98 Buick LeSabre

There are a number of sites to look up the older VIN numbers. Wikipedia is but one.

Going back even further in time, the VIN code numbers and system may not be consistent with the later data.

If the 1995 owner can post his VIN code, maybe we could arrive at an answer by the process of elimination.

Apparently the supercharged version didn't exist in 1995, if this link is correct. It suggests the SC was introduced in 1996.

Wikipedia is not always spotlessly accurate however.

I found some reference to vin code C being initially used for the 3.8 Gen I. This does not agree with the Vin code chart however. There was a supercharged

3800 Gen I back in 1992, at least, but the Gen II apparently did not exist as a supercharged version until 1996.

I give up. I suggest the gentleman post his vin code and lets have a look.

When I researched this a year or so ago, I had reasonable evidence to post the following in my blog:

"The problems are seen on GM 3800 Generation II engines from at least 1995 to 'present'. 'Present' is a bit vague, but some variant of the problem may persist up to 2004."

The trail is a bit cold now, but I would say that there is a good chance that our colleague may have a Gen II engine. Some of them probably never fail, but for most, I believe, it is a matter of 'when' rather than 'if'.

Correct - on the Wikipedia point that is. I owned a '92 Park Ave with a Series I 3.8L, supercharged. Not at all sure if that applies to the LeSabre, but the SC 3.1 was certainly around.

My 90 Reatta has a Gen I, and the code is indeed C in the eighth position

My wife's 98 Buick, with the Gen II, is K in the eighth position.

Ian was probably right on with the vin code 1 being the supercharged version.

So to the poster with the 1995 car, if your vin number has K in the eighth position, you have the weak plenum.

Hey, Harry, I don't need a car, but I'd have been a sucker for that aunt's '99!!! Got a weakness for those low-mileage cars. And a Buick on top of that! s

I have a neighbour that was commenting the other day about the oil pan on his '98 3800. He was saying it feels soft around the level sensor and it's seeping oil. Where were your leaks?

Steve

Thanks! Mine is VIN code 1, so apparently I lucked out on that issue. We will be getting a new car anyway, but just wanted to know what might be in the future of whoever owns it.

Ed