On my 1999 Firebird 3.8l series 2 purchased 3 weeks ago, the engine threw a rod through the block and the shop I took it to in order to confirm my fears, said the cause most common on this engine was the fuel pressure regulator continuing to dump gas into cylinders on the intake stroke when the engine is shut off, thus eventually diluting the oil and of course the subsequent loss of lubrication results in what happened here. Whats the consensus on this? The oil appeared ok to me a few days before this happened, I was only turning about 2200rpm at 65mph, and other than a barely audible ticking sound on acceleration, which was attributed to poor gas, I was given no warning signs. Is this a viable explanation? And is it actually a common problem on the 3.8 series 2?

Asked by Steven Aug 02, 2017 at 08:03 PM about the 1999 Pontiac Firebird Base

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

102,815

KenF answered 7 years ago

Knocking, pre-detonation or post-detonation are absolutely great ways to throw a rod. It's not that having excess gas dumping into the cylinder that can cause this (it would have to leak past the rings, which it may well be doing on an older worn engine) but that it can fire on the wrong part of the stroke.

Mark helpful

Your Answer:

On my 1999 Firebird 3.8l series 2 purchased 3 weeks ago, the engine threw a rod through the block and the shop I took it to in order to confirm my fears, said the cause most common on this engine was the fuel pressure regulator continuing to dump gas into cylinders on the intake stroke when the engine is shut off, thus eventually diluting the oil and of course the subsequent loss of lubrication results in what happened here. Whats the consensus on this? The oil appeared ok to me a few days before this happened, I was only turning about 2200rpm at 65mph, and other than a barely audible ticking sound on acceleration, which was attributed to poor gas, I was given no warning signs. Is this a viable explanation? And is it actually a common problem on the 3.8 series 2? 1 Answer

1999 Pontiac Firebird Base

-

Maintenance & Repair
I have a 1990 firebird with the 3.1l and I have been realized that when I start it to warm up, it sucks more gas then it does when I am driving it and I want to know why it does that. My other question is, one day. I was on my way back and I was at a stop sign and their was a car coming, so I put my foot to the floor to and it just died on me, it started right up and drove ever since that. 7 Answers

Sucking gas and sometimes it won't start and die on me when I put my foot to the floor

1990 Pontiac Firebird Base

-

Maintenance & Repair
Have a 1999 Firebird that is running hot. I just changed out the Radiator and Thermostat and refilled with dex cool restarted the car and ran at idle for 10-15 minutes when fans kicked on the gauge began to rise and eventually to the red line . Is this a water pump or sensor issue? any suggestions? 4 Answers

1999 Firebird Overhaeting issues

1999 Pontiac Firebird Base

-

Maintenance & Repair
I have a 99 firebird 3.8 that is making a high pitched squeal that seems to be coming from the drivers side front wheel. It only happens when i start the car cold and only when the wheel is moving whether braking or not. It only lasts about three minutes or so. My best guess was the wheel bearing needing replacement but im not sure if it is coming from the wheel or if it just sounds that way from the drivers seat. It doesnt happen when idling. Only during wheel movement. Thoughts?? 2 Answers

Also when started cold its very fluttery or irradic when idling. Ive replaced o2 sensor, egr valve, plugs, wires, air filter, and done an oil change a few months ago and the check engine light i...

1999 Pontiac Firebird Base

-

Maintenance & Repair
My power windows on a 1999 Firebird won't work intermittently. The motor and switch have been replaced. I have noticed that this only happens when the light on the clock on the dash won't come on. 2 Answers

The motor and switch have been replaced on the driver's side. It then worked for awhile but won't work again at times. I have noticed that this problem only occurs when the clock light on the dash g...

1999 Pontiac Firebird Base

-

Maintenance & Repair

Used Chevrolet Camaro

32 Great Deals out of 383 listings starting at $9,999

Used Chevrolet Corvette

27 Great Deals out of 894 listings starting at $11,995

Used Ford Mustang

41 Great Deals out of 1,295 listings starting at $4,995

Used Ford Mustang SVT Cobra

5 listings starting at $12,888

Used Ford F-150

279 Great Deals out of 15,570 listings starting at $1,954

Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500

196 Great Deals out of 7,058 listings starting at $2,213

Used Pontiac Grand Prix

2 listings

Used GMC Sierra 1500

125 Great Deals out of 8,021 listings starting at $1,888

Used Pontiac Grand Am

5 listings

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.

1 Answer

Your Answer:

Shortcuts

Search Pontiac Firebird Questions

CarGurus Experts

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Related Models For Sale

1 Answer

Your Answer:

Related Questions

My power windows on a 1999 Firebird won't work intermittently. The motor and switch have been replaced. I have noticed that this only happens when the light on the clock on the dash won't come on. 2 Answers

Shortcuts

Search Pontiac Firebird Questions

CarGurus Experts

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Related Models For Sale