I'm not aware of the 3800 having this problem, but GM's smaller V6s (3.1,
3.4) definitely have had chronic problems of exactly this nature
anything's possible from General "Mark of Excrement" Motors. I've
crossposted your query to alt.autos.gm, which may get you more replies,
faster.

On Mon, 24 Jan 2005, HLS wrote:

> Presently have a 98 LaSabre which has been an excellent car. However, it is
> known that some models of the 3800 V6 engine
> have had severe problems when the plastic manfolds decompose or begin to
> leak coolant into the crankcase.
>
> Buick seems to shuffle its feet, look at the sky, and claim 'the dog did
> it'?
>
> Is the problem solved now, or is the dog still doing it? I just want to know
> the status.
>
> Here is the email and link I sent to Buick:
> http://www.buick.com/contact/email/
> ''I sent an earlier email about the weaknesses in the 3800 engine.
> I have received no answer.
>
> It is well known that there has been a weakness in some of those engines.
>
> It has to do with plastic manifolds disintegrating due to heat passing
> through
>
> a tube which was a poor job of engineering.
>
> This is well known to serious mechanics and automotive buffs.
>
> Has this defect been eliminated from the new models?
>
> This message will be posted on newsgroup rec.autos.tech, and your answer,
>
> or lack of it, will be noted on the net.''
>
>
>
> Does anyone know the status of this problem? Any opinions on the LaCrosse?
>
>
>
>
>