2000 Intrigue has mysterious engine trouble

[2000IntrigueGX]

Hello, all! I'm brand new to the site, and I'm really hoping to glean some good information about some trouble my parents have been having with their 2000 Intrigue.

 

The car has about 145,000 miles, and the 3.5L has a tendency to sputter and cough for the first few seconds after starting when it's been parked for more than a few hours. It's been to the local GM dealer a handful of times, and though they have been able to replicate the problem, they haven't been able to diagnose what is causing it. It doesn't set off any lights in the dash or register any codes when it's hooked up to the computer, and after the first 10 seconds or so of running, the car runs just as smoothly as usual.

 

The dealership seems to be stumped as to what the problem might be, though one of the mechanics did offer a rather disheartening guess. He said it's a possibility that the head gasket has developed a very slight leak, so that a tiny bit of coolant is leaking into the cylinders while it's parked (it doesn't have any issues if it's only been sitting for a short time, such as when coming back to the car after being in a store for a while). This causes the rough run right after start-up, but once the coolant is burned off, the engine runs normally. Very occasionally my dad has needed to add a splash of coolant to keep it full.

 

We're really hoping this isn't what's actually wrong with the engine, as he also informed us that "these engines are known for head gasket problems" (which I had actually never heard...is this anyone else's experience?) and that because of the aluminum heads, they are really hard to fix (he said that the kit GM has for taking them off doesn't really work...I don't know if it strips them or what, but he said we could basically plan on throwing the engine away in that case).

 

I guess what I'm looking for is advice from anyone that may have had similar problems, or possibly verification that this could actually be what's wrong (and whether or not the car really has a "throw-away" motor). My parents are really not in a financial situation to be replacing their car again already, as they just bought this one in January of 2006 after putting over 257,000 miles on their basically maintenance-free '92 Cutlass Ciera. They're figuring that if this is indeed what is wrong with the car, they'll basically have to drive it that way until it's totally junked, because they wouldn't get anything for the car even if it didn't have some looming mechanical problem.

 

Please help if you can, and thanks so much!

[dodgethis]

Let me just say that your engine block isn't the only problem with head gasket issues. I drive a 98 lumina with a 3100SFi and it too has the issue of the LIM (Lower intake Manifolder) gaskets going out on it. I was going to mention that if it is leaking very small amounts of radiator fluid, i would think you would see some type of white exhaust coming out of the car. I know you said it only happends a few minutes, and then it smooths out, but it is worth a shot to look at. I figure also that if it is leaking i bet the spark plugs would seem clean (if all cylinders were effected by the leak). I am sure someone will chime on the issue. I actually herd good things about the 3.5L. I also wanted to ask, how there been a tune up to it already? Has the the plugs, wires, pcv, or fuel filter ever been changed with that amount of mileage?

[RobertISaar]

let it get to the situation where it acts funny, and then pull the plugs and inspect them and hell, stick a shop towel in the cylinder, twist it around a bit and pull it out.

 

if you find coolant in any cylinder, you've found your issue. if not, try something else logical.

[jtwmechanic]

plugs and wires can do wonders for a vehicle that needs them and will give you an opportunity to check out the old plugs when you change them.

[Regal_GS_1989]

The 3.5 doesn't have plug wires. Each plug is fed directly from it's own coil. They are also fairly stout motors. IIRC...there were some issues with the early ones, but, if my mind serves me correctly, those were already corrected in the 2000 model year. My GF has put just over 31000 miles on hers and so far the only things its needed were plugs and the crank sensor. Both of those jobs were a cake walk as well.

 

Hrmm...when's the last time the Crank sensor was replaced on it? According to Rob, they tend to last only 7 - 8 years....regardless of mileage. They're fairly cheap and easy to replace so it might be worth doing...especially if it hasn't been done before.

[2000IntrigueGX]

Thanks for the ideas, everyone.

 

I know the problem isn't something as simple as plugs, because the dealer already told us they look like new. We'll have to look into the crank sensor...if anyone has any other thoughts, let me know.

 

As far as any white exhaust, I've never noticed it...the only thing I've seen come out of the tailpipe looks slightly blue, almost like burned oil, if anything.

 

I'll let you know if we have any breakthroughs.

[ruktosk]

It's possible that oil and not coolant could be leaking into the cylinders and causing the "cough" you're experiencing. Since you mention that you've seen bluish smoke from the exhaust...

[Crazy K]

It's possible that oil and not coolant could be leaking into the cylinders and causing the "cough" you're experiencing. Since you mention that you've seen bluish smoke from the exhaust...

The northstar and short star are known for having cylinder inserts that seem to deform slightly which causes oil consumption...........

 

 

YOU SHOULD: pull all the pugs and take a photograph so we can see what condition they are in.