OT help '96 Buick

[clay diggs]

Have been in Wyoming for five weeks. While we were gone, my daughter was using the '96 Buick. When she tried to start it, the plastic plenum blew up into several pieces. Anyone have any idea as to what caused this?

While we were in Casper, I was able to keep up with the forum on my son's computer.

Any help on the '96 Buick is greatly appreciated.

Clay

[Young Ed]

Clay is this a fullsize with a 3.8? Those plastic plenums are known for leaking and letting water into the engine. We replaced the one on my moms olds 88. Its a fairly straight forward job. Did your daughter describe what happened when it "blew up"?

[Niel Hoback]

There was a recall for those about ten years ago. It seems a lean start backfire causes an explosion in the upper manifold. I believe the recall involved a computer reprogramming by the dealer. There is a site here on the web that explains all that, but I have forgotten where. I'm sure somebody here knows about it.

I have removed them with only 25-30k on them with huge holes leaking coolant enough to prevent running, and yet mine has 94k and looks like new in there.

The problem stems from the EGR dumping hot exhaust into the manifold and melting the plastic coolant passages that are about 1/8" away. I noticed mine had a metal extension pipe on it that directed the exhaust past the plastic before mixing it with the fuel charge. I don't know if this is an "improved updated version" or not. I do know that no one has been in there since it was built.

Parts are available aftermarket for under $200 including the plastic gasket, which you WILL need.

[JerseyHarold]

Clay,

Have you tried calling GM with the VIN of your Buick to see if there's a recall on it? Might save a lot of running around and expense.

Harold

[bob_amos]

Here is an address to check that recall. www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/recalls/

[John Mulders]

what is a plenum?

Translation to Dutch gave the equivalent of 'meeting with everyone attending'.. Not sure how that works in a car

Certainly wouldn't like to be in meetings that blow up.

John

[Dennis Hemingway]

John,

It is part of the intake manifold.

Dennis

http://www.drautoparts.com/items/item.aspx?itemid=8620848

[Plymouthy Adams]

Plenum is actually the name for air distribution box I believe it may have carried over from the AC industry..in short it is the box that the runs to the head are taken from..in AC it has a dead space forward of the last branch to ensure the air flow is equal to all point of deliverly..not sure how that would work in a vacuum.

John is the term for meeting (plenum) referring to blowhard session..now thats another term you don't hear today...lol

[clay diggs]

I appreciate all the information. Will get the Vin number today and will check the recall situation. More on the car tonight when I get in.

Clay

[clay diggs]

There was a recall on some '96 Buicks. Thanks for the site, Bob. Short story about the Buick: Bought it new, spring 2002 was totaled by a hail storm, got it back from insurance, replaced broken glass, dried it out and kept driving dents and all. 2006 storm blew my building away and one wall was blown down on the car with a few more dents in trunk and roof. Later in 06 got my only deer of the season with it. Took out grill, hood, headlight and other minor damages. Replaced head lights and signal lights, kept driving it until this incident because it still gets 28 to 30 MPG, almost twice what my truck gets. It now has 270,000+ miles on it and I surely can't complain about service I have gotten out of it. Plenum and gasket $129 at Advance Auto. Plan on replacing it and keep on driving. Thanks again for all the input from everyone. Clay