99 Alero-camshaft Problem

Can someone tell me what causes your camshaft to snap in half?

Welcome to AF. Manufacturing defect for one, or seized cam bearings fom lack of lube or poor maintenance. Mentioning the engine family might help to elicit additional comments.

Thank you for your reply. It is a 3.4 liter/6 cyl,i was curious because i was informed that antifreeze could have gotten in there and lock up one side of the cam.

Correct, if the coolant contaminated the oil sufficiently, all the bearings are in jeopardy.

I am trying to figure out if this was caused by a head gasket leaking.My head gasket was replaced 10 months ago and I took it to get a oil change and the guy brought me in to the shop and pointed out that he believed my head gasket was leaking antifreeze,which explained the loss of antifreeze and my car starting to overheating suddenly.Any help or comments pertaining to this will be very helpful.Thanks in advance.

It could be a head gasket problem, but is more likely a intake manifold gasket. very common problem with this motor. I have had to replace mine twice now. 1999 olds alero 3.4L with 180,000 miles.

Please look at the dates before replying, this is way too old, thanks.