GXP/Northstar reliabilty questions?
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2002
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Originally Posted by Jim W
Early Northstars were plagued with oil leaks....mine right now is leaking periodically due to a crack in the oil cooler lines. Later Northstars fixed the problem.
By the way, any engine is prone to leaks, so its unfair to single out the Northstar as a leaker. It is expensive...look what kinda cars it goes into...
By the way, any engine is prone to leaks, so its unfair to single out the Northstar as a leaker. It is expensive...look what kinda cars it goes into...
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Posts: n/a
I have a stupid question for you guys...
Is the water pump belt driven or timming chain driven?
I know on the older models tha PS pump and Water pump were driven on the passenger side of the engine.....
On another note, I didn't say all N* were bad... I have seen more than a few that had problems... And it would keep me from buying one...
I have seen a 3800C, 3800L, 3800K( 2 of these, Thrown rods on both ) all go to crapp before 200,000 miles...
Also I'm guessing that the 3.5 is going to be a 90* V6 as well as its designed comes from the 4.6...
No matter what we say the choice is his... If he wants a V8, thats ok... If he wants the V6 econmy, well thats ok too...
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Is the water pump belt driven or timming chain driven?
I know on the older models tha PS pump and Water pump were driven on the passenger side of the engine.....
On another note, I didn't say all N* were bad... I have seen more than a few that had problems... And it would keep me from buying one...
I have seen a 3800C, 3800L, 3800K( 2 of these, Thrown rods on both ) all go to crapp before 200,000 miles...
Also I'm guessing that the 3.5 is going to be a 90* V6 as well as its designed comes from the 4.6...
No matter what we say the choice is his... If he wants a V8, thats ok... If he wants the V6 econmy, well thats ok too...
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Junior Member
Posts like a V-Tak
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 26
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From: Chicago,illinois
The only problems that you MIGHT have with a heavily used N* is the head gasket...On the newer ones, i would recomend in a new york minute.
Three great modern engines from GM
3800 V6
Ls1/Ls2/ Ls6/Ls7 Small-block V8
Northstar engine and derviatives( shortstar and V6's0
Three great modern engines from GM
3800 V6
Ls1/Ls2/ Ls6/Ls7 Small-block V8
Northstar engine and derviatives( shortstar and V6's0
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True Car Nut
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 9,130
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From: Farmington, Minnesota =MWBF '05 SURVIVOR= =CEBF '06 SURVIVOR= =August '06 COTM=
I say look into the SSEi'* also....because they're very reliable engine....Previous owner treated my SSEi like **** when he had it, wrong octane, barely changed the oil, blew the trans.....Well I'm at 206K miles and still running great....Kinda a goofy idle.....but all things considered by the club members that have seen it....She'* a pretty mean machine.
Member
Posts like a V-Tak
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 96
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From: Northern Ca.
I have owned a 3.8... a SSEI 3.8... and a GXP. The standard 3.8 was by far the best one I had. It is still in use by the lady I sold it to. The SSEI was bought used and I think it may have been a repo as it turned out to be a POS. The GXP is being bought back by GM. You can read about it in another thread I started on it. As far as the oil leaks in the NStar, the mechanic I deal with told me the earlier versions had a sealing problem that was fixed by changing sealers. There are many people that are happy with all versions of these cars and it seems to me that it all comes down to how much luck you have the day you pick it out. Then again that could be said for any line out there. Good luck to you.
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True Car Nut
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Fitchburg Ma _ToastedRice_
my 97 aurora just hit 100,000 and leaks a little oil from the rear crank seal, but only about a half quart per 3000 miles, all my leaking is coming from the radiator... and spewing dexcool evertywhere and making a mess... that reminds me... i should fix that some day....
my 2000 bonnie has 88,000 and runs like a top, and doesnt leak a drop of anything
my 2000 bonnie has 88,000 and runs like a top, and doesnt leak a drop of anything