3400 Engines

I have a 2002 Oldsmobile Alero with a bad Intake Manifold Gasket (oil in Anti Freeze) Is this the same engine as whats in the Impala's? (2004 thru 2006)?

What is it with these Gaskets in these engines? Should i stay away from all GM's with 3400's? I was looking at a 2005 Impala today, any other resounding problems?

Geez Louise

J R

The engines changed in the 2006 model years for Impala. The 2000-2005 Impalas that have the 3400 V6 still have the same old 3400 SFI V6 VIN "E" just like the one in your Alero so they are still susceptible to the LIM gasket issue. But supposedly GM installed the new updated LIM gaskets starting in the 2003 and up production years.

I have a 2002 Oldsmobile Alero with a bad Intake Manifold Gasket (oil in Anti Freeze) Is this the same engine as whats in the Impala's? (2004 thru 2006)?

What is it with these Gaskets in these engines? Should i stay away from all GM's with 3400's? I was looking at a 2005 Impala today, any other resounding problems?

Geez Louise

J R
GM had a problem with the intake gaskets on the 3400 some say due to the coolant that was used, while others say it was a poor design and poor materials.GM introduced a newly designed gasket to take care of the issue in July of 2002, so technically 2003 models and beyond shouldbe safe from that problem.I wouldn't necessarily stay away from a vehicle with a 3400 engine, but I would check any available maintenance records for any pre-2003 vehicle you are considering buying. Make sure that the coolant has been changed on a regular basis,( the original time frame of 5yr/150K miles is no longer a good idea, touted by GM.) Hopefully the coolant was changed on a much more regular basis as the longer the coolant remained in the engine, the more prone to issues starting.)Also check to see if the intake gaskets were replaced by a former owner. If not check the oil, looking for a milky substance and the possible appearance of a mayonnaise type substance under the oil cap. Also check the level of the overflow tank to make sure the level is within the normal range. The 2005 Impala with the 3400 should not have any of the intake issues that plagued pre-2003 vehicles because of the newly designed gaskets.

As explained to this member at the Alero forum he/she has the old style LIM gaskets and all they need is to be replaced with the revised. Important part is not getting ripped off by the dealer or a mechanic.

Thanks Guys.... its funny I had the coolant flushed and changed on the 02 Alero 6/28/07 and found out the Oil in Anti freeze/LIM problem at Inspection 9/1/07.....coincidence even at 32,114 miles? oh well... this AF site is great..its a fantastic source of info.

Bob, Any suggestions on how not to get ripped off would be appretiated....

Bob, Any suggestions on how not to get ripped off would be appreciated....

Response provided at the Alero forum.

Bob, Any suggestions on how not to get ripped off would be appreciated ..do it yourself
The GM LIM gaskets have a piece of hard plastic in the center. I would find a place willing to install a Felpro gasket that has aluminum in the center of the gasket. Also to keep the Dex-cool from going caustic, I would drain the coolant from the rad and the block ( the 3.4L had a block drain plug near the knock sensor) and fill with dexcool and distilled water, no tap water or mineral water, just distilled ( 98 cents a gallon):grinyes:

Thanks T Boy...

I am buying the distilled water and dexcool tomorrow. After i CALL THE OLDSMOBILE HOTLINE....

Rock on

J R

What is it with these Gaskets in these engines? Should i stay away from all GM's with 3400's? I was looking at a 2005 Impala today, any other resounding problems?

Geez Louise

J R[/quote]

For the most part Gm has always had a problem with the 3400's but if the 05 impala was a 3800 series they are mint. I have had two cars with the 3800, one was a 1989 buick lesaber where i went through two trannys and no major engine problems and now i have a 05 impala. but i love the 3800 series especially supercharged :P

3800 series especially supercharged Yes the SC W bodies are nice. 240 hp stock. If you change to a smaller pully more HP, you would need engine mods too to keep from killing the engine.