I just purchased a 1994 SE with 97,000 miles. Everything ran fine when I purchased it, but it just smoked for about 1 minute after starting. It had sat for a few days and I figure it is oil leaking past a valve seal. After doing some reading it seems the 3.8l engines have intake manifold problems, but it is not clear to me if it happens to the L27 engines in a 1994. I was going to have it replaced to be safe, but now I am not sure. Should I have it replaced? Anything else I should have replaced? I want to avoid the engine failures I have read about.

Thanks!

The intake manifold problems didn't start until 95, so your'* is most likely fine. The EGR routing changed for 95 and created a weak spot. Your smoke could be leaky valve stem seals.

Thanks, I assume the leaky seals will be OK as long as I am not burning too much oil. Any other problems to look for on the 1994? The car is in great shape and I would like to drive it for a few years if I can.

Don't beat on it. The 92-94 L27 typically lasts a really long time. My family has 2 92'* that are still running fine at nearly 400k miles each. The tranny is the weak spot. 100-150k is when they fail if they are gonna.