`97 engine squealing issue

hellol,
we are really stumped on this `97 3800 buick we are working on

we swapped the dead original 3800 engine out for a real low miles junkyard 3800 and its been bad luck ever since, we have had great luck with all the past 3800 engine replacements until this one now..

it has 40 psi oil pressure when cold
runs great
but when it gets all warmed up the front of the engine will start to make wierd squealing noises
if you rev it up it will go away for a second then return by the time the engine returns to idle speed again
we removed the belt and ran it and it still does it
its something in the front of the engine
we also tried another balancer, that changed nothing either
we cannot figure it out

the oil pressure sits under 40psi when warm, but i still suspect possible oil pressure/filter problem ?
it seems ot be starting to develop some bottom end ticking also, and a little bit of a knock almost when you are listening under the hood and rev the throttle by hand

is there any kind of issue with the oil pumps on the later `90's 3800 engines i need to know about


we dont know what to do now short of pulling oil pan and/or pump cover and replace the pump and inspect the pan

I have to agree with your analysis of an oil problem. I have not heard of any issues with the 3800 oil pumps. If I were you I would check to see if the oil pressure relief valve is stuck open. It could be possible that this is causing the low end ticking by not allowing enough oil to the bearings. If it turns out that the relief valve is operating normally then you will probably need to remove the lower end of the motor to check things out. Good Luck!

I have to agree with your analysis of an oil problem. I have not heard of any issues with the 3800 oil pumps. If I were you I would check to see if the oil pressure relief valve is stuck open. It could be possible that this is causing the low end ticking by not allowing enough oil to the bearings. If it turns out that the relief valve is operating normally then you will probably need to remove the lower end of the motor to check things out. Good Luck!

hi thanks GTP Dad

the relief valve you refer to is the one in the oil filter adapter assembly, right ?

how would we check to make sure it is acting correctly ?

thanks!
randy

That is the one I am speaking of. Actually since it is so easy to get to you may just want to pull the oil filter assembly off and remove the spring and valve and check it for wear or damage. These can get gunked up especially in engines that sit for a while. Once you have cleaned or replaced it simply start it and see what happens.

That is the one I am speaking of. Actually since it is so easy to get to you may just want to pull the oil filter assembly off and remove the spring and valve and check it for wear or damage. These can get gunked up especially in engines that sit for a while. Once you have cleaned or replaced it simply start it and see what happens.

ok cool good info thanks

how should this valve act
should it be in, or out when engine is off ?
or how do i check to see if its sitting right in there ?

maybe i need to learn exactly what it does and how it works

hmm

thanks!
R

It is spring loaded and it should come out when you remove the oil filter assembly. If it is stuck in the block then that will tell you that it is stuck in the closed position and not working properly. There really isn't anyway to check it other than removing it. I would go ahead and buy a new spring and valve to replace it.