1997 Bonneville 3.8 L with 171K miles and a newly exploded intake manifold. This happened to the wife while I was at work. I am hoping to rebuild with new manifold, MAP sensor, and FPR. I have read that the fuel rail and fuel injectors can be damaged in the process. I have not done anything but take a look at the intake and take a picture or two. Are there additional parts (especially sensors) that are guaranteed to have been destroyed in the incident?

Any insights or suggestions from those who have dealt with this are appreciated. I checked for recalls and they coverly the 96 and 98-99 but not the 97 as far as I can tell.

I am planning on using the updated manifold kit from APN from the jr's3800 techinfo manifold article. Any comments on this kit also appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Exploded?? Really? Or just burned through at the EGR stovepipe? Did your engine hydrolock, overheat, or what? If you experienced the dreaded intake manifold failure, drain your oil immediately and go read "the thread":

http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...e=article&k=38
That should get you started.

Sounds like the proverbial FPR leak. Make sure you change that regulator.

Thanks I for the initial thoughts the old fuel pressure regulator is definitely headed to the trash can.

Extended scenario :

The wife took the kids to school and came home for a short period of time and then the "accident" happened on start up. At first I thought she might have exaggerated and backfire with a vacuum hose had popped off that smoked a bit. When I got home and saw the damage, I google to this site. I then asked her if the car had stuttered on startup - she did not remember anything major. (Did I mention this is a handmedown everyday driver with 171K miles? So it is not perfect.)

I will try to post the picture tonight. But it looks very similar to this photos here (but with only maybe half of the damage there and no water from the fire truck

http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...highlight=fire

I guess I was asking if the MAF sensor might have survived or if it is a surefire goner, etc - replace MAF with any sensor that fits. (The two pieces of the current MAP sensor suggest a loss there.)

I will either find the one I have or get another Haynes manual but I was wondering what additional jewels of info anybody could add.

I want to fix the car but I can't justify a huge repair bill for the car at this stage in its life.

Again, thanks for any advice.

A/C Delco or another brand?

You guys are costing me $$$ since joining here. Must have dropped $500.00 in the last two weeks ..........

Here are a couple of snapshots for those interested.

Make a call to the dealer. There was a recall in the 96 97 model year for owners to bring their car in to flash the PCM to correct an exploding intake problem at start up.
Also inquire about an extended warranty.

I already checked with Pontiac and this is NOT covered by a recall on the 1997. I believe this is covered for 1996 on one recall and on the 1998-99 on another. I guess the 1997 fell through the cracks :?: .

Thanks for the thought though.

as much as that does suck. it really not nearly as bad as it could have been. you dont seem to have any fire damage. thats great news.

Agreed. I am just trying to get a best guess as to what I will find on Saturday when I tear into it.