Bulletproof is a trademark of the GM 3.6 making it one of the vital dependable American-made engines ever made. However, its Achilles heel is the necessity to change its engine oil.
Here are some issues to concentrate on when shopping for a automobile with this engine.
Excessive oil consumption
It’s no secret {that a} GMC 3.6 engine can use as much as 1 quart of oil per 2,000 miles. GM claims that that is regular consumption, however oil change intervals may cause issues.
The drawback is that the engine will run out of oil at 1 quart per 2000 miles earlier than it lights up with the change engine oil gentle. Although the low engine oil gentle would possibly nonetheless be seen earlier than this, it’s quite common for drivers to not have sufficient oil between oil modifications.
Cam phasers are the primary to go with out oil when oil is low in these GMC engines. The timing chain is the second element that may be stripped of oil.
GM 3.6 Water Pump Failure
Coolant is circulated all through the engine by a water pump. The water pump is answerable for sustaining engine temperatures inside the specified limits. High strain may cause injury to the interior elements of those water pumps, together with the gaskets and seals.
The pump should work more durable to keep up coolant stream as inner elements put on down. Gasket leaks or seal leaks may cause strain drops within the system, once more making it harder for the water pump to work correctly.
The GMC 3.6 engine’s water pump can exit at a distance of between 80,000 and 100,000 miles. There are indicators {that a} water pump is failing, and they are often caught earlier than your engine overheats. One explanation for that is that the GM 3.6s have a “weep hole”, which is a small drain gap. Coolant can leak out of the weep gap if the water pump begins to leak internally.
To forestall overheating, we suggest that you just change the water pump as quickly as coolant leaks are detected. Overheating may cause inner injury and cracking of head gaskets. If not handled promptly, it might result in many different issues.
GM 3.6 Timing Chain Cover Leaks
The “front cover”, also called the timing chain cowl, protects and lubricates your timing chain. The cowl attaches on to the engine block and protects the timing chain towards street filth and particles. It additionally helps to stop the timing chain from slipping off its gears. The cowl’s major goal is to lubricate your timing chain with engine oil.
GM’s timing chain has a metallic entrance cowl that’s fixed to the engine block utilizing a gasket. The gasket is uncovered to warmth as a result of it sits up excessive on the engine block. Excessive warmth causes the gasket to put on down and oil to seep out of the quilt.
Failing gaskets is not going to solely leak oil but in addition let air and engine strain leak, which may result in efficiency points. It is feasible to crack a timing cowl, however most issues with this engine are attributable to gasket failure. It is essential to exchange the gasket instantly if it fails. Not solely can it trigger efficiency issues, however it might additionally result in low oil ranges that may additional injury the engine internals.
Failure of the Timing Chain On The GM 3.6 Engine
Low oil ranges are the principle explanation for timing chain issues. The timing chain is the primary element to turn out to be oil-starved when oil ranges drop. When timing chains don’t obtain sufficient oil, the friction causes the metallic to warmth. When timing chain metallic temperatures improve, the chains can stretch, inflicting them to leap enamel.
The timing chain tensioner also can make the issue worse. The tensioner maintains the right rigidity within the chain to stop it from turning into unfastened or leaping gears. The tensioner is hydraulically actuated, that means it makes use of oil strain to perform. Low oil ranges may cause the tensioner to lose its means to keep up sufficient rigidity within the chain.
Timing chain guides could be worn down by lack of lubrication.
Many drivers report their GMC 3.6-liter Engine reaching 200k miles when oil ranges had been maintained correctly. It is vital to do not forget that when you attain this mileage, there’ll in all probability be just a few upkeep gadgets equivalent to water pumps, timing chains, and sensors.
Low or dangerous engine oil can straight or not directly trigger lots of the points listed. This is all it is advisable be involved about. Enjoy the journey forward!
Source: www.automotorblog.com
