2001 Series II 3.8 v6 blowing oil filters - fix

[mikesmith20001]

Hello,

Just want to give you guys a heads up on a problem i had with my 2001 Buick Regal Series II 3.8L v6.

Started the engine in the morning as normal, it blew the oil filter off and sprayed all the oil over the driveway.

Took it to my regular mechanic as i don't have a garage yet to take it apart myself. He replaced the oil filter and refilled the oil. Started the engine and it blew the oil filter again, anway this went on for a while. He was unable to find why it was doing that and sent me to an engine rebuilder saying it may need a new engine (at 120,000 i didn't think so).

The engine builder knew his stuff, he removed the housing which the oil filter screws on to. Behind that was a rod
which he said governs how much oil pressure is to be generated and sent through the filter up to the headers, this
rod was stuck in the position to make the most amount of pressure.

He found it was stuck becuase of oil gunk getting behind and not allowing it to retract.

I made the mistake of not changing the oil until the "change oil" light came on, so i'll go back to my 4,000 kms or 3 month rule.

Anyway, hope this helps some others with the same problem.

Mike
[email protected]

[Logitech]

Originally Posted by mikesmith20001

The engine builder knew his stuff, he removed the housing which the oil filter screws on to. Behind that was a rod
which he said governs how much oil pressure is to be generated and sent through the filter up to the headers, this
rod was stuck in the position to make the most amount of pressure.

He found it was stuck becuase of oil gunk getting behind and not allowing it to retract.

Thanks, I have that exact model and will know what to do if the problem arises.

[BNaylor]

Interesting info. First I've ever heard about it. Not a common problem. But I guess it is not a good idea to let oil go that long without a change. Especially if it is dino and not synthetic oil.

Out of curiosity what brand and weight oil do you use and brand oil filter?

[richtazz]

Normally, the oil pressure valves only get stuck with debris, like from a broken piston ring. I've never heard of one sticking from sludge. Do you run Pennzwax or Quaker-Slate?

[mikesmith20001]

Sorry for the late response, was away with work.

Oil thickness: Whatever was on the filler cap
Brand: Castrol
Filter: GM from the dealer

Thanks,