One of my daughters performed this same surgery on her Malibu with the 3.1. She was just 21 years old and it was her first big maintenance project. My only involvement at all was showing her how to properly use a beam torque wrench. When done she handed me the keys to try it - "NO", says I, "You did the work, you do the first start.". She did and it was perfect. Job done.

My son REALLY wanted a Monte Carlo SS for his first car(6 years ago). Since I was the guy buying it and I knew him well enough, he got a Prius. LOL

Oh the memories. I've torn down and rebuilt over a dozen 3800s. Most were supercharged, but a few were N/A. I kinda miss them. So simple compared to the DOHC turbo motors we have now.

My grandfather got one of these Monte Carlo ss back in the day. He got pulled over going 140mph. The cops asked why he was going so fast. Grandpa told him it was a beautiful day to go fast.

This was a walk down memory lane. Did so very many of these back in the day. GM 3.8L was a good engine, but it had some serious weaknesses. This was the main one. This was an amazing clean one though, considering the age. The owner lovers this car, and wants to keep it pristine. Good to see.

They make a upgrade kit for the coolant bypass elbow, that replaces the plastic elbow with a metal one. Should be done on every 3800.

I had a 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue with the 3800 V6. Same kind of very low mileage vehicle. I bought it in 2011 with I think 45000 miles. I know they're solid engines but man did I get every 3800 problem in the book. Lower Intake Manifold gaskets were first like a year in. That coolant elbow cracked one winter and left me stranded 100 miles from home several years later. The Crankshaft Position Sensor failed too and again left me stranded 100 miles away from home several years after that. Oil leak around the Exhaust Manifold Gasket (but I never bothered fixing that). It was pretty much the text book engine one "here's all the things on the 3800 that will fail and leave you stuck". It was one of my first cars and got me started in life, but I didn't miss it at all when I get it to Rawhide after it turned 21.

Must buy bulk brake cleaner and wobbly sockets. I was wondering why I struggled so much as a DIY wrencher by not having these must have items.

No engineer ever thought that us Mechanics Would use the Wiper Cowl as a Catch all for all parts nuts and bolt during a repair, disassembly, Reassembly @Rainman Ray's Repairs

As a recently retired mechanic of 47 years I have to say your vids are the best, we constantly look for and find more efficient ways to preform our tasks. Love your commentaries. If I had to return to the workforce I would definably like to work in the next bay from you.

when you reinstall that plastic elbow joint, lube that o-ring with coolant.... any time you install an o-ring, lube it up..... i learned this hard way with a radiator drain plug.... 👍🏼

Somebody please get this man a parts washer 😄😄😄 Greetings from Lake City 😎😎😎🌴🌴🌴🌴🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

...It's a classic...don't see to many of these anymore.... I remember when these first came out! :)

very satisfying to watch a master mechanic at work

I did this same job a few years ago on my 01 Lesabre. Wasn't difficult, but I recall replacing the plenum, elbow, and the egr / manifold tube. Those hidden bolts will fool you if you aren't looking. Great video!

A lot of that looks so familiar. I had several cars with engines very similar to that: 1990 Pontiac 6000, 1994 Cavalier Z24, and a 2007 Monte Carlo. The Pontiac 6000 made it to 240,000 miles, where my dad drove it for 100,000 as a company car before I got it, and I drove it for another 240,000 until it became too expensive to repair. The Z24 made it only 160,000 before the transmission quit shifting out of gear when braking or stopped and was too expensive to repair. The Monte Carlo made it to 100,000 miles before I traded it in on a Subaru Legacy in 2015. I replaced so many of the more simple to replace parts. They were great cars, IMO.

I enjoy that you love the cars that the interiors are made completely of plastic and are known for dashes cracking constantly 😂 gotta respect a man that knows what he likes no matter what Respect my friend

I have the same issue on my lesabre, I just bought it 3 months ago and the seller I guess forgot to tell me. It doesn’t overheat though, I’m able to run errands, under 10-20 miles a day, occasionally hour long trips on the highway. My mechanic told me just drive it until I can’t, not to put it a nickel into it, it’s not worth it. But you make it look doable to fix, thank you.

I notice that a lot more of your customers give the go-ahead for repairs now that they’re coming to you directly

Hi Ray much respect bro, I have done several of these repairs and few tips I have is to pull the alt. and replace both v/c gaskets and spark plugs also you will be replacing 2 plastic elbows there with updated metal ones, only use fel-pro gaskets that are metal and rubber and for god sake please replace that plastic upper plenum with the Dorman or OEM! It is probably warped and will leak coolant into the engine, It happened to me in my 3.8 Grand Prix after I did this same repair and started knocking 2 weeks later because it leaked coolant into the engine and went through the bearings and caused a knocking noise☹ It cost me a motor because I was uninformed about those plenums being a problem! Almost every repair I did after that I advised the customer to replace it and I haven't ever had a return repair since.

Wow these 3.8's are way different to the Australian variants for the LIM upwards (mainly due to the fact they were used in a RWD configuration here), we never had a plastic intake plenum was always an alloy plenum and redesigned LIM to have the thermostat towards the front of the engine (except in the L67 (Supercharged) where it remained at the back of the engine and they're a total PITA to change the thermostat as you have to take a lot of the intake components out to change it)). Saying this though, I love the GM 3.8L (or as we Aussies call it - the "Mang" (Sound they make when bouncing off the limiter LOL)), such a stout little engine that can take a hell of a beating. Those plastic LIM gaskets are trash though, I have always replaced them with Alloy ones which last forever as they do not break down over time.

My First Monte was an 81. it was poop, but in 1999 I drove it from Des Moines, IA to Parkersburg, WV with no AC, Radio, or Cruise. but DAMN that one looks NICE! I've seen it in many vids.

I had a 2000 Monta Carlo when that design came out. The 3.8 was one great engine. Chip eliminated the rev limiter so could easily cruise at 120 mph. Mine was a emerald green SS.

These engines were in the holden commodore in Australia from 1988 to ~2005 in rwd platform ... good fun for what they were 👍

I own an '05 Grand Prix, 3.8L super charged. Last summer in my driveway over about 3 days I did the upper, lower intakes, both valve covers, plugs, injectors. Very easy to work on motor. I ended up with no bolts or nuts left over! No more burnt oil smells!

I've had to replace the coolant elbows on a 3.8 impala ls they were a pain to get out completely but found the local parts store had a doorman direct replacement set decently priced that are made of aluminum

Finally ...a straight forward job where you tackle one task after another, WITHOUT having to melt some bolt off with a blowtorch for two hours. And, thanks for saving that sweet car.

I think a parts cleaner just possible will pay for itself at this point, LMAO. Brake Parts cleaner Mania, I Love It!!

That yard actually looks like a salvage yard full of junkers ready to be shredded.

Brings back memories! Good Ole 3.8!! Remember the earlier ones with the EGR tube burning a hole in the upper manifold ? Be Well!

New Rainmain Ray motto: Keeping the brake cleaner distributors in business since 2022.” 😂

I did this on my 3.1l several years ago and wish that I had this video before. There are several things I would urge everyone doing this job. 1st replace the plastic elbows with the aluminum replacement. 2nd. Do the fuel pressure regulator. 3rd replace the EGR valve at this time as it is totally open and easy to do right now. 4th test the injectors for spray pattern and volume, replace-clean them as need. 5th Replave the valve cover gaskets (again this is the best time to do them as everything has been removed). 6th. Lastly Water pump, serpentine belt and all hoses. I know this is a massive add to the expense but it is 100% preventative and MUCH easier while the whole top end is off.

I watch every day I wished we had Auto Repair men like you out here in California like you Ray. You a do a great job I like the gravity great mechanic.

Amazing execution Ray! You’re the man!

I keep a box of cheap sandwich bags in the shop with a note pad. On complex jobs, every component gets it's bolts and small parts in a bag with a quick note. "Water Pump, long bolts at 2 o'clock and 10" for example. When bags are all empty, job is done, have a beer.

I'm getting ready to do this on my 03 SS Monte.I've got coolant leaving a puddle on my upper intake. Going ahead to do the lower intake gasket as well. Glad you did video on this. The others I've seen leave some things to question.

Up here in the Rust Belt, we would call that beauty Showroom new. Fix her well, Ray, and when the owner picks her up, give that Monty a firm but gentle pat on the rear quarter.

I think they are great engines. I got a 3.1 in a 2000 malibu bought it 17 years ago with 70k on it. I still drive to this day body isn't looking so great but runs like the day I bought it with 317,000 miles on it. Factory engine and trans. I replaced intake gaskets once at 130k. Getting ready to do a oil pan reseal on it but I plan on running it until it quits. Like always Great Video Ray.

Funny you mentioned the coolant in oil requiring mandatory replacement of oil. My sister was adamant it was fine because 'oil cools the engine', it took some time but eventually she realized her mistake when her car died, didn't matter because it was a very old car anyway but the main thing was she realized I was right!

Heeeeey, a Shop Vac ! Such a GOOD idea!

I had a 99 Grand Prix with 3.8. Great car and great engine. Needed to garage for winter as it was always getting stuck in the snow.

You do a great job, Ray! As a 50 yr. master tech for GM, oil in the coolant is usually a leaky head gasket. Coolant in the oil is a leaky intake gasket. If an engine overheats, the head gaskets get damaged. Stay tuned folks for the next video: "Replacing head gaskets 2003 Chevy Monte Carlo 3.8". P.S. Dorman makes aluminum elbows for the bypass, use genuine GM o-rings and chuck the Dormans.

IMO best engine ever made... series II was my favorite as it had all the upgrades from the series I but GM on the later versions of the series II into the series III cheapened these engines out with subpar gaskets and plastic intakes and with that this once great bulletproof engine spanning over 30 years was gone and ushered in the junk known as the 3.9 V6 .

1989 baby blue Mont Carlo 2 door V-8 5.3 liter engine!!! Loved that car!!

Two venture vans, 1 rendezvous and I was enjoying the dickens out of this. You sir, are very entertaining with this bugger of a job.

Love this.. got just 60k miles on my ser. III 3.8 in Grand Prix. Had the blown version L67 previously in my GTP. This is just so damn reliable! Deff. One of the bright spots of GM. Oh and lmao on the Moana reference! 😆

Ray, that was a brilliant job. I can’t see why people would complain about that. If they were smarter they’d complain that you’re too efficient and you’re not working on a Ford or a Lamborghini. I also didn’t see you bleed… how can the job be done when you isn’t bleeding? 😂 nothing but respect.

Tip : Battery terminal brush works well for cleaning housing for that plastic elbow. Can get similar brush plumbing section box store. Cheers.

Lol, "Tussen" that one never gets old. Was a bigger fan of the 70 Monte Carlo but the GM engineers did a good job on this body style also. Every time I see one I think of Dale Earnhardt.

Meticulous attention to keeping the engine shiny parts shiny (the shop floor, not so much), video skills (those lights and camera angles make Ray's presentations the most revealing on KZfaq and that takes significant time and effort), a clear and concise running commentary with seemingly effortless mentioning of why certain things are, or are not done on points that could be easily overlooked but are, nonetheless significant, e.g. coolant temp sensor replacement is easily overlooked, why he went from abrasive fingers to abrasive pad, why oil change is a "must do" with this job and many more) are what sets Ray's offerigs apart from all others on KZfaq. All of these factors along with Ray's upbeat approach to everything and articulate verbal content cause me to proclaim him the "Master of KZfaq Automotive Repair Videos". We need more mechanics like Ray, but we also need more instructors in out technical schools like him as well. If you ever get tired of doing Ray, please consider a switch over to teaching others your trade. You are a natural teacher.

ON MONTE CARLO EVERYTHING IS VERY NICELY, VERY CLEAN, I CONGRATULATE THE OWNER OF MONTE CARLO, AND IT'S THE SAME LIKE ME I KEEP EVERYTHING CLEAN ON MY 08 GRAND MARQUIS LS, AGAIN CONGRATULATIONS TO THE OWNER OF THE MONTE CARLO AND KEEP IT CLEAN AND KEEP MAINTAINING IT

This is the first engine I ever pulled about a year ago. In my 2004 GrandPrix gtp. They are bulletproof. Had the ground of a spark plug break off and cause a chunk of piston to disappear. Ran it atleast 1000 miles through it until the knocking got too much😂. Pulling it again here soon.

Annex garage is coming along well....another lift ? Wife units garage ?

I had a 2002 LS with the 3.4, that one looks pre 2005 though, 006 and 007s were 3.5, 3.9 v6s and 5.3 v8s in the SS. Just makes that sucker even nicer.

For all the solvent that Ray goes through, I'm surprised he doesn't buy it by the barrel and have a refillable sprayer. The guys in the shop have them, and seem to prefer them to the smaller cans.

Meanwhile at the tax office. So you say you used 600 cases of brake clean this year? Ray: Yea, it was a slow start!

I don't know how Ray can work for hours bent over the engine like that. My back hurts just watching!

This brings back good memories. I owned 2 1999 Olds Aleros with the 3.4L. Had to do the intake gaskets and head gaskets on both of them. It was definitely a good learning experience

I love these engines. I have a supercharged 3.8 in my 2002 Holden commodore Calais. I have also have 5 other commodores with the 3.8 non supercharged.

This was a really good video. Don't know how mechanics just got at it and tear things apart but are able to remember how to put it all back together again. Mind boggling.

It's amazing Ray, how you knew about that plastic elbow joint. You are a true master of your trade. The way you educate us, you should be a teacher of all things automobile. As always, fantastic content, can't wait for the next video.

Love your intro, plus your half audio 'gravity' at the end. popin Z back to the video, Cheers to you an the Wife Unit.

Thanks again Ray just to let you know I'm leaving this comment to feed the algorithm giggity

Oh, I was going to bust your "R's" for know rag in the valley. But you heard me up. Hate that "7sec delay" fitting. Good job 2all 🥶🐲

In the 90/00's, Chevy didn't call them super sport's anymore... The 'SS' was not short for anything...unfortunately...! They were just considered the 'SS' model or trim package... No more good old days... they're long gone...! Thanks, keep up your awesomeness and go enjoy some nature today... Also, don't forget to compliment someone today...

Kinda amazed me that this 75k mile engine seemed to be quite a bit dirtier inside than that almost 200k mile Mitsubishi engine from a few videos back. Not saying this car isn't properly maintained or anything because it looks immaculate, just noticed the difference is all. Probably because of efficiency differences, petroleum products used and how the two vehicles are driven.

Oh how many times I've done the LIM-seal job - use fel-pro problem solvers and be done with it! 3800 is an iron monster. I actually used to enjoy doing the LIMs on these, got quite quick at it. Got a great, quick coolant bleed procedure for these things too.. sometimes they can be tricky to bleed.

One of my favorite engines. I had a 97 Firebird with the Series II and a 5-speed, what a fantastic combination. It was my mobile office and I retired it after 10 years and around 225k miles. In that time I did a water pump, clutch, belt tensioner and wiper assembly. I gave it to my SIL and he played with it for a few more years. One of the best engines of all time.

you gave some very good info not as i am ever likely to ever work on one of those engine but i really appreciate the info and to keep a check on you when you put it all back ,thanks for the video

Whenever working on a project with a multitude of fasteners, especially ones of different lengths and sizes, I place them back in their respective holes whenever possible to make installation easier.

I'm glad it wasn't me quoting or doing that job. I saw the oil in the radiator and immediately assumed either head gasket or cracked head! Your experience really paid off there. I'm only a backyard mechanic who mostly only works on my own gear and this is one of those times I'd have wound up possibly causing myself a much bigger headache than was it should be.

Thanks again Ray and family ❤️

This was a really interesting video. A very clean engine bay too for the age, that car's been very well looked after 👍👍💯

My brother had that same car but the Indy 500 version with yellow lettered tires. Was his baby for a long time.

It's such a pleasure to watch a guy perform a task he's done ten times before, starting with the diagnosis all the way through a complex field of plastic connectors. I might have struggled at each step, breaking at least one along the way.

Well, you really soaked that valley up with some “Robitussin” boy!!! 🤣

Really can’t believe pretty much every 3.1 3.4 and 3.8 will eventually need the intake gaskets. Just bought a low mileage Monte Carlo and I’m having the gaskets done right now , thankfully they weren’t leaking yet

Wow thank you this is very very helpful .I plan on replacing my upper and lower intake gaskets on my 2000 Impala with the 3.8 .Thank you

Had a silver 2001 Monte SS. Was a good car. Seeing the interior takes me back!

Can't wait for part 2 enjoyed the video keep up the great work brother

Ray doing this job = 6 hours, Doug doing this job = 6 months

I liked the old Monte Carlos with the V shape back windows

Goodness knows how you're going to remember where all that stuff goes back, but it looks like you're enjoying working on that car!

Good morning Ray. That is a great looking Red Monte Carlo. You give it your great mechanical ability and get her running at optimal levels.

Yep, a parts cleaning machine would certainly help you. Maybe one of those parts cleaning things that cleans with hot water and detergent.

Not gonna lie; Ray picking that coolant elbow out reminded me of “One man, One jar”. Ye of olde internet dwellers remember…

Defiantly not a 2007. 06 and 07 had the Impala front headlights and different rear bumper at the tailpipes. This is an 01 to 05 model. Miss my 03. loved that car.

I love the sound effects Ray!!!

Ray’s grammar is exquisite. I love it!!!

Years ago I worked at a quick lube shop. Seeing a GM 3.8L with chocolate milk in the coolant overflow tank was a daily occurrence. LOL.

Dr Ray doing what he does best!!!

Wow this once was a simple job to change a valley cover on a V8 think maybe we have outsmarted ourselves,I'm sorry I like older engines with Holley Carbs keep it simple ,but Ray as always you are a very good mechanic love watching you work Kym Adelaide

Hey Ray i figured out a handy home made tool for removing the broken elbows easier just get a flathead screwdriver and put the tip in a vice and bend it slightly and it will have perfect leverage

Another job well done! Love your videos. If I lived in your city in Florida, you would definitely be my mechanic.👍

Yeah I enjoyed this video. Thanks Ray!

Rays use of brakekleen....."Good to the last drop"!! 🤣🤣👍👍

One of the easiest engines to work on is the 3.8 and the most durable. I had a 97 Bonneville that started losing power and started overheating when I was 150 miles from home, I made it to my destination, after a couple of hours I started home everything was fine until it happened again, I pulled off the highway and managed to slowly get the radiator cap off, there was zero coolant in it, the gas station and it was onky a gas statiin no service had an outside water faucet for a hose and the guy let me get as much water as I needed, i had a 32 ounce cup filled up the system kept the cap loose and proceeded on home about 100 miles. I made it home an a few blocks from my house the car started bucking like crazy, pulled into my driveway and that was it she stalled out and would not crank. I went to a me mechanic friend of mine and told him what happene, a guy working with him said that I'd better get home remove the spark plugs and crank the engine because to him it sounded like it was hydrolocked, I removed the plugs cranked it and it was like geyser, I did some research and found that the upper intake was the culprit and there was an improved design, AutoZone had it in stock, installed it changed the oil which did not have coolant in it filled it up with water to start and hoped for the best, there was an impressive amount of smoke that filled my yard but when the smoke cleared the engine ran great like nothing ever happened a testament to the durability of the 3.8. I mistakenly sold the car to my friends girlfriend who proceeded to slowly wreck it. I now have a 2001 lesabre with 320,000 miles that's going strong, I checked the spark plugs to see if they needed replacing but they are in perfect condition, no signs of oil burning or anything, they're all clean as a whistle, so far she's never left me stranded even after owning it for ten years now.

I have a 3.8 in my 2003 buick lesabre I love it easy to work on and reliable

Boy that brings back memories can't tell you how many of those I used to do one or two a week at least

If you're doing this job and have the Series II, I would recommend replacing the upper intake manifold with the updated design that comes with the revised EGR standpipe that press-fits into lower intake manifold. The original design can deform the plastic upper and eventually cause an intake leak. Considering the mileage on this beautiful MC, it probably hasn't experienced that issue...yet. Also, Dorman makes a great set of aluminum coolant bypass hoses. (Yes, I said "Dorman.") The caveat, and you knew there had to be one, is that the O-rings equipped with the elbows are absolute garbage and will melt within a year. Therefore, get a set of OEM O-rings to complete the deal. Parts are as follows: Dorman coolant bypass elbow set 47065HP ACDelco 24502846 large O-ring (qty needed: 1) ACDelco 15-34066 / GM 25537068 small O-ring (qty needed: 3) Ray, I didn't need another reason to like you, but our shared fondness of this engine platform certainly doesn't hurt. Great job, buddy.