the manifold problem i thought was on the 3400, not the 3800.

 

No the 3800 has been known for it as well.

 

I don't know anything about 3400s, but the crappy lower intake manifold gaskets are big, known problem on the 3.8L (including both of mine).

 

You should get a Chilton's manual, a voltmeter and bookmark this site to help you sort out any problems you may have in the future. Use the search option first but anyone will be more than happy to help you out with any ?s/problems. Welcome 2 D Forum!

 

Yea intake gaskets on the 3800 are crap. As well as the 3400...but the 3400 also throws in head gaskets too. The 3800 only has problems with the intake gaskets. Once you replace the gasket, just start changing your coolant on a regular basis, and you should be good.

In my experience with the 3800, lots of the sensors on the engine fail, when they really shouldnt. (crank sensor, knock sensors (x2), oil pressure sensor). And these sensors can be pretty expensive to replace.

Other than that, the 3800 is a solid engine just like everyone else has said.

 

I agree with that. I've had the MAF sensor fail on both of mine.

Sensors are cheap enough though- have the car scanned for free at Advance or Autozone and then head to the junkyard! They're usually $5 or so each from junked cars, so pick up two in case one doesn't work.

 

I have a 10 year old car (almost) and it's over 165,000 miles with that engine.

It's a solid engine. I hardly have any problems. Just keep on the regular maintenance!!!

 

[. Replace them now if you want the car to last forever. Failing to replace a leaking lower intake manifold gasket can result in your motor being toast if/when coolant gets into your crankcase and makes you spin a bearing.

[/quote]
SO HOW CAN YOU TELL YOU SPUN A BEARING??

 

You'll know. LOL

Starts with a hollow, thumping sound from your engine that gets worse...then you get terrible engine noises, then you lose power/the engine locks.

 

Just don't buy the one from the parts stores- when mine went dead on my old gtp, they wanted like $150 + core! Luckily I had the LS2 MAF laying around on my monte to stick on it...