1997 Buick Riviera Engine cooling Problems

“Vehicle - 1997 Buick riveria 3.8 l supercharged engine -- oil leak from front valve cover gasket -- recall just released for 1997-2003 Buick regal and grand prix but left the riveria out of the recall list for the exact same engine --- I replaced the gasket myself (very expensive gasket) - 11/05 -- and feel that GM should at least reimburse me for the gasket ---.”

“1997 Buick Riviera with 3800 engine has a plastic intake manifold that degrades and leaks coolant into the engine and causes hydrolock, thereby rendering the vehicle useless. This can happen anywhere at anytime and leave you stranded and is an ongoing problem with this engine type. Gm issued a service bulletin on this problem in july of 2001 (TSB 01-06-01-007a) and the dealership service people that I have talked to have indicated that this is a known and ongoing problem with this type of engine. …”

“1997 Buick rivera ... Driving down highway-hole worn into high pressure freon discharge hose-freon sprayed throughout engine compartment and onto drive belts-belt broke and wrapped around harmonic balancer - broke teeth and crank sensor- engine died immediately-loss of power steering, braking, etc., dead car hard to control - towed to GM dealer - dealer replaced all parts ($900.00) - GM mechanics and service manager all agreed to Buick design flaw - steel manifold for freon hoses is formed in such a way to cause freon hoses to rub against each other and eventually wear a hole into freon hose. …”

“Gm has recalled 1997-2002 pontiac grand prix and Buick regals wit the 3.8 liter supercharged v-6 engines for oil leaking and burning on the exhaust manifold causing some 267 known fires. I have a 1997 Buick Riviera 3.8 liter supercharged engine which has begun doing the same thing recently. I have not seen the Riviera included in any web search but I am sure GM is trying to get by without repairing as many 3.8 supercharged as possible.”

“As I turned the switch on, the car back fired and then smoke started coming in the car and it was smoking from under the hood. The car was parked in the driveway, I immediately got out. My husband who had heard the back fire from inside the house, opened the hood, and the fire was already blazing. We tried to put the fire out but ended up calling the fire department. The care was completely destroyed.”