2000 Olds Alero for free. Should I jump on it?

[jigen]

Originally Posted By: Anies
If you owe no money on either car, throw it on liability and be done with it. It will cost you 200-300 a year if your record is clean.


Yea, record is clean. It would be the 2000 Alero, 1996 Escort, and 2002 Z28. I only drive the Camaro so between all three cars, all would see very little miles on them.

 

[Drew99GT]

Originally Posted By: jigen
I am just curious about reliability and the engine, which is the 3.4L V6.


Reliability and GM 3.4L V-6 are too mutually exclusive concepts.

 

[jigen]

 

[Drew99GT]

I'm just saying, if it has the 3.4L, it will leak antifreeze internally through the intake gaskets unless the Fel Pro Problem solver kit is installed by a good mechanic.

I had a 99 Grand Am - same car essentially, with the same engine. It had the gaskets done by the dealer on my dime and those still leaked!

 

[Drew99GT]

But if the car is free, and you have a spot to park it, then take it!

 

[jigen]

Thanks for the info. Are these leaks linked completely to dexcool? The car has 40k on it now. If there are no leaks now and I flush the dex and use another coolant will I better my chances and not have to do a gasket job, or no?

 

[mstrjon32]

Originally Posted By: Drew99GT
Reliability and GM 3.4L V-6 are too mutually exclusive concepts.

With the exception of the gasket issue, its a reliable engine. I sold my 1997 Monte Carlo with the 3100 engine with 194K miles, running great, didn't burn any oil or smoke. My mom had a 1995 Lumina with the same engine, got rid of it at 216K.

Replace the gaskets with the FelPro problem solver, change the coolant often, and call it done. That engine will go 200K+ easy.

 

[ArrestMeRedZ]

Originally Posted By: jigen
Thanks for the info. Are these leaks linked completely to dexcool? The car has 40k on it now. If there are no leaks now and I flush the dex and use another coolant will I better my chances and not have to do a gasket job, or no?


It's not just Dexcool and the gaskets. Two other common problems are leaks from the LIM bolts loosening up, and from the bypass pipe that is just pressed into the manifold. Switching anti-freeze won't help those problems.

 

[mstrjon32]

Originally Posted By: ArrestMeRedZ
It's not just Dexcool and the gaskets. Two other common problems are leaks from the LIM bolts loosening up, and from the bypass pipe that is just pressed into the manifold. Switching anti-freeze won't help those problems.


When replacing the gaskets, part of the revised procedure is to use locktite on the LIM bolts. Follow the procedure and you won't have a problem.

Never seen the bypass pipe leak. I've fought it to get it out of the so-called "quick connect" before and had to replace it, but never seen the leak. The older engines used to leak from the distributor oil pump drive seal, which is an easy >$1 fix while you're in there.

 

[eljefino]

I have this engine in a minivan and think it's spunky! If yours is a dog there must be something really wrong... clogged cat?

Is there any moral issue of you getting the car, working the bugs out, and reselling it? Jealous nephews? Interviews at Christmas, "how's that oldsmobile running?" etc.

 

[cmhj]

Originally Posted By: Drew99GT
But if the car is free, and you have a spot to park it, then take it!


Ya', aside from possible known issues with this setup, what's the big catch? Take it and sell it if you don't like how it handles.

 

[jigen]

Well my grandfather passed away a few weeks ago and it was his car. My grandmother asked if I wanted it. I wouldn't sell the car mainly because I know he enjoyed it. I would do my best to keep it in tip-top shape.

The engine is spunky I guess. Maybe I am just not used to it since my daily driver is quite a bit faster, lol.

 

[CROWNVIC4LIFE]

Originally Posted By: jigen
Well my grandfather passed away a few weeks ago and it was his car. My grandmother asked if I wanted it. I wouldn't sell the car mainly because I know he enjoyed it. I would do my best to keep it in tip-top shape.

The engine is spunky I guess. Maybe I am just not used to it since my daily driver is quite a bit faster, lol.


Sorry for your loss...It would be next to impossible for me to sell it under those conditions...I have no doubt you will keep it in tip-top shape.

 

[Kruse]

Originally Posted By: jigen


I am just curious about reliability and the engine, which is the 3.4L V6.


I am currently in the process of replacing the intake manifold gaskets on a '98 Monte Carlo with the 3.1 V6. This car was given to me because the previous owner had the gaskets go out and he had them replaced at a dealer. They started to leak again and he just gave up on the car. I almost got the intake off last night before I ran out of light and hope to continue again tonight. Since the factory ones didn't do so hot, I'm replacing them with Fel-Pro and will use new bolts.
I'd take the free car, flush the coolant and put in G-05. Then take grandma out for a nice lunch. The 3.1/3.4 isn't a bad engine if you can get the intake manifold repaired.

 

[Not the Autorx Frank]

why not wash it and flip both cars into a nicer one

 

[Cutehumor]

My mother in law has same the model year car. I think they haven't had any problems with it. I'm pretty sure they have the V-6, I'll have to double check though.

 

[jigen]

Hey guys, just an update that the car is NOT the V6 but the 2.4L 4cyl engine. I knew those guys had it wrong, lol. Is this engine more reliable?

 

[ArrestMeRedZ]

It isn't reported to have the IMG problems the 3.4 has. From what I've heard, it's a dog for performance, but it's bulletproof.

 

[jigen]

I am not too concerned about performance, but glad to hear it will last. : )

 

[moklock]

The 2.4L isn't bad. The worst issue I can think of with it is that a water pump replacement is a pain requiring the timing chain to come off.

They sound pratty nice IMO when ran hard but are not the smoothest 4cyl. out there.