NHTSA investigating GM supercharged offerings
T
he NHTSA has commenced an "engineering analysis" of GM's supercharged 3800 Series II V6 engine. Fitted to certain 1999-2002 models, such as the Pontiac Grand Prix GTP, Buick Park Avenue, and Oldsmobile LSS, they are apparently catching fire at a rate thirteen times greater than the naturally aspirated engine. Specifically, the agency has 180 complaints of "non-crash-related fires originating in the engine compartment while driving or after the vehicle is parked and the ignition switched off." An engineering analysis isn't a recall, it is a possible precursor to a recall. If you have that particular engine in your ride, you can find out more about the NHTSA's investigation here.
[Source: Inside Line]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Colin Smith 10:37AM (6/21/2007)
Does this mean about 14 of the normally aspirated engines have just caught fire without reason?
Is this a normal hazard, or have I led a sheltered life for the past 50 odd years? I do know someone whose Ford Mondeo spontaneously combusted, and we all considered this very, very unusual.
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Avinash machado 10:37AM (6/21/2007)
I guess the GM bashing will start soon here.
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Kevin 10:53AM (6/21/2007)
I have a two GM cars, I hate it [2005, 2006]. This is hilarious though about them catching fire. What's worse a supercharger on fire? could possibly burn or explode your car, or Toyota's Tranny woes, which would just stop the car. I would never buy another GM car in my life, the quality has gone down hill
SSBR 11:01AM (6/21/2007)
To be fair to GM, their quality has improved. And the superchargers in question are not built by GM (Built by the same people who built the TRD superchargers for the previous gen Toyota Solara).
http://www.rolesor.com
Chris Semetis 11:26AM (6/21/2007)
The supercharger (M90) is made by Eaton;
(not TRD, which is Magnuson?)
Chris Semetis 10:54AM (6/21/2007)
Eh, I wouldn't say bashing. But it sure does happen an awful lot.
My friends car. Wasn't even moded.
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Chris Semetis 10:57AM (6/21/2007)
Forgot the link... http://www.nymcgp.com/members/arcangel2479/Fire/
From what I remember, I believe the orings in the fuel rails degrade overtime, causing a leak of gas onto the hot supercharger.
Jason 10:59AM (6/21/2007)
Those pictures are insane. I can't imagine that happening to my car. Good thing it wasn't in his garage (if he has one) or his whole house could have burned down.
Chris Semetis 11:49AM (6/21/2007)
A few more I found at Clubgp.com
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v387/EricBigNally/5.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/9/web/2325000-2325999/2325335_5.jpg
Mike 11:11AM (6/21/2007)
"...models such as the Pontiac Grand Prix GTP, Buick Park Avenue, and Oldsmobile LSS"
So out of the 180 fires there must be like, 5 of these left on the road...
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toasty 11:16PM (6/21/2007)
dude you are ignorant. the years in question, not only the full sizer's (PA and LSS), but the grand prix gtp, buick regal GS, and perhaps the Monte Carlo SS too. there are MANY of these cars still on the road. I own two... nary a problem yet, though.
bmoredlj 11:14AM (6/21/2007)
The NHTSA just noticed these fires...five years after production of these cars ended?
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jg 11:35AM (6/21/2007)
Glad I didn't own the GTP. The N/A 3800 in my Grand Prix GT had some go in it. Chewed up tires but never caught fire.
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Chris Semetis 11:38AM (6/21/2007)
I'm surprised they're not looking at the L36 too.
http://www.clubgp.com/newforum/upfiles/24680/Ec88090.gif
Colin Smith 11:46AM (6/21/2007)
#7
"orings in the fuel rails degrade overtime".
This sounds like the Space Shuttle to me...
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FORD GUY 11:52AM (6/21/2007)
GM stay way from the supercharged engines. Leave it to FORD for supercharged cars they got more experience. Also, I don't think it is the supercharger which is made by Eaton. It is a design flaw in the motor. Those GM engineers are sure shaking their heads.
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fireblade 12:19PM (6/21/2007)
LOL! Typical Garbage Motors crap. Quality control is not job 1 with them-with failing transmissions and engines that catch on fire.
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glitched 12:32PM (6/21/2007)
So, does anybody know if these supercharged 3800's swap easily into an older car with a 3800's? or if the supercharger components will fit easily?
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arcsine 1:25PM (6/21/2007)
You'd need to swap the whole thing, everything down to the block is slightly different. The old trans will get chewed up by the extra torque, so that has to go too. It's more worth your while to go with a Northstar swap kit, they're almost the same price, just as difficult, and less likely to burn you alive.
I debated keeping my 98 Intrigue to do that to, but couldn't justify the cost.
aSHIRTandTIEguy 12:31PM (6/21/2007)
I don't blame GM.
I blame the owners who probably DID NOT do properly scheduled maintenance!!!
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