If You Own a 1995-2003 3.1-3.4 GM V-6 Read This

[chevyII]

Regal-luvr your car wouldn't crank because the new GM cars can disconnect the battery if the power starts to drop from siting without being started. All Im saying is in the nine years that I was in the automotive field we did some intake gaskets but not alot more than other engines. There is a definate flaw in that the intake and valve covers overlap each other and the the gasket is only about a quater of a inch wide-bad design. But the consumer needs to check into these things before buying. The 3.8 l ford dosent have enough head bolts just like the GN. All engines have design problems ask around before buying. As far as a V6 goes the 3800 is the best american motor ever built period.

 

[Regal-luvr]

BJM,
Our 2000 Buick RDV downshifts on the slightest grade at 60-70 mph.The 3.4 just doesnt have the stuff at only 185 hp.I wish that they had put the SC3800 in the RDV.There wouldnt have been no shortage of horses then.Buick blew it on this one.The 2004 Rendezvous Ultra and CXL AWD has the all new 3.6 aluminum OHC engine in them.I wonder how it will perform?

ChevyII,
Lots of shop owners are saying that just in the past year they have seen lots of 3.1 and 3.4 intake gasket failures,much more than in years past.Mostly on 40,000-100,000 mile cars that are 3-5 years old.I was too used to the dependable 3.8 and 3800 Buick engines and dropped the ball in researching the 3.4 engine.I agree with you that the 3800 is a great engine.

turbofish38,(Eric)
You are very quiet this evening.You flamed me pretty hard yesterday and it backfired.Now whose being mocked?Never judge a person by how many posts he has or how many cars are or arent in his signature.Have you found any pictures of your cars yet?I would love to see your 82 Regal with the 455 as I may put a 455 in my 82 Regal.The body is excellent on it.

 

[BJM]

The previous generation vans (the pencil nosed Transports, etc) had the 3.8 in them. While they weren't as refined as the later 3.8s they still had more torque then than the 3.4 does now, sigh.

 

[Regal-luvr]

BJM,
We drove our 2002 RDV 200 miles today.Had been at Mr Goodwrench's for 12 days awaiting a new BCM at only 30,500 miles.This eve when we put it in the garage we could both swear we smelled hot anti-freeze so we will be watching the 3.4 very closely for intake leaks.Its out of warranty on 3-13-04 so a decision has to be made.

Those push rod 3.8's and 3800's are just great engines.Sure wish GM had used them in the Rendezvous,Montana,Venture,etc.

turbofish38,
Where are you?You said some bad things about me and said that I was gutless.I proved you wrong on all counts.I'm sure you've been on here.The ball is in your court.


My claim still is that GM needs to stand by their 3.1 and 3.4 V-6 intake gasket problems and make things right with their customers.Its not going to ruin them and it will help them keep lots of their customers.I have done considerable research on the internet and right now the 3.1 and 3.4 GM V-6's have the most problems of any make engine on the internet and its all over a lousy intake gasket.

 

[chevyII]

What can they do its the thin gasket design that makes them leak. If they said they would extend the 50,000 to 75,000miles would that be enough? G.M. will never replace those gaskets for the life of the engine no matter how big there mistake is. There biggest mistake was not using the 3800 in every 6cly. application since its start? The 2.8-3.1-3.4 was never a good engine on any level? Thats reality and it suck for the consumers but the best way to show some love is boycott all those cars till they start to realize.