I've got a chance to pick up a 3800 L36 from a 2000 LeSabre with 3800 actual miles for $375. The car had a fire in the front between the engine and radiator. Melted the front valve cover and burned the wiring harness. Supposedly nothing else damaged. I'm wondering. But I'm tempted. What do you all think?

I'd pass. Lasting effects of a fire are never known until AFTER some time has passed.

Plus, how do you know it only has 3800 miles? That'* awefuly low miles for a 7 year car. I'd be concerned about gasket issues with such low miles for an older engine.

The car was new when this happened. Guy bought the car from insurance auction, replaced the motor, and has been driving it since. All he has is the engine for sale. It has been sitting in his shed for 7 years. Other than gaskets, could anything else be damaged? Pistons? Or would the coolant have protected them?

part it!

A 3800 with 3800 for about 380? How could you resist? LOL!

What caused a fire between the rad and engine? A fan fault and trans fluid?

I know I might be tempted and then offer something less for it. After all, that engine'* been in his shed for 7 years. If I were to take that chhance, I'd want ot have less at stake. Anyway, any money he gets from it now is just gravy, IMO.

If he truely has been driving it since then, it may be alright. Fire damage can cause many issues though.

If all the engine needs is a valve cover, then why didn't he just buy a new one?

He'd need a new wiring harness regardless of what engine he uses.

I'd ask more questions before proceeding.

That was the first thing that came to my mind as well... Why did he replace the engine instead of repairing it?

He said he needed a wiring harness and just bought an engine with a harness ???
Yeah, I know, it smells like BS.

Anyway, I'm gonna go take a look at it and see how bad it looks. I'll take my camera. This'll take a couple of hours.

Mike, I would never offer asking price.

Lol!

I guess I'm thinking probably along the same lines that you are...maybe. It would be nice to have an L36 to be able to strip down and do a few custom rebuild experiments on. For the right price, it would be a good project.

But then, I'm just a dreamer.... :? :?