Newer 3.1s - Reliable?
06-30-2005, 04:04 PM
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Newer 3.1s - Reliable?
There'* a '97 Olds Supreme Coupe in the local bargain trader with only 77k miles for cheap. Those would have a 3.1 in them, right? I'm aware of the performance traits (mediocre, but similar, given weight differences and all, to my N/A '93 Bonne) but I'm concerned with reliability. I've heard they're reliable, but are we talking as rock-solid reliable as my Series I 3800 in my Bonne reliable? Or do they suffer from problems like the Series II 3800s? Some help and guidance here is appreciated. Thanks!
06-30-2005, 04:34 PM
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The 3100'* are very reliable.... I have seen them with as many as 200,000 miles....
One of the problems that they will encounter is a leaky intake gasket/*.... This is a common problem on all 3100 engines... Its usually a safe bet to have them replaced at 100k...
If you do this yourself, the only think I do not like is that helicoils are used in the head to hold the rocker in place.... I have seen very few ever have a problem in that department tho....
All in all its a good reliable engine... I'd have one....
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One of the problems that they will encounter is a leaky intake gasket/*.... This is a common problem on all 3100 engines... Its usually a safe bet to have them replaced at 100k...
If you do this yourself, the only think I do not like is that helicoils are used in the head to hold the rocker in place.... I have seen very few ever have a problem in that department tho....
All in all its a good reliable engine... I'd have one....
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06-30-2005, 04:55 PM
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i had one in my buick century.. granted, i beat the hell out of it.. but mine needed an intake gasket, head gasket, waterpump, and had a nice lifter-rap at about 75k miles..
About the head bolts.. i was pretty sure that there wasnt heli-coils, but they used bolts made out of a spring steel that couldnt or atleast shouldnt be reused?? But replaced instead.. i could be wrong
About the head bolts.. i was pretty sure that there wasnt heli-coils, but they used bolts made out of a spring steel that couldnt or atleast shouldnt be reused?? But replaced instead.. i could be wrong
06-30-2005, 05:52 PM
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As long as there isn't the 3.4 DOHC in that Cutty you're golden. I'm not sure when they stopped making that 3.4, maybe they stopped by 97, but the 3100 is good. I drove mine hard for 10 months until I sold it, and it had not one single problem mechanically. Of course I had 48K miles on it when I got it too. The 3.33 gearing was fun too! 
06-30-2005, 06:42 PM
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Good motor until the intake gaskets (or other assorted common issues) take a ****.
Address those (they aren't ridiculously expensive) and you'll be good for many miles.
Address those (they aren't ridiculously expensive) and you'll be good for many miles.
06-30-2005, 07:21 PM
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Originally Posted by SSsuperchargedEi
didnt sseimatt have one of these cars for like a day before it broke for good?
But THAT soon and THAT serious?
06-30-2005, 09:33 PM
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Originally Posted by repinS
Originally Posted by SSsuperchargedEi
didnt sseimatt have one of these cars for like a day before it broke for good?
But THAT soon and THAT serious?
07-01-2005, 01:17 AM
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Good, everyone thus far is confirming what I already thought, hehe Now, all that remains is finding the time to go look at the damn thing...
Thanks again, guys
Now, all that remains is finding the time to go look at the damn thing...Thanks again, guys
07-01-2005, 01:20 AM
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Oh yeah, BTW, it can't have the 3.4. I read on Consumer Guide'* write-up on it that they discontinued the 3.4 in '97. Yeah !
!
