96 Park Avenue 3.8L Plenum Problem?

R

rhn0327

Guest
Had the car at the dealer for a transmission issue. Car has 155K and still runs good. Dealer noticed coolant odor and after working on transmission said plenum was leaking and needed to be fixed. Estimated around $1000. I have to go back and ask some questions about the complexity of this. If this is no harder than repairing a blown head gasket on a 3.8L Taurus, then parts are probably $100 or less and I can do it myself. Problem is I have no idea where this plenum is and a shop manual set from Buick is $120. Any recommendations or suggestions on where I might find more info would be appreciated. Thanks!

Bob
 
Bob,
I am pretty sure that GM is fixing a lot of these under warranty. Dont know what the mileage limit is. If it is the one I am thinking of, the plastic upper intake manifold gets burned through where the egr passages are and it will start leaking coolant into all the cylinders. You need to get it fixed asap to prevent major damage. I will try to get a copy of the tech bulletin for you.
Hope this helps,

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Bill Koustenis
Advanced Automotive Machine
Waldorf Md

Original owner:
1971 Chevelle Heavy Chevy
1984 Buick Riviera
 
Bill, if there is a tech bulletin on this it would be a great start! Thanks!

Bob
 
Bob,
I did not have time today to try and find the bulletin, but this page has the general info showing the leak point etc. The repair should not be very difficult if you have done head gaskets before, but the intake itself is probably pretty pricy. I would also recommend that you have the service manual as the torque specs are VERY critical on the plastic intake manifolds. Here is a link, look about half way down the page. http://www.babcox.com/editorial/ar/eb110112.htm

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Bill Koustenis
Advanced Automotive Machine
Waldorf Md

Original owner:
1971 Chevelle Heavy Chevy
1984 Buick Riviera
 
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