YACT: I need an expert on the GM 3800 Series II V6. *** Update *** Confirmed broken intake.

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Analog

Lifer
Jan 7, 2002
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Originally posted by: Grouchyoldguy
Originally posted by: yellowfiero
When you say throttle body, are you referring to where the flexible rubber air intake duct goes into the 'plastic' intake manifold? I guess you can kind-of look in there - or do you mean something else? Just wondering, as I have a '95 3800 in my minivan.

If I follow what you are saying correctly, the piece in between is the throttle body. The cable from your gas pedal connects to it.

Okay, that's where the throttle cable links in from the cruise vacuum system.
 
Aug 16, 2001
22,505
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Originally posted by: Grouchyoldguy
Does your throttle body have coolant lines to it? I know my 4.8 is water cooled. I'm not familiar with the 3.8. Does the plenum (upper intake) have coolant lines going to it?

I removed the throttle body from the upper intake.
Yes, coolant goes through where the EGR valve is. A common problem on the 3800 Series II.

Thread, replacement of UIM.

I just got a replacement unit from Advance Auto part. Dorman 615-180 replacement unit.
This one is supposed to be better than the stock OEM part.

I am heading down in the garage right now to start working on this. It sucks but has to be done. Glad I found it early since a catastrophic failure can ruin the engine completely.
The moisture in the oil will cause the internals to rust and you are SOL.


 

CrackRabbit

Lifer
Mar 30, 2001
16,642
62
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Originally posted by: FrustratedUser
All done. :)

Check engine light is on now. :(


Disconnect the battery for 10 minutes or so, and then restart the car, if it comes back on after that take it to an Autozone and have them scan the codes.
 
Aug 16, 2001
22,505
4
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Originally posted by: CrackRabbit
Originally posted by: FrustratedUser
All done. :)

Check engine light is on now. :(


Disconnect the battery for 10 minutes or so, and then restart the car, if it comes back on after that take it to an Autozone and have them scan the codes.

I am going to get new sparkwires anyway at Autozone anyway. I suspect it's misfiring.
At least the coolant loss is gone. :) This was the second time I did this work adn I am getting pretty good now LOL!
The first time I had no clue and wasn't familiar with this particular weakness of the 3800.
It's not difficult to do and no special tools are needed. All gaskets and fittings come with the new unit.
:thumbsup: