Looking for opinions for anyone willing to share one. My '93 201 just turned 175K and purrs like a kitten; alas that is not the problem child in the family.

Wife's '97 Olds CS SL @154K just took a crap on a highway, engine failure. First diagnosis of injectors (surprise) superceded by discovery of busted cam. So she's facing an expensive fix or junk-it situation. This is that nasty GM 3.1 engine that's notorius for injector problems. Some facts:

Lifestyle: we live near downtown chicago, much city driving with occasional suburban jaunts. She's a social worker, in and out of rough hoods throughout the day.

Fix it argument: Highly reputable rebuilt engine can be had for $1773, 3yr unlimited miles warranty. Would have to find installation. Probably replace injectors and wires and stuff at that time as well. You have to tilt the engine to change plugs (unbelievable). So probably looking at change out of 3 dimes, and she'd have to keep the car for 3-5 more years. Rest of the car generally in decent shape. Also, $800 recent investment for new brakes all around, (discs, pads, rear calipers), which I did over the summer. She got the car for free, from her family.

Junk it argument: Many smarter than me have said this injector problem with this engine is a nightmare. If she does fix it, more recurring $$ down the road? She's gotten injectors done maybe twice in 80K miles, total cost maybe $1500. She could get a new/used car, but unless I find a private party, taxes on a mediocre $20K car would be $2K and where does that 2K go? Remember she's a social worker driving in urban chicago, so a nice car is out of the question. But I keep thinking her fixed car with a new engine @ 3K is a better option than a used d'jour @ $14K?

Was thinking of giving her my 201, then I can finally begin my hunt for a nice 124 or gasp, 126! But I don't think so. She doesn't like absence of a/c and stereo. Oh well. She worries about driving my car around because I love it so much, even though blue book is only $3K or so.

Does anyone have any strong feelings either way? I'd like for someone who really knows this engine/injector problem to tell me I'd be crazy to fix it, and it should be junked regardless. Is spending 3 dimes on this just stupid, no matter what? Cut your losses?

Another option is to let her drive my car for the winter so I have sufficient time to find a private party. Maybe a 6 month project?

Thanks in advance for any opinion!
mike

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1993 190E 2.3 California

Junk it, pretty much a no brainer situation.

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Question Authority before it Questions you.

I don't know that it is necessarily a no brainer to junk the car. The injector failure risk was a risk you were already assuming before the engine failed, so it was a risk you were already comfortable with, presumably. I don't think that should factor into your decision. You claim the car is in generally good condition, other than this engine failure. I think the question I'd first ask you is this: before the engine failed, how long were you planning on keeping this car? If you had planned to junk it in the next year or two, then I think the smart thing to do would be to accelerate your timetable and replace it now. You probably wont get your $3K back from in in a year or two, and you're still assuming the injector risk at the same time.

If you didn't have any plans to junk the car, and you really believe that mechanically it can give you another 5 years, then make the investment and fix the car. You'll get your money back if you amortize it over those 5 years. The hard truth is that you car, with a good engine, is probably only worth $3K if you were to sell it so that repair doesn't seem to make sense on its face. But it is worth $14K to you, because that is what you are prepared to spend to replace it. If you can drive it enough to get that $3K back, then spend the money.

It's a '97 GM product. You think fixing the injectors or engine swap is gonna be the solve? You live in Chicago and I'm pretty sure the car doesn't come with Ziebart. Doesn't do you any good if the engine falls off its mounts or your brake pedal goes trhough the floorpan.

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You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows - Robert A. Zimmerman

changing spark plugs sucks, but I wouldnt farm it out for $300... Unblot the motor mount, and pry on the block... OR, just put some $$ ones in there on the new engine, and run them for 5 years. The engine it allready out of the car, spend another $100 on exelent quallity spark plugs, and wires.


I like GM products, cause they're CHEAP. It's extreamly easy to get parts for that car, if u need ANYTHING, I can go junkyarding for you...

how's the transmission? IF it's had good fluid maintiance, I'd keep the car.

It's a decent car, mabey you should do an L67 swap ... 3.8...

I'd keep it, and have it fixed... If you dont think you'll get much for resale, think of the depreciation on a NEW car...

I'd be half tempted to buy a GOOD $4k car, and be prepaired to spend another grand tops on it making it perfect...

Good luck
~Nate

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95 Honda Shadow ACE 1100.
1999 Plymouth Neon Expresso. 2.4 swap, 10.5 to 1 comp, big cams. Autocross time attack vehicle!
2012 Escape, 'hunter" (5 sp 4cyl)

whats a spark plug

I must have been lucky. I had a 1994 Chevrolet Lumina with the 3.1L and it had 200K and still ran like new. It was a company car before however, so it saw the best service. I sold it 3 years ago and I still see it from time to time.

My mom also has a 1997 Oldsmobile SL, but an Achieva model with the 2.4L. It has 158K now and still runs like new. However, she wants an SUV now. We know the car is not worth much, as the resell value of the 90s GM cars are horrible, but it has sentimental value, because it was grandpas car. We will probably just keep it too. So, in conclusion, I would not put alot of money into your car, unless you plan on keeping it for many more years. If it is reliable in all other areas, I would fix the engine and you would be good to go for another 3 years at least (with that warranty). $1700 is better than a new $17,000 car.

Good luck!

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2004 Toyota Sequoia Limited 4wd
1991 Lincoln Town Car Executive
1991 Cadillac Sedan DeVille
1988 Mercedes 300SEL
1972 Chevrolet Caprice Kingswood Estate 9-passenger wagon
1973 Pontiac Grand Ville
(Prior MB's: 1974 240D, 1985 380SE, 1984 190D, 1993 400SEL)

If you like GM, find a Bonneville, 88/98, or LeSabre with the GM 3.8 liter V6. This is a completely different engine than the 3.1 and is a tough, durable, economical engine. GM also offers/offered some mid-sized vehicles with this motor as an extra-cost option. I drove a 1994 Bonneville for 65,000 agressive miles and the only problem it had was that it ate an alternator. $250 and I was back on the road.

I would not put any more money into the Cutlass. It's just too old with too many other parts that are in the sunset of their lives.