Here it goes, about month ago my engine was loosing pressure while driving home from work. Like it was a fuel problem or tranny slippin! Next thing you know, about a half mile up, it did the samething and then I made a hard left into a parking lot. The car died on me, which I thought it was a "power issue" Started back up and felt good (so I thought). Then, when I open the hood (while the car was off of course), the heat from the engine was too hot and a fire was developing at the bottom of the spark plugs. It ignited, reached 2 feet above the engine and idle down into a 2-3 inch flame. Burning nothing but the plastic clamp that held the spark plug wires together (Shocking). Somebody put it out with water and now I have been driving a rental ever since. The deal is, my insurance company will only pay for the FIRE DAMAGE, the shop who replaced my intake manifold (upper, repaired it in feb. 29 2011) says they are SURE they didn't cause the oil leakage, the shop who looked at my car told the insurance company it was WEAR AND TEAR (but asking me can he buy the car from me because of how good of a shape its been kept...he just wanted the car). The insurance company took his word so now I called GM because the recall of the "SMALL ENGINE FIRE" since 2009 was the exact same discrption of my engine fire. I am VERY VERY Low on funds and the car has been parked but I don't wanna get rid of it. Help!!!! Anyone know where I can buy a good engine? The trans was rebuilt so its no worries with that...

 

Check craigslist and ebay. 3800s are dirt cheap these days. So your current motor isnt fixable though?

 

Yeah, Its fixable, I don't have the money to rebuild it (from what the guy was telling me).

 

Well ask him exactly what is wrong with it and what it is doing. Dont let someone take advantage of you.

 

i agree with enzo it sounds like some thing that is making it lose power and i havent heared that the 3800's going out the door like that

 

The engine makes a loud rod knock going pass 2k Rpms and plus it knocks when I start it but idles down after the oil circulate through. My car is parked, after he told me he will put an 03 3800 engine (with 63k miles on it) in for 2400, I'm thinking that he will chargethe insurance company. But after he told them it was my fault and they not going to investigate, I rather get it fixed on me own.

 

You can fin an l67 for under 1k yourself these days. If you know someone who can help you put it in, you will be $1000 richer and have a supercharged car.

 

That's the thing, it will take me awhile to get 1k compared to me breaking even with my checks. From what I see off the net alone, they want $700 - $1800 for a used or rebuilt 3800....smh! That does not include installation.

 

I would get a second opinion about the car because if the guy is trying to buy the car from you then he either knows what the problem is or he knows how to fix it with little cost to him. Money is tight for everybody with a Monte nowadays. If you can see if you can look around and see if you have somebody else check your car out or maybe post some pics/video of the engine so everyone can take a look. Maybe someone can give you some ideas. Just a thought.

 

You can find one locally cheaper then 700 in most occasions. Even if it is 700-1000, you could have a friend install it if you know someone. You dont have to have a shop do it and it will be A LOT cheaper.