Greetings, I wanted to share my svc history with this Engine. Most 3.6 owners here at bitog.com know about the issues with this engine (timing chain stretch, poss. Due to lack of oil flow to the chain). Anyhoo, this is our story. Purchased New Saturn Aura XR 3.6 in 2007. Vehicle currently has 130k miles. Check engine light came on about 5k miles ago, have not checked into it yet as everything is running fine. The OCI for this car has been every 5k miles since new. Using the following oils: Mobil 1 / Napa Full Synthetic / PP. all 10w30. Oil filters: AC delco and now Purolator Classic. No additives except occasional techron for the fuel. By the way these cars have a transmission fluid drain plug that is so easy to access I drain and fill 5 qts about once per year. Car Runs great. Anybody else have a 3.6 with over 100k care to share your history?
Oil / Filter / maintenance Gm 3.6L Owners
- Thread starter Sw296inchblue
- Start date
- Status
I can't believe you went that long with a light on. I check new lights immediately !
Originally Posted By: 95busa
Those lights are like little clues something is wrong
Yep! IIRC, Autozone will read it for free.
BTW OP, this is the PCMO forum.
Those lights are like little clues something is wrong
Yep! IIRC, Autozone will read it for free.
BTW OP, this is the PCMO forum.
Its the direct injection. 3.6 with the timing chain problem. Not the port injection. Version u have
I thought they both had this issue? Depends which forum you are on. The reason for not checking the light: This car lights it up every so often and it's always very minor or it just goes away by itself. Plus my mechanic is 60 miles away. Thanks for the auto zone tip, I'll try that.
Last edited:
Auto zone was quite helpful. Code P0496 Looks like I need a new Purge valve Solenoid. $26.00 bucks, not too bad. Thanks for getting me off my butt. I was looking for Other GM 3.6 owners with higher miles. Anyone out their?
How many miles per year do your drive it? I'm just wondering why you change the ATF every year on it!
Doesn't your car have an OLM? If so, just follow it with the synthetic of your choice and a P1 filter. The textured grip is awesome.
Do you burn or leak any oil? Do you have to add any oil between changes? Why are you using 10w30? Why not the recommended 5w30? You mention lack of oil flow, which could be made worse with 10w30 in Colorado, especially before the engine is warmed up.
Is your engine DI?
Doesn't your car have an OLM? If so, just follow it with the synthetic of your choice and a P1 filter. The textured grip is awesome.
Do you burn or leak any oil? Do you have to add any oil between changes? Why are you using 10w30? Why not the recommended 5w30? You mention lack of oil flow, which could be made worse with 10w30 in Colorado, especially before the engine is warmed up.
Is your engine DI?
Switching to 5w30 sounds wise. As I recall, several posts stated: Prior to the timing chains failing they would start using oil, sometimes significant amounts (definate warning sign). It seems keeping these engines clean is of paramount importance. Synthetic oil 5k oci or sooner. Regarding Direct injection: GM 3.6 v6 engines 2007 and earlier were not DI. First year was 2008, Cadillac only I believe. Then in 2009 or 2010 I think they all had DI. Along these lines, from what I've read the DI does make matters worse. With the most problematic years being 2008 and 2009. In 2010 GM made some internal engine changes to address the oil flow issues. Not sure it was a 100% fix, but it seems 2010 and up models have been far less problematic. The GMC Acadia forums cover this issue quite a bit.
Last edited:
If you don't have DI, then you don't have that issue.
The DI engine's timing chain is smaller than the pre-DI chain.
The Lambdas have it even worse since they are heavier than other cars that use the engine. Cadillacs also had quite a few due to their longer 12-15k OLM suggestions (on 4718M synthetic)
Also, you would've already received a letter from GM to bring it in, and they would recalibrate your OLM. Did you receive that letter?
The DI engine's timing chain is smaller than the pre-DI chain.
The Lambdas have it even worse since they are heavier than other cars that use the engine. Cadillacs also had quite a few due to their longer 12-15k OLM suggestions (on 4718M synthetic)
Also, you would've already received a letter from GM to bring it in, and they would recalibrate your OLM. Did you receive that letter?
tommygunn said:
That link did not not come thru right. I'm on my iPhone. Just google: subject 10287 customer satisfaction program. GM lists several 2007 models affected, All of which are non DI.
it didn't come through for me either...but I'll try a search on Cadillac forum...
Bill
Bill
Last edited:
Originally Posted By: Sw296inchblue
tommygunn said:
- Status
Similar threads
- Locked
- Locked