GM 3.1L gasket problems, what years?

[wagsg]

Found a '90 Beretta for my son to replace his recently departed Accord. It has the 3.1L with 55K miles (really) and has been very well cared for.

Question: what year did the intake gasket problems surface (95?) and is this one of them?

Any other info on these cars would be appreciated as well. We may actually come out ahead, after insurance, if this turns out to be a good car. I can then use the excess proceeds to buy some more A-Rx, change all the fluids, tune-up, etc.

Thanks.... again!

 

[Chris142]

All years had problems. The cars with Dexcool had more than the cars with green.

 

[MGregoir]

They all had a somewhat problematic design, but Dex-Cool is what really aggrivated it. Otherwise, a good shape, 55,000 mile car if priced right is a steal. I don't think you will find anything else out there that'd offer you that good of value at that low of miles.

 

[dwendt44]

The 90 should be OK if you keep the dex-cool out of it.
GM changed the design of the intake system in the early 90s IIRC, Early 3.1s had a oil leak problem with the plug that filled the hole the distributor used to go into. BTDT.
Easy fix if serious enough.
My 2¢

 

[wagsg]

Thanks for the info. If it drives out well, and upon inspection there are no signs of problems, this is likely a winner.

It's a nice looking car (this one is a white/black 2-tone GT). I liked them when they came out and I think the handling package was very good. Not a lot of power, but I don't want power for my 16 yo son.

 

[PF52]

The MPFI engines did not have the problem. The SFI 3100 engines are the ones you are thinking of and they first appeared in 1994 if I remember right.

By the way, 1990 was the last year for the old-style Beretta interiors, the 1991+ interiors were more attractive and more durable. However, at 55K miles you may have found a real gem. Just keep the dash out of the direct sunlight because they tend to curl up near the defroster vent.

 

[paulo57509]

Originally Posted By: css9450
The MPFI engines did not have the problem. The SFI 3100 engines are the ones you are thinking of and they first appeared in 1994 if I remember right.

By the way, 1990 was the last year for the old-style Beretta interiors, the 1991+ interiors were more attractive and more durable. However, at 55K miles you may have found a real gem. Just keep the dash out of the direct sunlight because they tend to curl up near the defroster vent.


From what I have seen, the curly dash plagued model years beyond 1991. And it wasn't only Berettas. Luminas and other w-bodies got the curls too.

But I think it's a heck of a find.

 

[Jim Spahr]

I believe that Dorman has a replacement intake manifold that will solve the problem on the 3.1 V6. That wns not using the Dex Cool coolant.

 

[Drew99GT]

All the 3.1Ls have aluminum intake manifolds and it's the actual gasket that leaks on them. The 3.8Ls are the ones that leak through the actual manifold at the EGR pipe.

 

[wagsg]

Sooo... pre-1994 they are ok, '94 and up will leak.

I am looking at a very nice '96 as well. What's the approximate cost of repair if it leaks and is caught right away? $500-$600?

 

[dwendt44]

$600 is what I paid last month. Stand alone auto repair shop of high quality.
Some cut rate places will do it for less, but insist on the Fel-pro gaskets and no more dex-cool.

 

[eljefino]

If it says 3.1 on the valve cover you're likely okay.

If it says 3100 your odds are worse.

 

[Papa Bear]

A thousand times worse !!!

 

[pbm]

When I replaced the IM gasket on my 3.1 Buick last year I replaced the Dexcool with Prestone All Makes/Models which is a Dex-clone I believe. Is this as bad as using Texaco Dexcool??

Once you do the repair (if its needed) the 3.1 is a decent engine and fairly economical (25 mpg average and even better on long highway drives). Its definitely not high tech but it does the job. The key for you is price. A low mileage 1990 Beretta is not worth as much as a low mileage Camry or Accord but at the right price you can have a very good car thats cheap to keep. Good Luck

 

[wagsg]

Bidding ended on this... I didn't even bother bidding as I could tell the owner wanted more than what it was worth when I talked to him. Winning bid was $4100, book is about $2700! Somebody was really excited about the low miles.

Thanks for the good info, though. We are currently looking at another Beretta.

 

[pbm]

Somebody paid about $2000 more than I would have paid for that car.

 

[eljefino]

Incredible! I can probably get a 2003 with somewhat above average miles for that price.

Got a link?

 

[wagsg]

Here it is. Nice car but the $2700 I quoted was the HIGH book on it.

Link to listing