GM recall for possible fire (2009, gasket, sedans, spark plugs)

[sailordave]

GM recalling 1.5 million cars over fire fears - CNN.com
(CNN) -- The possibility of engine fires has prompted General Motors to recall nearly 1.5 million passenger sedans manufactured between 1997 and 2003, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced Monday. The affected vehicles have naturally aspirated 3.8 liter V6 engines
The problem involves a potential for oil to leak on the exhaust manifold during hard braking. When a car operates under normal conditions, the manifold can get very hot.
Oil that runs below the manifold's heat shield could ignite and spread to plastic channels that hold spark plug wires.
The vehicles involved are:
• 1997-2003 Buick Regals.
• 1998-2003 Chevrolet Luminas, Monte Carlos and Impalas.
• 1998-1999 Oldsmobile Intrigues.
• 1997-2003 Pontiac Grand Prix.

[sonarrat]

They needed this like a hole in the head..

[sailordave]

what makes this worse is this isn't some brand new engine that hasn't been tested. This is the old reliable 3.8 V6. For more than two decades this was one of GMs best engines. I have to wonder if there were other hidden dangers with this same engine that GM never acknowledged. Remember the supercharged 3800 series engines that powered some of GMs large front drive sedans? Those were sweet rides. Too bad that some of those sweet rides are included in this recall.

[Tennesseestorm]

Well, no fires have been reported and personally I dont think it would be a big chance of fire. It claims that possible oil leaking could drip on the exhaust and catch fire, but I have seen cars with heavily leaking valve covers and oil dripping on the manifold and it only smokes. It takes extreme heat to catch oil on fire... its not like gasoline. I guess it depends on how hot the engine gets, but I dont think this is the fault of these GM cars, because gaskets wear out over the years. Its nice that GM is taking care of it since this is a basic wear item anyway and they are only doing this as precaution. I just wish all automakers would do this for a leaky valve cover gasket. My Lexus has two leaking valve cover gaskets, but my car is almost 20 years old with 220K miles. Sad part is that it is a costly task on this car (I wish Lexus would recall). Some cars its not as bad. Just depends on the engine.

However, it looks like with the detailed explanation on these GM cars that they may get hotter than alot of engines and the oil may drip to hotter areas.

[mrkyleturk]

I own a 1998 olds intrigue, and it has definitely caught fire to the spark plugs! I called GM and unlike everyone else, i had to file a damages case, the rep should be callin me in the next few days. what happens is, yes, there is oil leakin out the gasket, but it is getting to my spark plugs and igniting, since then, i have many things wrong with my olds, my radiator fans quit, and my a.c. dont work, i have a bunch of sensors out, and ive spent hundreds replacing hoses and stuff, they better be buyin me a new car!!!! has anyone heard anything about it involving the cooling systems.

[Tennesseestorm]

Sorry to hear about your misfortune. I am not sure of anything about the cooling systems.

On most cars, oil leaking from these gaskets normally dont cause any issues other than a little smoke and unpleasant smell, but obviously the engines on these cars are designed in a way where the oil reaches extremely hot parts of the engine or some electrical items.

I thought that the Intrigue was one of the better Oldsmobiles... guess not. My mom has a 1997 Oldsmobile Acheiva with the 2.4L 4-cylinder and its been a very good car, even with 175K.

[southernnaturelover]

I had a '99 Grand Prix GT and never noticed an oil leak.

My main problem with that car was water leaking into the ventilation intake during heavy rain, which caused the passenger floorboard to get soaked, and the a/c controls and resistor to get shorted out. Since the headlights were tied into it, they also wouldn't work when the a/c was turned on. Seems to me like that was a bigger fire hazard than an oil leak.

[Tennesseestorm]

Originally Posted by southernnaturelover

Seems to me like that was a bigger fire hazard than an oil leak.

Wow, yeah, it sounds like it!

[AllenKarber]

My wife has a 2000 GTP,and we love it. This recall doesn't worry me at all.