Im not sure if this has been posted but i searched and didnt see it

I recived a letter from gm today on a safety notice and it reads as folloing

Gm will soon anounce a safety recall to correct an issue that may cause a fire in the 2000 buick regals with a superchargered engine

We believe the fire is caused by drops of engine oil beingdeposited on the exhaust manifold through hard breaking. If the manifold is hot enough and the oil runs below the heat shield it may ignite into a small flame and in some instances the fire may spread to the plastic spark plug wire channel .This may have happened in one of one thousand vehicles.

Three very important precautions to take are
- we strongly recommend to not park in a garage , car port, or other structure
- IF you notice a burning order, you should have your buick inspected by the dealer free of charge
- Use 91 octane or higher in your vehicle

Questions call gm customer assistance 1 888.832.8425

There you go but :runaround: if u smell a burning smell? hard to say if most of these engines leak at valve cover, oil pan and rear main. Ill try to limit my driving until recall fix. Since this is my second car.

The recall is applicable to all '97-'03 Buick Regal GS and Pontiac Grand Prix GTP models only which have the L67 SII 3800 supercharged engine.

So why was the PA Ultra L67 Series II VIN (1) S/C engine not included? Do they not think we drive them as hard? I have noticed that "burning smell" in my Ultra when I arrive to work in the morning, after several 1/4 mile blast and "some hard braking"! Strange thing is, it is only on the front valve cover. I was planning to change the gasket this weekend, if it don't ignite first? :screwy: Strange that it took 12 years for GM to admit to this problem! :dunno:

Good question Bo. Not only should it be applicable to all Vin "1" L67 GM cars but the L36 Vin "K" as well. I believe the difference is the way the engine mounts. The "W" bodies have the two dogbone front engine mounts and probably more engine movement during braking since this is when the problem is supposed to occur. Also, it involves a mod to the ignition wire mounts.

The recall is moot or worthless in my book since I have replaced all of my valve cover gaskets as many owners already have.

Good question Bo. Not only should it be applicable to all Vin "1" L67 GM cars but the L36 Vin "K" as well. I believe the difference is the way the engine mounts. The "W" bodies have the two dogbone front engine mounts and probably more engine movement during braking since this is when the problem is supposed to occur. Also, it involves a mod to the ignition wire mounts.

The recall is moot or worthless in my book since I have replaced all of my valve cover gaskets as many owners already have.

I have the "K" code.
When I heard that recall on the radio I checked it out quick.
I have 500,000 on mine and I hope it doesn't start the garage on fire.

cheers

I have the "K" code.
When I heard that recall on the radio I checked it out quick.
I have 500,000 on mine and I hope it doesn't start the garage on fire.

cheers

Needless to say the recall does not cover the L36 VIN "K". However just do a closer inspection just in case. Look for oil seeping out of the front valve cover gasket and dripping down the cylinder head or onto the exhaust manifold. Also, you may smell burning engine oil or see smoking.

The recall is moot or worthless in my book since I have replaced all of my valve cover gaskets as many owners already have.
That's probably why GM waited so long. They were probably hoping owners would replace the gaskets already at their cost thus saving GM some money. :dunno: :lol:

so i take it this just covers the frontgastket?

well i changed my front gasket in october. it was leaking like crazy.

so i take it this just covers the frontgastket?

well i changed my front gasket in october. it was leaking like crazy.

That is correct.


That's probably why GM waited so long. They were probably hoping owners would replace the gaskets already at their cost thus saving GM some money. :dunno: :lol:

Yeah it figures Tom. One problem is I don't see why the VIN "K" 3800s are excluded and the recall is not applicable to other GM cars with the L67 other than "W" body.

Something interesting I discovered when purchasing and replacing the gaskets on my L67 S/C Ultra. The L67 & L36 Felpro gaskets have a different shape, due to the location of the injectors on the SC manifold. (Notice pics below) In addition, the L36 is a blue rubber, where as the L67 is red rubber (silicone) both Felpro brand. The price for the L67 SC gaskets was 50 bucks, vs. 14 bucks for the VIN “K” L36. Grommets for the L36 had to be purchased separately @ 8 bucks for the set. Sorry, but they are not interchangeable! :shakehead I can’t imagine how the gasket design, or color of the rubber, would have any effect on long term durability, but I thought it was worth mentioning.

Another thing I noticed, the heads do not have adequate oil drain back @ the base of the heads (low spot) so therefore, the oil accumulates above the valve cover gasket area and is just looking for a way to escape. :screwy:
http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/378/vin1l67vcgasketspf0.jpg
http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/1267/valvecovervinkl36qx1.jpg

Another thing I noticed, the heads do not have adequate oil drain back @ the base of the heads (low spot) so therefore, the oil accumulates above the valve cover gasket area and is just looking for a way to escape. :screwy:


That is good info to know Bo. Thanks. :thumbsup:

On the FelPro gaskets I really don't know what the significance of the color coding is. :dunno:

Now as an alternative good ole Autozone has the Duralast brand valve cover gasket set for the VIN "K" 3800 which are supposedly made by Felpro for AZ. Part number is VS50080R for around $10.99 depending on where you live in the U.S. Interesting thing is this set has both valve cover gaskets and the 12 rubber grommets for the cover bolts. 6 are needed on each side. As you can see by the color they are black. :runaround:


http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y186/lizzywiz/DSC09252.jpg

I decided to do the front valve cover gasket on the wife's '99 Regals LS (VIN "K"). It was first replaced back at 65K miles. Now replaced at 128K miles. It was a GM/AC Delco gasket and orange in color. I noticed it was flattened out but no deformation or significant bad spots but it was leaking. Doubled check the torque before removing it and it appeared to have been properly torqued down at 89 in-lbs. Other than being dirty the valve cover bolt grommets looked OK.

Talking about a PITA job due to the right engine mount. The whole dog bone engine mount bracket had to be removed to get the valve cover off. :banghead:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y186/lizzywiz/DSC09261.jpg

I got that same notice as well for my 99 Regal. I have never changed mine, and I don't think it's leaking. (yet) I wonder if GM will actually change it when they put the recall out?

I got that same notice as well for my 99 Regal. I have never changed mine, and I don't think it's leaking. (yet) I wonder if GM will actually change it when they put the recall out?

How many miles do you have?

Since it is a safety recall with a possibility of engine fire GM will replace the front valve cover gasket and do the ignition wire mod free of charge. Regardless of whether you have an oil leak.

I still get recall notices from GM concerning recall issues that I elected to waive or not have performed like the headlamp issue. They are persistent.

I still get recall notices from GM concerning recall issues that I elected to waive or not have performed like the headlamp issue. They are persistent.
Yes they are Bob. I still get recall notices every so often for vehicles I no longer own , and have even sent back the little postcard they send with the recall notice informing them that I no longer own said vehicle.

How many miles do you have?

Since it is a safety recall with a possibility of engine fire GM will replace the front valve cover gasket and do the ignition wire mod free of charge. Regardless of whether you have an oil leak.

I still get recall notices from GM concerning recall issues that I elected to waive or not have performed like the headlamp issue. They are persistent.

It's got 200,000 km on it.

Is this an actual recall? Can I take it in now, or do I have to wait till it's official?

I've had all my others done. (including the headlight)

It's got 200,000 km on it.

Is this an actual recall? Can I take it in now, or do I have to wait till it's official?

I've had all my others done. (including the headlight)

Yes it is according to articles out and since the NHTSA is involved. See link below for more details and FAQs concerning this issue. Since you are in Canada contact a local GM dealer or GM/Buick Customer Service.

Click here (http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/f33/upcoming-recall-07035-97-03-gp-regal-3800-s-c-vin-1-a-61961/)

Also, GM dealers have notice of the issue by way of a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB).

I decided to do the front valve cover gasket on the wife's '99 Regals LS (VIN "K").
Talking about a PITA job due to the right engine mount. The whole dog bone engine mount bracket had to be removed to get the valve cover off. :banghead:

Thanks Bob for all the additional links, info & pics. After reading you post, I am almost embarrassed to tell how easy the front gasket was to change on my PA, but I will anyway, for the benefit of others. I drove the car home from work last Friday and let it sit for about fifteen minutes to cool a little while gathering a few tools needed to remove the valve cover. I used a 3/8 Milwaukee cordless impact to loosen the six valve cover bolts. I wanted to see if the valve cover would come off without removing the ICM mount and it was tight, but it did come off. I had to remove one bolt (nut) holding the boost control wiring connector and the 1-3 & 5 ignition wires and move them aside. A total of five-minute had elapsed at this point! Once I had the cover off, I took a 10-minute break while the cover was soaking in carb cleaner. I used a parts cleaner brush to clean the inside of the cover and grooves where the gasket fits. (another five minutes)! I then carefully replaced the bolt grommets and the gasket in the cover grooves and placed the cover back in place & tightened the bolts to spec. Total work time was 10 min + 10-min soak time (Break). In addition, the engine was still hot during this procedure, so I had to be careful not to burn myself. :angryfire

Good to know Bo. Man this thread has so much useful information that I think we'll 5 star rate it. :grinyes:

Quite obvious the LeSabre and PA have a different engine mounting system so that is a plus compared to the "W" bodies. As you can see by the first pic.

Also, I had to remove the top ignition coil (6/3) in order to get to one of the 13mm bolts holding the aluminum engine bracket with my 13mm open/box end wrench. A socket would not fit due to the UIM clearance. If it weren't for the engine mount the job would be a breeze. The only easier engine that I know of is the GM 3100/3400 60 degree engines.

On the ICM the mount I believe it was redesigned in the 1999 and up models so you can get to the far right valve cover bolt fairly easy. As you can see in the 2nd pic the remaining coils and ICM are intact with the valve cover removed.

I made sure the gasket surface on the cylinder head was cleaned up for a good seal and cleaned the inside of the valve cover with the old oil sludge and varnish similar to what you did. Same for the seal groove.

The gasket was an easy fit but must be inserted with the bead out. Also, I coated the gasket surface with a light coat of clean engine oil before placing it down. The gasket held good and tight without slipping off. Also, I noticed when tightening the valve cover bolts starting with the inside in a cross hatch pattern and then working out to the two outer that you will feel each bolt with new grommet bottom out and then just a short turn to the right until the torque wrench clicks off at 89 in-lbs. BTW - I used 1/4" drive tools on the valve cover bolts.


http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y186/lizzywiz/DSC09255.jpg


http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y186/lizzywiz/DSC09260.jpg

Just as a FYI, I stopped by the dealer today, and they looked at mine, and it wasn't leaking. They said not to worry about it until I get the official recall notice, then bring it in. They said if it was bad, they would do it no problem. Their information is that GM is trying to get a source, and some inventory for the replacement parts. They did say that if I start smelling oil burning, to bring it right in.

Just out of curiosity, how hard is it to change the rear cover gasket on these cars? I figure if they do the front, I may do the back, just to make sure I'm good and leak free.

Just out of curiosity, how hard is it to change the rear cover gasket on these cars? I figure if they do the front, I may do the back, just to make sure I'm good and leak free.

Not difficult DIY but nothing is really easy on the GM FWD engines. :grinno:

IMO the rear is easier but the alternator has to be removed or set aside to get to the top right valve cover bolt. The other 5 are easy to get to and remove with 1/4" drive type tools. Also, you have to remove the front 02 sensor wiring harness mounting bracket from the rear exhaust manifold. Just one 13mm nut holds it on. It blocks easy removal of the rear valve cover.