3.8 liter Comparasions

Need Masive help on My 1986 Oldsmobile 98 FWD Regency Brougham
(Base Model)

I know about the history of the GM/Buick 3.8 liter engine and it's development through the years. I REALLY want to know and see (Via Pictures) is the physical changes of the engine through each year. Can anyone here show this?

OR

Where do I have to go to to find it?

It seems that no one on the web came up with the idea to begin with (which would be a GREAT idea) and since I am tearing mine down, I need to know which engine I have since it had been swapped several years ago. My CAR VIN CODE SAYS I HAVE A (B) BUT THIS MAY NOT BE CORRECT WITH THE SWAPPED ENGINE! I also know GM/Buick used VIN codes 3, C, K, L. with VIN code (3) being the most popular for a 1986-1987 engine. I used the engine code on the block and can't ID where the engine came from originally. NEED SIDE BY SIDE COMPARASION TO DETERMINE WHICH ENGINE I HAVE! This is my only hope to rebuild my engine correctly with original hardware. Right now I am searching for the intake and exhaust manifold Studs and Bolts. No one I have tried has them, and I mean NO ONE.

I also am looking for a exploded view of the engine to see where everything goes in case I get lost. Alldata requires a subscription just for me to look at the damn thing which I would like to photocopy instead.

If you can help on ALL of these matters please reply here.

Serious inquiries or help only please! If you are not sure of what deatails I speak of-then reply otherwise if you do not know jack about the car the do not comment here.

Eagerly waiting for your help.
CarguyBob.

Buy a chiltons or a haynes manual from your local auto store. Either book should help you figure out which engine you have and they have exploded views of the engine...maybe not one picture of the entire engine b/c of too many parts on one page...

As far as the history of the 3800 v6, i wouldn't know that one either. Maybe a GM website?

ok wow.


First of all:


86 was weird. Thats all I can say, should be a B engine, dont have much info on this since (correct me if I am wrong) but I think GM changed to the Vin 3 halfway thru the year.
Vin........fuel...........years.......hp.........t q....Series
3______SFI_______87-88___150_____210
C______MFI_______88-91___165_____220
L______MFI_______92-94___170_____225___I
1______SFI(sc)____92-93___205_____260___I
K______MFI_______95-03___205_____230___II
1______SFI(sc)____94-95___225_____275___I
1______SFI(sc)____96-03___240_____280___II



Some confusing part numbers for the 86 3.8........

CAMSHAFT 25523930

CAMSHAFT BEARING
Application Part number
V6, Gas, 3.8L Eng, #2, #3, #5 01231142
3.8L Eng, Gas, #2, #3, #5 01231142
V6, Gas, 3.8L Eng, #1, #4 25524301


CAMSHAFT GEAR OR SPROCKET 25523115

CAMSHAFT THRUST PLATE
Application Part number
V6, Button 01250948
V6, Spring 01254199

CRANKCASE OIL SEAL 024504098

CYLINDER HEAD 025527516

CYLINDER HEAD GASKET 25525919

EXHAUST VALVE 25521841

INTAKE VALVE 25512098

OIL PAN GASKET 12346193

PUSH ROD
Application Part number
Add V6, Gas, Eng VIN B 25524317
Add V6, Eng VIN B, Gas 25524317

ROCKER ARM ADJUSTING NUT 000477212

ROCKER ARM BALL 010008244

ROCKER ARM PIVOT 22527956

ROCKER ARM SHAFT 01254201

ROCKER ARM STUD 00476530

TIMING CHAIN 12537202

TIMING COVER GASKET
Application
Eng VIN B, Gas 25525159
All applications 25536785
Mfr Body CD C 25536785

VALVE COVER GASKET
Application
Gasket 025518526
3.8L Eng, Gasket 25523348

VALVE GRIND GASKET SET 12328758

VALVE KEEPER 24503856

VALVE LIFTERS
Application
V6, Gas, Eng VIN B 05234485
V6, Eng VIN B, Gas 05234485
Gas 05234680

VALVE SPRING 25523695

VALVE SPRING RETAINER 24500873

VALVE STEM SEAL
Application
Exhaust Valve Seal, ... 024501395
Intake Valve Seal, S ... 25535162

VALVE STEM SEAL OR SHIELD 010007818




my advice:


Get a parts manual on ebay for the 86 and 87 and maybe 88 models, they are very cheap like 5 or 10 bucks a piece.

I think I found some proof of what engine I have (VIN B) by looking at the original exhaust manifold gasket. Using The FEL-PRO part number on the old Gasket and matching it to the FEL-PRO gasket kit I have, and both match. Now All I have to find is if my car has roller lifters or Flat lifters to seal the deal. Thanks for the list. It will help me out greatly.


By the way, does ANYONE know the Part Number of the original Exhaust Bolts and Studs. Mine have rusted out to badly to reuse again.

REMINDER-I have a 1986 Oldsmobile 98 Regency Brougham (base model with F.I.)

I think I found some proof of what engine I have (VIN B) by looking at the original exhaust manifold gasket. Using The FEL-PRO part number on the old Gasket and matching it to the FEL-PRO gasket kit I have, and both match. Now All I have to find is if my car has roller lifters or Flat lifters to seal the deal. Thanks for the list. It will help me out greatly.


By the way, does ANYONE know the Part Number of the original Exhaust Bolts and Studs. Mine have rusted out to badly to reuse again.

REMINDER-I have a 1986 Oldsmobile 98 Regency Brougham (base model with F.I.)


By the way, I am also looking for exploded views for this engine too so I know where everything goes and what parts were originally used.

Chiltons or Mitchell does not have the views I require. All data makes you pay for a subscription just to see the pictures, and library public access is limited on their network. Please help me get around the red tape quickly.

I found out the engine I have is a Vin Code (B) engine.

I took apart the top half of the engine on Sunday 6/5/2005 and found the FLAT lifters on the engine itself which indicates that it indeed is a (B) engine from 1986. All part numbers match identically to service manual specs. and all gaskets that are used match the original specifications from the factory. Mystery Solved!