Hey guys, well as the title states, I just purchased a 1996 eighty eight. Purchased it from a family friend for only $1.00!
I will have some pictures up later this evening sometime for you guys.

Runs and drives, is in overall decent shape for a daily driver. Has an overheating issue that I need to diagnose yet.

Never owned an Oldsmobile before, and never had the GM 3800 motor before so I was curious what are some common problems with these cars that I should look out for?

Just ordered:
ACDelco Iridium spark plugs
AcDelco Professional spark plug wires
Air Filter
Fuel Filter
Serpentine Belt
PCV Valve
Valve Cover Gaskets

Anything else I should put on order? I will be ordering ACDelco coil packs too just to be safe.

Thanks!

Welcome to the forum, sounds like you're off to a good start with the tune up and maintenance items you need to replace, I would just add to check the coolant and watch the level in the overflow for any coolant loss, the 3800 will need intake manifold gasket replacement at some point, might ask the previous owner if it'* been done and most especially transmission maintenance history, if either one of those is sketchy, prepare to add to your parts and labor list.

Thank you - yeah, I was reading about the intake manifold problems.

Is it the upper and lower that both fail?

I am thinking of just ordering the revised ATP manifold and then replacing the lower at the same time. How hard are they to do? Is there a write up or DIY anywhere?

I then would have to do a full coolant flush and oil change correct?

I'm pretty mechanically inclined, so I can probably do the work myself and save labor costs.

The upper manifold tends to fail before the lower gasket does, but both are usually due for attention when one cuts loose. It'* probably a solid weekend job, especially for a first timer. There should be a writeup somewhere on it. Techinfo would likely be a good place to look.

Also, while in there, porting and polish will likely do wonders for the engines. The castings on the series 2 was inconsistant at best. Grinding intake ports to the edge of the gasket (gasket matching) works really well. At minimum, knocking off high spots in the casting should be considered.

Welcome to the forums David!
Sounds like a good deal, the photo link unfortunately did not work,would have liked to see the Olds. PM me if you need help posting photos.
Dan has a good Tech write up on the UIM/LIM, photo intense, it may take a bit to load em all.
https://www.gmforum.com/mechanical-1...ts-l36-297702/

Agree...

The overheating problem has to be resolved first......chances are you are losing coolant....do a pressure test first to see if it is EXTERNAL......mostly likely areas are the throttle body gasket, water pump, radiator, coolant elbow coming out of lower intake, etc.

If not external, then it'* INTERNAL....most likely, the upper plenum at the EGR opening(degradation of plastic at coolant passage)......and then, since you are half way there, and because of the year of the vehicle, I would do the lower intake gaskets also...

Soft Ride, good pics.....

Thanks guys, I will go rent the cooling system pressure tester from AutoZone tonight and report back my results.

How many miles on your new '96 '98?

I wonder the symptoms of the overheat. As in:

- What is "overheated" in this situation, steam and flames or high temperature readings or other?
- Does it overheat at idle?
- Does it overheat while driving in traffic?
- Does it overheat while driving at speed on the freeway/highway?
- Does turning on the heater full blast help with the overheat?

I agree with garagerog above, make sure coolant is full then watch and see if it goes down compared to last time engine was at the same temperature. Don't assume it is losing coolant if you don't know this for sure.

If you pressure test the cooling system keep the pressure 16PSI or less, some folks pump it until the head gaskets get pushed out the exhaust pipe and coolant is spraying out the water pump shaft gasket then say "there'* yer problem". Maybe you already know this, but it'* worth repeating just in case.

While we're there: Check around the water pump, like behind the pulley and some surrounding area. Is that area all gunked up while also not smelling like oil? Perhaps the water pump shaft seal is starting to seep and the pulley slings that bit of coolant everywhere. I'm about to change my second water pump for this issue (at 210,000 miles or 130,000 that I've owned it).

The 3800 Series 2 is a good engine. I have one, my dad, sister, and a friend all had one each. They all worked well. Save the UIM coolant-to-EGR issue. "Reliable as the sunshine" according to Car and Driver.