GM / General Motors: 98 Bonnieville / 3800 Engine Problems

Hello

I wanted to see if there were any Pontiac mechanic's or people whom
work alot on these engines. I have a few questions.

First, let me start by telling you about my car, it's a 98 Pontiac
Bonneville which I purchased used last November when it was
a lease return with only 39,800 miles on it.

Well, it's been running fine till in Sept when on the way to work
(following a weekend trip of over 600 miles with no problems or sign
of problems), the car "check engine" light came on and the engine
started running very roughly.

I thought I'd see if I could get it on the work about 4 miles.
Well, it didn't make it but about another 1/4 mile and stopped and
wouldn't start. I left it there and luckly a coworker driving by
stopped and gave me a ride on to work.

After work, I checked on the car and found that it did appear that the
coolant level had gone down. The car would not turn over.
So, I had it towed to a shop the next day where they said the upper
and lower intake manifold had failed. $1200 latter, I got the car
back running, but it still had a strange noise (tapping sound like a
lifter with a blockage or something, more noticeable at certain RPM
ranges).

It now appears that the engine is making metal in the oil since after
my wife had it quite running (stalled and acting like it wasn't
getting enough gas), I got it home and parked it and it's been sitting
since I had this happen shortly before I got laid off.

I wanted some advice on how hard or expensive my various options for
fixing this should be. The mechanic who did the intake job thought if
I could get a used engine, it would cost about $1,200 in labor to
"swap them out".

GM says there's no recall or anything they will do about this, which
is poor support for a couple year old car with only about 52,000
miles. On the internet, i've gotten some quotes for used engines from
about $500 to about $1200 shipped.

If I was to go with a used engine.. What all should I check on it
before it gets installed in my car. What parts should be replaced
while it's still out of the car (I.E. new oil pump, timing chain, etc)

How are rebuilt engines from various auto parts dealers like
Pep boys, Autozone, etc.. Are they reliable and long lasting?

Is there a chance that my existing engine could just be repaired and
last a number of years with only bearing changes on the crank?

I trust the 3800 engines pretty well. I've had 3800's in my last 3
cars and in my 95 Transport which now has over 148,000 miles on it.
So, I know the engines can last. But, I want to be sure it will last
if I spend the $$ to repair this car.

If your experienced on repairing or troubleshooting, please e-mail me
your recommendations on how to approach this the cheapest, but most
relable way to fix it.

Thanks

Mike Harvey
mhavey5mcp(remove spamguard)@yahoo.com

Mike a couple of issues here, the shop should have drained the oil and
looked closely for debris and /or coolant in the oil. then pull the pan and
see if the bearings were affected by this. We warn the customkers that
failing to do this risks severe engine damage, if it isn't already too late.
At this point I would say it probably"spun" or scored some bearings and the
lower end is done. Certainly a used engine is the cheapest route. Make
sure it is not sludged up or shows lack of maintenence, also might want to
do the intake gaskets before installing. Timing chains are not an issue with
this engine.
"Mike Harvey" <net> wrote in message
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