8.0
pretty bad
engine problem
The 3.4 engine in this vehicle just seems to strip the rocker arm bolts. Its done it more then once, after the second time, we took the engine out and replaced it with a 3.4l from a Chevrolet Impala. Runs much better, no more check engine lights.
- jtyler12, Dyess AFB, Tx, US
rocker arms stripped out not once but twice,had to drill out the hole and put in size 10 rocker arms because the size 8 would not hold and it was a pain in the ass because daeler told us no one had complainted about these problem so it was mine problem now.
- Cathy K., Knightstown, IN, US
2003 Pontiac Montana 4.3L series /"E/" engine. Rocker Arm bolts (8mm) stripped out of the 1,3,5 cylinder head at 85,342 miles. Dealer repaired at $1,500.00, Dealer also checked the 2,4,6 cylinder head. Dealer verified 2,4,6 cylinder head and rocker arm bolts ok.
- honeydipper, Clinton Twp, MI, US
2003 Pontiac Montana 4.3L series \"E\" engine. Rocker Arm bolts (8mm) stripped out of the 1,3,5 cylinder head at 85,342 miles. Dealer repaired at $1,500.00, Dealer also checked the 2,4,6 cylinder head. Dealer verified 2,4,6 cylinder head and rocker arm bolts ok. 88,702 miles and ... yes, the Rocker Arm bolts (8mm) stripped out of the 2,4,6 cylinder head. Another $1,500.00. After some Internet searching found other Montana owners with the same issue. Makes me wonder if I searched for issues with GM 3.4L engines if I would come up with the same issue.
- honeydipper, Clinton Twp, MI, US
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
click to see larger images
Sudden racket in engine driving abt 20 mph! Took to dealer's who said rocker bolt had stripped out! They took head to a place that epoxys in a square of steel to replace hole! When they put engine back together and tried torquing everything else THE OTHER ROCKER BOLTS CAME OUT. GM/Pontiac said "TOUGH TITTIE!!" about $3k to fix it by getting new head! (Dealer said it was 3rd one this month - !!) I wonder what the other rocker bolts in the other head are like? Have had GM cars since 1957 - this is last straw!!
I used to be a GM employee (on engines - and my father was before me!) and when I see the fine thread on the bolt and that it is a steel bolt tightened into forged aluminum - I wonder what they are thinking?! Was this designed by REAL ENGINEERS?!! These different metals have different coeficients of expansion , hardness and electrical valens! They are NOT COMPATIBLE in this function! And way too skinny threads! Dealer thought heads/engines were made in BRAZIL and as a result might easily be subject to not using the proper bolts?
Sure the van is 10 years old - but when they put what I assume is the wrong/improper bolt in (SAE-Fine thread) the error was during manufacture! There should not be a time limit on such a blatant manufacturing BLUNDER !!! A V6 engine that self -destructs in 117,000 miles and 10 years is INEXCUSABLE - and to not take responsibility for it - falls into category of dishonorable conduct, lousy customer care and VERY POOR service! Did they use paper Mache in the fenders too?
I feel GM SHOULD BEAR 100% OF THE COST OF GETTING THIS CAR OPERATIONAL !! There are probably thousands out there ready to stall along the roadside with the same problem!
- Ken B., Seattle, WA, US