Preventive Maintence.

[RM686]

I have read all the posts and know this subject has been best to death . I have a 1999 Grand Prix GT 3.8 k engine with 160,000 miles on it..
Should I replace the intake manifold and lower intake gasket as preventive maintenance. I feel like I am driving a time bomb reading all the posts on the gasket problems. So far I have no problems with the engine or cooling system. I even paid $15.00 at one of those ask a GM tech a question sites. He said if it was his car he would not change anything. I don't plan on buying a car in the next few years. I am getting a little too old to do this work my self.

 

[buickman104]

With the current mileage on the car I would be more worried about the transmission. Has the transmission ever been serviced? Please take a look at the transmission fluid dip stick and if the color is any other than red I would start with doing a transmission pan drop, change the filter and fluid. As for the coolant issues if you don't have the ability to work on it now I suggest keeping an eye on the coolant level and oil to make sure they are not mixing, but as any preventive maintenance it is better to take care of it now before it becomes a problem.

 

[Explicit_Spade]

as any preventive maintenance it is better to take care of it now before it becomes a problem.

This.

With over 150k miles, you may want to think about your timing chain and dampener as well. Upgradading to Aluminum coolant elbows when you do intake gaskets will save you a lot of future headache also.

 

[RM686]

Car is on third transmission. First time rebuilt by Cotman transmission. Second transmission factory Gm rebuilt at 100,000. Aluminum elbows by Dorman installed with new water pump at 150,000.

 

[loopy smurf]

Dang dude...what the heck are you doing to your transmissions??

 

[DirtDog]

Dang dude...what the heck are you doing to your transmissions??

Probably driving them

 

[stocker]

but as any preventive maintenance it is better to take care of it now before it becomes a problem.

Not to douche it up, but preventative maintenance, by definition, is taking measures to correct a potential problem before it is a problem. Waiting until there is a problem is just fixing a problem.

Sorry, no valuable guidance to the actual questions at hand.

 

[REDCRAPGP]

If it was me I would go ahead and take care of the lim and aluminum elbows

Them decide if you want to go ahead and pull the timing cover off to change the chain and damper and while your there you can do the w/p as well.

It really comes down to money and how much you want to dig in.

 

[Explicit_Spade]

It really comes down to money and how much you want to dig in.

And how long you want to make it last.

 

[RM686]

At least to 200,000 miles. A very good question. That means 40,000 more miles before major problem. By the way have had transmission filter and fluid replaced every 25000, to 30,000 miles. don't race the car. Only normal driving.

 

[RM686]

At least to 200,000 miles. A very good question Explicit Spade. That means 40,000 more miles before major problem. By the way have had transmission filter and fluid replaced every 25000, to 30,000 miles. don't race the car. Only normal driving.

 

[Explicit_Spade]

If 40k is all you're going for, you would be fine just doing intake gaskets, coolant elbows, plugs and wires, valve cover gaskets, PCV, air filter and regular oil changes.

I've seen plenty of 3800s get close to 300k miles on the factory timing chain and tensioner.

We haven't discussed any suspension, but to save yourself trouble later, it might be a good time to double check your axles, tie rods and ball joints as well as your rack and pinion. Also, if your lateral arms are extremely rusty, I would replace those now, because it's no fun when they snap.