Community Login
username:
password:
Survey Results
Do you think grassroots racing will suffer as a result of the economy?











 
1/4/2008
Click on a thumbnail to see the full-size image

Buick 3800 VIN K Cam Problems



Some of the 1995-’99 Buick 3800 VIN K cores are showing up with the keyway in the snout of the cam all wallowed out. When this happens, the cam gear rotates back and forth on the snout which not only ruins the cam, but also changes the valve timing and leads to abnormal combustion. We have seen valves that are bent because they collided with the pistons and heads that are cracked from the excessive heat.

 
Some of the 1995-’99 Buick 3800 VIN K cores are showing up with the keyway in the snout of the cam all wallowed out. When this happens, the cam gear rotates back and forth on the snout which not only ruins the cam, but also changes the valve timing and leads to abnormal combustion. We have seen valves that are bent because they collided with the pistons and heads that are cracked from the excessive heat.

Watch for bad cams, bent valves, broken guides and cracked heads on these engines and anticipate the additional cost of parts and repairs when pricing them.

Comment on this article:
 
More Tech Notes
Chrysler 3.7L Throttle Body 'Whistle-Like Sounds'
Whistling sounds have been reported coming from some 2007 Chrysler 3.7L engines. The intake-to-throttle-body joint may be the ca...

Valve Train Ticking Noises Reported on Honda 2.2L Engines
There have ...

Avoid Over-Filling Oil in Ford, Lincoln and Mercury Engines
Incorrect oil levels are being found in many 2002-2003 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles. In most cases, the level is bei...

1994-2005 GM Northstar 4.6L Engine Head Bolt Thread Repairs
When disassembling the GM Northstar 4.6L engine, all head bolt threads should be thoroughly inspected as they are removed. If there is any section of the aluminum block thread left on the bolt, that bolt hole will need to be repaired using a Tim...

Overcoming Cam Problems in GM 4.3 V6 Vortec Industrial Engine
The GM 4.3 V6 Vortec industrial engine is a rugged engine that has been used in a variety of applications. However, some...

search
 Search all editorial content
781 articles & videos
 





Engine Builder is a Babcox Publication
3550 Embassy Parkway
Akron, OH 44333
330-670-1234 • (FAX) 330-670-0874