Part 1 HERE! Oil in the Radiator! Top End Internal Tear Down! GM 3800 3100 3400 3.8 #mechanic https://youtu.be/A_MSlMsaZgU
Part 2 HERE! Top End Assembly, Lower Intake Reseal 2002 Pontiac Firebird Gm 3800 3.8l https://youtu.be/XSHZspMoHtw
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This is a 2002 Pontiac Firebird with the GM 3.8l 3800 Series II Engine. This vehicle came in with an large oil leak on the engine and an oily substance in the radiator. The antifreeze was mixing with engine oil. The problem is common with this series of engine. The lower intake manifold gaskets deteriorate and case coolant to leak into the engine oil, oil is also allowed to contaminate the cooling system resulting in the fouled coolant and soft radiator hoses. This is multi part repair and is somewhat difficult in this particular car due the firewall and wiper cowl location. We will remove the intake plenum and lower manifold valve covers, and the engine accessories such as alternator, belt, and the tensioner. In this case the belt tensioner also has a heater core bypass built into it so there is engine coolant in the belt tensioner as well. Part one will be the teardown, part two will be engine assembly and the final part will miscellaneous assembly, fluids, cleaning and final inspection. This video is part three of this series. As mentioned in the video this vehicle was featured before due to catastrophic A/C system failure. See links below for all past A/C videos.
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Part 2! Compressor Damage took out the whole System | Pontiac Firebird Camaro S-10 Buick https://youtu.be/4N1UsUrjQAI
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99 thoughts on “Lower intake manifold leak-final assembly! oil in coolant gm 3.8l 3800 series ii engine #repair”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @delantel6689 says:

    Nice video series Ray as always

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @bobdufresne6294 says:

    Ray ignore the BG haters!😂

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @johndavis4767 says:

    Love your videos. Coolant vs water. The liquid in the radiator is put there to cool the engine. Water works well as a coolant but causes corrosion and freezes in cold climates so antifreeze is added to the water. So, it is okay to call the water in the radiator coolant even if there is no antifreeze added. Technically antifreeze is not coolant until it is put in the radiator.

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @TairnKA says:

    What! that don't look like a Fiero to me? 😉

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @sniperlif3 says:

    A car where an owner cares is amazing to see. While I don't care for the bird or similar car, this car looks great and you have to give the owner props for taking care of a car. It is not normal for someone to care for their car like this owner does. I try to.

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @CPR9969 says:

    I love strut bars, i get one for every car that I get. My car states 5w30, I use 10w30 in the summer and 5w30 in the winter here in quebec, canada.

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @kell8603 says:

    Pop-eye likes spin-age…

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @kell8603 says:

    I like the squirrel commentary… 🙂

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @brianporter4352 says:

    This has been a very interesting series of videos on this engine. I don't want to know what the cost of this repair would be, but thinking in the thousands. I did own a 99' Buick Regal with the supercharged 3800 series 2 engine. What a phenomenal powertrain, smooth and quite fuel efficient too. I really beat the hell out of it, so I didn't have it very long- about 8 years. Oh well, thanks for the vids keep em coming.

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @ronniefrantzen2397 says:

    I'm so glad the "reee" got explained. I've been wondering forever!

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @mikeciavarella316 says:

    Ray is the red bar touching the alternator?

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @jasongregware1453 says:

    Well hello from Michigan then….lol Love the videos!!

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @ionbeam14 says:

    Hands down the GREATEST MOTOR EVER!! The GM 3800 Series-3. Mine is in a 2009 Buick LaCrosse. It was the last year for the 3800 in the Buick LaCrosse. It is an unstoppable work horse and parts have an average price of less than $100.00 and are sold everywhere!

  14. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @aaronbritt2025 says:

    You got it backwards, Ray. If you were somewhere cold, you'd want a 5W-30. 10W-30 is better for warmer climates.

  15. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @jessewynne8193 says:

    Fiero??? Huh ray I think it’s break time? It’s been a long day? Do u mean fire bird? Or trans am?
    That body style is similar to both.

  16. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Hola! @paulgaerisch7041 says:

    Ray, is it your opinion that it’s ok to spray water on a warm engine? I would like to clean my engine but I’ve always been told not to spray cold water on a hot engine. I trust your advice on this. Thanks.

  17. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @bubbles_brains9937 says:

    Glad to see that solvent tank working!

  18. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @TheJuggalo1491 says:

    You ever look at Rock Auto for hard to find parts.

  19. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @charleskadletc2431 says:

    Agree with Pat. I'm a FORD guy, always will be.

  20. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @BxCornw says:

    Man I'm in Louisiana wish I could get you to work on my 2006 envoy…inline 6 motor..ac blower motor won't turn off..even after removing key…and my main harness has splices because a rat chewed through most of it and that's just caused a plethora of issues

  21. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @user-kr9mh5oi1q says:

    I was going to ask how it changed from brown to amber. That strut bar talk helped a lot of people trying to use a crowbar or strap. That is a purdy car AND NEVER DRIVE A CAR IN THE RAIN

  22. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @mtbmilkman says:

    This customer will be a lifelong customer and more than likely everyone they talk too.

  23. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @ginog5037 says:

    Ray, did you use an evacuator or the drain plug for the extra oil? The sensors and electrical connectors don't like water. Playing with fire, introducing corrosion…

  24. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @truckabob says:

    Still a sell out

  25. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @ginobragoli1448 says:

    That heater hose /tension assembly is such a bad design! Who in their right mind designs plastic clip in hoses? thinking that they will not leak🤷

  26. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @duaneramacher955 says:

    my 1998 Dodge Dakota had 5w-30 put in my 318 at a local shop and with in a week the hydraulic lifters started talking to me, I had to drain the oil pan and put 10W-30 and in, a short time the lifters quitted down . The lifters didn't like the 5W-30.

  27. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @boristhegerman says:

    GNX? Oh damn nm! 😂

  28. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @thomasswalley1075 says:

    A lighter oil should improve mileage, slightly.

  29. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @gwcracker says:

    You can bs the fans but not the players… shill.

  30. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @juliusliles5828 says:

    REEE, Ray has the chipmunks all jacked up on Mountain Dew. It's critter abuse! 🐿

  31. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @bigbstacks6696 says:

    Nice job!!

  32. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @THEDRAGONBOOSTER8 says:

    Great job Ray..

  33. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @onewayt says:

    I’ve found a whole lot more of those funky clamps leaking than I’ve ever seen with the screw bands

  34. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @traceyk6541 says:

    YAAAAAAAARRRG, you splashed water in my monitor eyeeeees….😡

  35. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @cousinfuzzy4544 says:

    So now every time Ray sprays water on a running engine he reeeeeeelives that one guys comment

  36. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @graken22 says:

    In my opinion BG products are the BEST I have have ever used!, esp. the intake cleaner. Great job Ray!

  37. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @timothymcewen7507 says:

    CRITICAL STEP NOT SHOWN OR NOT IN THE VIDEO??? Gotta ask… you went through the process to reseal the intake/lower etc. But I have an old school I would have done way before adding either oil or a coolant flush…I did not see you perform a pressure test of the system to verify the intake gaskets/seal was verified.
    TO me it seems a critical step, especially when oil/coolant mix is deep within the block and drips on the floor is only one indicator. I have done about a dozen similar head/intake gasket replacements and have been bitten more than once.
    As I said, just asking…

  38. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @jackkreighbaum783 says:

    Not to be critical, but did you finish tightening that bolt behind the "nator"?

  39. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @orinmangar2333 says:

    Ray, you have said you are not an engineer, so you should put the proper weight oil into the engine. That said, you don't know more than the engineer. Period. If that was my vehicle, I would make you put the correct viscosity oil in, whether you liked it or not!!!!

  40. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @eduardoflores2510 says:

    PSA

  41. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @michelswerissen6544 says:

    Video approved no gravity, click.

  42. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @bobbg9041 says:

    Didn't they used to make an acid flush i guise if you didn't have anything else you could dump a gallon of vinegar in it with water
    Vinegar works pretty good at desolveing oil plus you car would smell like a fresh salad!

  43. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @Lowbubba says:

    Thanks for donating your toothbrush to the parts washer.

  44. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @Ragnarok3rd says:

    Id like to see you work on a 05 or later Grand Prix GT…