The breadth of automobile recalls might make it appear as if every car equipped with a certain component is at risk. However, if you’re driving a car with a part that’s been recalled in another vehicle, there’s no need to fear.
The General Motors recall of 1.4 million automobiles with 3.8-liter V6 engines in 2009, which also affected millions of other GM vehicles, is comparable to numerous other incidents from other automakers.
Consider a 1998 Olds Intrigue with 75k miles and a coolant leak near the intake manifold (3800 Series II engine). So, what are you going to do now? In this article, we’ll look at some of the most prevalent 3800 series 2 problems. You will learn everything you need to know about the 3800 series 02 after reading this post.
Table of Contents
3800 Series 2 Common Problems
The Buick 3800 engine was a popular engine that GM produced for many years, beginning in 1995. The 3800 was debuted in 1988 as an improved version of GM’s older 3.8L V6 engine, which had been utilized in various Buick and Oldsmobile cars since the 1970s. Multiport fuel injection, internal balance shafts, and a new crank-triggered DIS ignition system were all included in the 3800 LN3 motors. GM introduced a supercharged version of the engine in 1991. (L67). In 1995, a “Series II” version of the 3800 engine was released, with rebuilt block and heads for lighter weight, increased horsepower, and improved fuel economy.
The 3800 V6 engine has proven to be a popular and durable option. However, it, like any other engine, has had its share of problems throughout the years.
GM recalled 1.5 million 3800 V6 engines in 2009 due to leaking valve cover gaskets, which might cause an engine fire.
1. Leaks In The Intake Manifold Gasket
On the Series II engines, the Buick 3800 V6 has had issues with intake manifold coolant leakage. Coolant can seep into the cylinders through cracks, causing the engine to hydro lock in some situations. After 60,000 miles or more, the OEM intake manifold gasket in the location that seals the cylinder head coolant flow to the manifold tends to fail. To address this issue, redesigned intake manifold gaskets have been introduced.
2. The Engine Is Sputtering And Won’t Start
No start can be caused by a number of things, but the most common with the Buick-3800 engine is malfunctioning CKP sensors and the ICM. CKP stands for crankshaft position, and ICM stands for ignition control module in this case.
3. Occasionally Stuttering Or Chugging
You may feel an intermittent hesitation or chuggle while traveling down the highway or accelerating lightly. It happens when the automatic TCC (transmission torque converter) does not set fault codes or the check engine light does not illuminate.
While driving, there are sporadic misfires.
Because of a worn spark plug or a weak coil, it happens while driving.
How To Fix 3800 Series 2 Problems?
Here are the steps to get rid of 3800 series 2 problems:
1. To begin, examine the engine wiring diagram in your vehicle to troubleshoot the CK or crank sensor. To locate the problem, check the voltages of the circuits for the ignition module and several crank sensors. Furthermore, 4-8 volts must be found between each crank sensor when the key is turned on. Replace the crank sensors if it fails the tests.
2. The OEM gasket manifold intake tends to degrade after 60,000 miles if it runs in an area where the cylinder head is sealed to coolant flow due to the manifold.
3. This isn’t due to a problem with the torque converter clutch or the clutch solenoid. In engine-3800, however, the erroneous input is the sole cause of the problem. The TPS (throttle position sensor) on the engine delivers inaccurate data to the PCM computer (powertrain control module computer).
The throttle position sensor in engine-3800, on the other hand, can be replaced to fix the problem (TPS).
4. Remove the spark plugs and check them if you have an intermittent misfire while driving. These spark plugs must have a 0.60-inch spacing between them. If your spark plug is in good working order, move on to the ignition wires.
High resistance can be produced by wires with a distance of 100,000 miles or more. Furthermore, this resistance could cause your engine to misfire. In your engine, replace any such wires, damaged wires, loosely fitted wires, or cracked wires. You should not, however, replace your wires and plugs if they are in good shape.
If your engine continues to operate in the same way after replacing the broken wires and plugs, scan for misfire codes with a scanning tool. Keep the check engine light on and look for 1-2 misfire codes for the cylinders that are creating the misfires.
Furthermore, the cylinder number is shown by the last digit of any misfire code. Take, for example, a cylinder with the code P0302; the 2 in this code denotes a misfiring number cylinder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about 3800 series 2 problems:
1. What Makes The 3800 Series 2 Different From The 3800 Series 3?
The Series III incorporates stronger connecting rods, and an aluminum upper plenum that eliminates the leak point of the Series II, and a return-less fuel system layout.
2. Why Did General Motors Stop Making The 3800?
The engine was terminated after only two years because GM couldn’t produce consistent quality from the difficult-to-cast aluminum blocks. However, the core design and technology were revived for a 198-cubic-inch V6 engine with an iron block.
3. Is the Buick 3.8 engine a good one?
Ward’s Auto praised the Buick/GM Powertrain 3800 in particular. From 1995 to 1997, it received the “10 Best Engines of the 20th Century” honor, as well as the annual “10 Best Engines” award.
4. Why Did General Motors Cease Producing The 3800?
The engine was abandoned after only two years because GM couldn’t produce consistent quality from the difficult-to-cast aluminum blocks. However, the core design and technology were revived for a 198-cubic-inch V6 iron block.
5. How Much Power Can A Supercharged 3800 Engine Produce?
The 3800 Series III supercharged engine produced 260 horsepower and was found in the Grand Prix GT or GTP (depending on model year). The supercharged 3800 and 3800 SC engines produced 230 foot-pounds of torque.
Conclusion
We hope that our explanation provided you with the answer you were looking for to the question “3800 Series 2 Problems.” If you have any additional questions, please leave a comment below, and we will be happy to assist you further. Check out this site for a review and problems with the Reset GMC Acadia AC.