ok so im looking to buy an 03 alero with the 3.4L engine. iv been doing a lot of research and iv seen a lot of comments about the headgaskets leaking. im sure i have the tools and knowledge to replace these gaskets if they were to fail. my problem is finding the problem before it is too late. i refuse to take my cars to a shop unless i have to becaus things "mysteriously" brake when u get your car back. im guessing id be looking for things like low coolant level, possibly coolant coming from head gasket area? any tipsfrom experiencewould be greatly appreciated.

 

well judging by the lack of responce id have to say either this problem is not as common as iv been told it was or way too many people rely on a mechanic.

 

This is a common problem with the 3.4L engine. I have an Impala with 3.4 and has this problem, sometimes it fixes itself, I'm hoping mine did as I never got it fixed and now coolant level doesn't go down much if at all. You won't see the coolant leak or you might notice a little bit on top of engine if you catch it before it evaporates. If you hear a metal on metal type sound near top of engine then you know it's time to get it done. Costs about $700 at a dealer, unless you have an Olds Silouette van, they are about $1200 to fix. Usually takes about 100K on engine before it starts to be a problem.

 

I have a 2000 Alero 3.4L and it has given me zero problems, and I'm at about 105k miles....

Though it is a documented problem, sometimes it can be hit and miss. Search the forum here, and go to this link and search through the pages, you'll find all the info you need:

http://www.automotivehelper.com/cat363

It is all specific to the alero, so just search it out.

Edited by: redhotalero