There are a lot more of us 60degree owners than 3800 owners.

Here's to you GM!! :2up:

[mtnagel]

Originally posted by mikem220153
Actually the 3800 is an entirely different desgin from our 60degree V6's. As an interesting note, the 3.3 or 3300 is an offshoot of this motor. The 3300 was introduced in 1989.

Even though the 3800 and our 60degree motors share some characteristics, it is a totally different motor.

As far as the intake manifold gasket problem, I personally think GM is trying to avoid a recall on the 60degree engine, because it will cost them tons more to fix these engines than the 3800. There are a lot more of us 60degree owners than 3800 owners.

Here's to you GM!! :2up: Thanks for the info. Mike. I knew it was a long shot, but I figured it was worth a try.

If only GM was taking the high road on this one and admitting fault, they might have a life-long customer. Instead, I'm seriously considering going foreign (gasp!), even though the GP is my current favorite car on the market now (that I can seriously afford) I doubt that I would buy one because of all the problems I've had.

[HondaCivicsSuck]

thats my fathers project at work now. There working on it now the 3800 that is. He has been driving around a next test car for 3months now.