Thoughts and prayers needed

[Spots]

Hey guys I don't normally post this kind of stuff but here goes. Been having a lot of issues with vehicles lately. First I put front brakes and rotors on the wifes car. A week later the sway bar bolts break, so I get to replace those. Here is where it gets intresting. The main hard lines on the brakes rusted and burst last week. So I get all of those redone at the dealership she works at, as we have to have the car and I didn't have the tools to bend and flair the lines. So there $550 out the door. Then it needs 4 new tires. The whole time I'm telling myself we are spending this money (not that we have an extra nickel to rub together anyways right now ) and the car will be nice and dependable for several years to come with no car payment. Last night the motor started knocking and today it shut down driving it, and is having trouble turning over. Car is a 98 Buick with a 3.8 in it. Always changed and checked the oil, took care of it etc. So I'm just really needing some thoughts, prayers, good juju, whatever, because its acting like the crank is stuck, meaning it locked up, and I have no earthly clue where the hell the money for either a new short block or a down payment is gonna come from. Thanks guys Jordan Tapatalk ate my spelling. Edited February 10, 2014 by Spots

[homeagain]

Thoughts/prayers at ya.  Living a frugal, responsible, self-reliant lifestyle can be an absolute bitch, and it seems like Murphy and his damned law keeps visiting upon those who try.

Edited February 10, 2014 by homeagain

[TrickyNicky]

Shit bro, that's no good. Thoughts coming you alls way for sure. Wish I had an extra car, you all could have it till you fixed yours.

[Spots]

Thanks guys. I can say I'm thankful for my truck, even though I just had to put 4 used tires, a wheel bearing and brakes on it. Without, we would be screwed with no way to get to work. I just really hate the idea of a having to get a car with a payment I can't afford and high priced insurance Tapatalk ate my spelling.

[Pat]

Good gravy, Spots. I hope things turn around for you soon, buddy.

[rugerla1]

Good juju coming your way brother, hope things get better soon!

[bersaguy]

I'm not surprised about the brakes and brake lines as the car does have a few years on it but I am surprised that the 3.8 engine is giving issues. My Daughter drove her mothers 97 Buick La Sabre 300,000+ miles and the only thing that was never fixed or need repairs was that 3.8 motor. Finally bit the dust when she stopped and guy behind her didn't. Glad she was in that lead sled when it happened. She was not hurt but old Buick was history. Guys insurance bought her another later model car. Sorry for all that bad mojo your having with your car and hope it passes soon. If I had a car I was not using you would be welcome to it but only have one now.

[RED333]

Spots check the intake, they leak and you just might have water in the cylinders.

[Hiker]

Well wishes

[Murgatroy]

Well wishes brother.

 

My wife had a `96 Buick Regal with the 3.1. That car was horrible. After that she got a `99 Buick Regal GS, the 3800 Series II with the supercharger was the only good part of that car.

[Guest TankerHC]

One of my brothers has a 98 Park Avenue Ultra with the Supercharged 3.8, one of the best motors around, 253,000 and runs like new. Not questioning your saying you need a short block, but definitely surprising for what I have seen on two of those Engines. Hope everything works out. Been in that same position myself. Hate it for anyone. 

Edited February 11, 2014 by TankerHC

[10-Ring]

Pull-a-part is full of those things, If you can do the work yourself you cold have that car back on the road for a couple of hundred dollars.  It's not ideal, but it's better than a car payment.

[RobertNashville]

I hope things get better...I truly do...good thoughts and prayers your way.

[Bigiron]

Prayers sent from my house to yours.

[McGarrett]

I feel for you Spots. The 3.8 is usually a good engine. Take Red's advice and check for coolant leaking at the intake, could be hydro locking. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. You might also check pull a part for a used engine if it turns out to be seized up.

[Fourtyfive]

Pull the plugs and see if it cranks.

[Spots]

Well the prayers worked. #1 rod bearing was spun. Didnt eat the crank or anything. I'm gonna emory cloth the crank, install a rod bearing and put it back together. Thanks for all the help guys Tapatalk ate my spelling

[peejman]

Glad it was ok. I had an old Pontiac with the 3.8. The oil pan gasket blew out, leaked out all the oil while I was driving, and shortly thereafter spun a rod bearing and trashed the crank. I saw it when they pulled it apart and the other 5 cylinders looked new. The cross hatching was still clearly visible.