1998 Pontiac Grand Prix GT 3800

bpbrun · #1 (**permalink**) 12-09-2007, 06:10 PM

I am interested in purchasing a 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix GT 3800 with only 84K miles on it. Everything inside and out is pretty much mint. However, there is a definite oil smell when running and when looking under the hood, there is oil (I think it is oil) visible along the entire length of the front/top of the engine. Is this a sign of an intake manifold problem, a bad gasket or something else? I alway heard that the 3800 engine was one of the best GM ever made. Having done 3 intake manifold jobs on 3400 engines within the last two years, it kind of bothers me a bit about this oil leak. I have never owned the 3800 engine. Reading about the 3800 says it is a rotated 90 degree, so it makes me wonder if it is something else.

dayday · #2 (**permalink**) 12-09-2007, 07:17 PM

Without seeing it for myself it is hard to say, but the only things that really seem problematic with these motors are (Oil Pan gasket, LIM gaskets and Valve Cover gaskets) Your problem may be related to these issues.

bpbrun · #3 (**permalink**) 12-09-2007, 07:34 PM

Not sure if this helps. The leak appears to be in this area. At least this entire area appears to soiled in oil.

dayday · #4 (**permalink**) 12-09-2007, 08:22 PM

That would be consistant with a valve cover gasket leaking. If you run your finger along the bottom edge of the rear valve cover it will probably be oily also.

Jr's3800 · #5 (**permalink**) 12-09-2007, 09:12 PM

Valve cover gaskets leaks on a 3800 engine are normal and at 84k I would expect it... Should be a simple vale cover gasket replacement.

I would also be tempted to replace the lower intake gaskets with the aluminum lower gaskets and possibly replace the upper intake with a Dorman or an APN...

Good Luck

DEI37 · #6 (**permalink**) 12-09-2007, 09:44 PM

And, if you do that, an HV3 insert.