GM 2.8L V6 Engine Problem

Same problem here. '83 Pontiac 6000, 2.8L V6. I let a shop do the
repair and unfortunately let them replace the standard thermostat (185
degree?) with a cooler one. (Actually, they did it first and told me
about it later.) Within a few months, exhaust gasses were leaking into
the cooling system form a head gasket leak. I suspect the 160 degree
thermostat was the cause, as the engine was meant to run hot. The
cooling fan doesn't come on until 200-210 degrees, so there was a
considerable swing in the engine temperature whenever the car idled or
sat in traffic. I don't know where mechanics get the lame idea that
cooler thermostats cause less stress on the engine.

-Larry

I have 1998 malibu with a 3.1L it has the same intake gaskets as the 1999 chevy 4.3L, not sure about the 2.8L. The intake gaskets are not hard to replace if you are pretty good with taking things apart and putting them back together, if it is leaking don't push-it get them changed out. I also had a 1990 gmc 2.8L the intake gaskets are paper type gaskets, had 1988 blazer 2.8L it had paper type gaskets also. I have a 1999 gmc bought it with a bad motor (4.3L), I also have a 1989 blazer with 4.3L with no problems

Never heard this problem or have had it on my '88 2.8L V6. I've got 90,000
miles on mine.

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/ /__ Eric Alter
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OOOOO

I own a 1980 2.8L V6 with it still has the original gaskets. My only trouble sign is loose
bearings (as evidenced by low oil pressure). I have removed the valve
covers and re-sealed them to fix a leak, and the front main oil seal is
leaking a small amount of oil. I suppose I'm just lucky judging
from the stories I hear from other owners of this engine.

The manifold gasket isn't that tough to replace, right? I'd just
buy a new one and drop it in yourself, as long as everything else is
still performing OK.

--
David Deaven
A504 Physics tel 515-294-6878
Ames Laboratory fax 515-294-0689
Ames IA 50011

Water leaking into the crankshaft is reportedly fairly
common on GM 2.8V6 engine. This is according to the
rebuild shop that just did mine (total failure of a
camshaft lobe at 88K miles).

On ANY engine check your oil frequently for signs of water
(foamy milkshake substance on the stick). Catch this early
and prevent total engine failure.

The cause of premature failure is due to aluminum parts
being used on steel blocks. This is a challenge for
cars from all continents-not just US cars. (Check
with early model Mazda 626 owners-ask them about their
head gasket lifespans).

...Dennis Henderson, rebuilt and *balanced* 2.8V6...and loving it.

I've seen this same problem posted by quite a few people. I have an S-15
that I bought used that supposedly had the engine replaced at 25K miles.
It was actually rebuilt, but I'll bet that it had the gasket failure. I
recently rebuilt the engine again, and was very carefull about the intake
gasket installation and used sealer around the water jacket holes.

Cliff
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Cliff Koch
Motorola Cellular Infrastructure Division

Supposedly, the placement of the EGR valve on this engine causes localized
overheating and gasket failure. This is mentioned in the Mar. 92 "Motor"
article I keep citing, "The V6 From Hell" (which is mostly about the
infamous MAF-related problems with this engine). That said, I have 76K
miles on my '88 Celebrity with the 2.8L V6 and no gasket problems so far.
It may be a problem specific to the Jimmy.

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- Michel

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I had an '83 S-10 Blazer that did exactly the same thing at 83K miles. Now you've got me worried, as I now drive an '87 Fiero with the 2.8L V6!!

Dave Evans

I'm pretty sure all '86 Z24's had the al heads. Mine did and it never
had the problem described. I sold it with 123k miles on it.

lew

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I have an '86 z24 w/ 2.8l 6. I can't swear it, but I think it
has iron heads. Anyhow, no problem yet (knock wood) at 117,000.
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Tony Anello \ \ Fermilab, Batavia, Illinois