I have a 1995 Olds Silhouette with a 3800 series V-6 engine. In the last couple of days it was losing power during acceleration, and then today it died and wouldn't start. I had it towed home and checked the standard stuff - battery, alternator, starter..... - and all checked fine. So I tried turning it over one more time and it fired up, but started making a very loud clanging noise inside of the engine. Help!

Have you checked the coolant and oil level?




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Both coolant and oil levels are good.

It's impossible for anyone to accurately diagnose a noise like that without hearing it but loud noises from the engine are never good. I suggest you get a shop to listen to it.




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Usually on the olds, buicks and poniacs (the 2800-3800 series) GM used internal Cams. When these rods break... (mine did) and so did my bosses wifes car (1989 Olds 88 with 3800 motor) there is no turning back. Its usually caused by a cold start with low oil. but also with heavy acceleration it can bend the internal cam rods.

That same exact thing happend to me, sluggish pick up. then dead. started up one day, bang bang clank clank BOOM. the rod went through the block.

I ran into this problem yesterday with a cutlass 3.8. Loud banging noise. Had him bring it in, took the belt off and started the engine. Loud banging was still there. Vibration damper had come apart making the banging noise. His car had also stalled out. $90.00 for new & back on the road today- reset the computer also. Maybe you could be lucky also? Hope so!