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10-30-2009
Looking at buying a car from this guy. It's been overheating. He changed radiator, water pump, thermostat and gasket, temp switch. still overheating. He suspects a headgasket problem as there is some steam coming out of the tailpipe. If this is the case, could this be the problem? How much would any of you think it would take to fix it? Thanks
10-30-2009
I would think about the intake manifold gaskets first.
But if you are planning on buying it, I would just consider tearing it down to the short block, and re-gasket it from the heads up. Head gaskets, intake gaskets, new upper mani, etc. Should only be about $150 in parts if you do the work yourself. If a shop does it, who knows. Probably looking close to $600.
10-31-2009
It sounds like head gaskets to me check the oil for milkiness and check the radiator for and exhaust smell if theres steam in coming from the exhaust you should also see coolant loss
11-02-2009
generally white smoke from the tailpipe equals a head gasket almost every time
Gaskets are about $200 for everything if this is the case, and if a shop does it, you will probably be at $800 or so...but prices vary depending on where you live. Call around to the shops that you would be considering and ask them for quotes
11-02-2009
The car is in descent shape. He fiberglassed both rocker panels, and the rest of the undercarriage looks good. He thought he could fix it and has a brand new radiator, water pump, thermostat. It has 100,000miles on it. Would it be worth my while getting it for 800? It's fully loaded SE model. I'm handy on cars. I can do head gaskets etc. But don't want to get it and find the heads are cracked etc. What are the downfalls of the 3.1 liter engine?
11-02-2009
Bad head gaskets actually...
11-02-2009
no available mods and less power than the 3.8..and aluminum heads which are more prone to head gasket failure
11-02-2009
GM was given the wrong head gaskets so that didn't end well...
11-03-2009
Is this car worth buying and fixing up? I've read alot of people had transmission problems too with these cars around 120,000miles and up. They say these cars are lemons.
11-04-2009
why are you asking us, only you can see it in person and decide if it is a good buy for you. Any car can be good or bad depending on who drove it previously, their driving style, and what type of maintenance that was done to it. One time a car can be trashed in 50,000 miles and another it may go to 250,000 with little issues. It all depends, and without knowing these things it is a total shot in the dark. IMO...these cars sometimes are high maintenance, sometimes they are fine and last for ever. No one knows about this one specific car. Any time you buy a used car, it is a gamble. Period. Personally I wouldnt buy anything unless it had the 3.8, but that is just me. plus there are different trannys in the different model cars, with different gearing. This all plays a role. Only you can decide.
11-04-2009
Head gaskets are pretty uncommon. On that L36 though, it is common for the UIM to pop a hole in the EGR area of it. that fills the LIM with about a half gallon, then it spills into the cylinders and presto...white smoke.
White smoke is also not usually a sign that water got into the oil. Because it's being burned.
11-05-2009
Originally Posted by Liquifire
I appreciate that you say a 3.8liter is in ur opinion a better engine; however, you seem to be talking to me like I'm mental or something. I was more interested in the durability and maintenance aspects of these 3.1 Liter engine/transmission assembly. I realize that once you buy a used car, it's a gamble. However there are vehicles that have common problems, as I have read on other sites. This is why I proposed this question to get answers directly from people who use these cars on a daily basis. I thank you for your opinion, this will definately help me in the decision to buy this car or not.
11-05-2009
The hole was from the right side of the Intake manifold (looking directly from the front of the car).
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