Enclave Traverse Acadia LLT 3.6L V6 BRUTAL Engine Destruction. I Heard You Guys Like Carnage!

www.Importapart.com OR [e-mail].
Welcome to the channel where we teardown engines, try to figure out why they failed, and see what can be salvaged. At this point, I have over 80 videos of teardowns with various engines and various failures! Here are a some of my favorites:
Mercedes OM642 Diesel, The MOST disgusting teardown to date: • Mercedes OM642 3.0L Tu...
Honda J30 V6. One of the worst bottom ends we've ever seen on the channel, that's NOT what I meant.
• Honda J Series V6 Tear...
Ford 6.8L 3-Valve V10. Full send with NO survivors.
• FORD 6.8L 3V V10 TEARD...
Dodge Viper 8.3L V10. Just a little worse than described
• VIPER V10 TEARDOWN! Fr...
Toyota Land Cruiser 80 Series 4.5L 1FZFE. Tightest Crank Bolt, Ever.
• LOCKED UP Toyota Land ...
Today's subject is a 3.6L direct injected V6 from a Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, or Saturn Outlook. This engine is the predecessor of the 3.6L LFX which is found in the Camaro, CTS, Terrain, G8, Caprice, and LOTS of other GM products.
Unfortunately I have no backstory as this was a customers old engine returned to one of the salvage yards I do business with. As you can quickly see, this engine suffered a violent and catastrophic failure. Could this have been avoided? were there signs and symptoms before the point of no return?
As always, I love all the comments, feedback and even the criticism.
Catch you on the next one!
-Eric

[@seanwatford2964]

“Next, we are going to cam the crack caps loose” Haha, I actually laughed out loud when you said that. I get my words mixed up all the time as well, I feel your pain.

[@c.markdavis2143]

Me also, at first I thought it was an accident….. nah, meant to do that!

[@TOGC]

I love it. Ever since he made this very freudian slip back in a previous episode (I think it was a few ago), I guess he decided to make it a running joke

[@demonknight7965]

I thought he said cram craps lol

[@danielgallagher2805]

I had to rewind that a couple times after I heard it. Thought I was having a stroke 🤣

[@ronjon4010]

HaHa ! I thought I heard that too. But I'm 71 and can't trust my hearing so good anymore. Now I see the comments I realize I did hear that one. LOL

[@paulspomer16]

For anyone who owns this engine, let it be known that they are VERY picky about their oil and maintenance. They do not tolerate neglect like some other engines would. You MUST change your oil every 5k miles or less and you should always keep the oil level at the top, or they will not last. If you always do this and maintain them perfectly, they will easily make it past 250k miles reliably.

[@deere3321]

I've got a 16 colorado and do a little towing. I change my own oil at 3000 miles. Always have and always will.

[@scottpearce7466]

Mobil1 5W30 full synthetic with Premium filter every 5k miles. I'm at 132k miles with no problems so far. Very Smooth & Peppy V6 for my 2012 Enclave.

[@paulspomer16]

@@scottpearce7466 That’s what I drive as well. 2012 Enclave with 184k miles

[@ryanravencaller]

2011 traverse 2lt water pump and power steering pump replaced at 181k, was gonna have the timing chains done too but the mechanic said they looked fine with minimal stretching, 204k, doing purge valve tomorrow and pcv valve soon, would get in and drive anywhere after!

[@tonyjones5062]

@@scottpearce7466 i just bought a 2012 with 116thousand miles on it

[@wglnaeclipse8715]

Great vid as always. First time I've ever seen anyone "cam the crack caps loose" -- proof one can never be too old to learn something new.

[@jrhutchison89]

Beat me to it lolol. Came to make same comment lolol.

[@saltycreole2673]

Ya' knew something learn every day! Come on man! -Joe Biden

[@sergeantpeppers8858]

I was coming for this quote.

[@darrylhaynes9208]

@@saltycreole2673 great guy that epstein. Only criminals take the 5th. Tfg

[@Viperman200221]

I had to replay it back to make sure that is what he said, LOL!

[@ericsims7863]

When you see the torque converter still on, you know it's going to be good.

[@LU-D1GITAL]

Torque converters are magic

[@Swervin309]

Exactly. That's what "fuck it" looks like.

[@fordwindsor351]

Not always!

[@nickloh912]

I feel like this checks all the boxes. Piston McNuggets, malice in the combustion palace, excessive crankcase ventilation, capping the cam cracks loose (or is it cramming the crack caps loose?), throwing timing chain guides, your "alternative" technique for turning the crankshaft, and fighting with the dipstick tube. The only disappointment was that there wasn't a "perfect" water pump for you to toss across the shop.

[@TheSleepyMechanic0524]

Can't forget the bearing sauce!

[@lukelegg9915]

bucket shield as well😂

[@SixSixtiSix]

Best comment status. Everything we love to see in these videos/in the engine carnage and more. The "Alternative Technique" was a bit of a surprise. However, when the going gets tough...

[@BeanDip125]

Don't forget the safety tote

[@coryw.9086]

Back in my auto shop owner days we used to see two sides of the 3.6 story. First we’re folks that thought 10k mile oil changes would suffice (no help from GM’s olm suggesting this) and many times the engine would plum run out of oil by then (or have very little). The second we’re the well maintained units. A local company ran Chevy traverse’s and all got traded in at 200k, of the 22 they had only one needed a engine (and it had a leaky water pump and overheated). Hit and miss, look after them and they seem to last, they don’t tolerate poor maintenance well.

[@elliotkane4443]

I'm from Australia, I'm familiar with 2 of these 3.6L V6s, both in VZ Crewman 4 door utes. The one I owned used to belong to a painting business, bought it for $3,700 at less than 100,000 miles in late 2018, within a week it needed $2000 more for a timing chain. It started to have oil issues straight away giving a low oil pressure warning. I changed the sensor, I changed to different specs of oil, always had that low oil pressure at idle, I tested it and it was fine at 2,000RPM. It had other problems too - Snapped PCV pipe, totally destroyed engine mounts (that caused more problems) and a bad cam position solenoid. Older now I realize that the dude who fixed it probably screwed up the job or used the old timing chain, the oil pressure prob, the whip at start up (chain droop), etc. are all chain related, it works just well enough to drive, but not well enough to sell. The other one has over 400,000 miles mainly between Tamworth & Gunnedah and is in great shape, single owner, well maintained. They're a finnicky engine thats very sensitive to bad oil maintenance, I never liked it, on the Holden 3.6L you have to remove the plenum just to check the spark plugs but I suppose if it were in mint condition it would give better mileage and power than the 3.8L Ecotec it replaced, just don't buy one that was owned by some yahoo small business that took it out to do burnouts and didn't change the oil.

[@huzudra]

Oh, a tip for you if you ever see this comment. An old run-flat tire makes an excellent engine holder for engines with deeper sumps or ones without pallets. They're really stiff so they hold the engine up pretty well but also the rubber is pretty grippy on the engine and on the ground or work surface so they don't slide around as much. Have you considered using ratchet straps to hold the engine pallets down to your work platform?

[@plageran]

he does.... sometimes.....

[@IBEDAVE87]

The timing issues were ✨mostly✨ sorted out on these after MY2013 with updated guides and tensioners. The reluctor wheel slipping are quite commonplace with the LLT and LFX RPO's. HPFP & cam follower failure is another issue. I have personally seen a fair amount of valve spring breaks to call it something to look out for - though I don't exactly recall why they fail. Great teardown as always, and day 69,420 of wanting to buy a four piece Piston McNugget.

[@EasyAchiever65]

I had one that run for 300k km honestly reasonably reliably, LY7 too. It did do the timing chains at 280k km (original chains! - good oil changes though, every 7k km/4k miles), and also had a random valve/lifter issue. Pulled the valve cover off to see a single rocker arm lying in the head. Put it back on, car did another 40k km before I got rid of it.

[@PureCountryof91]

It's kinda funny to think, this shit pile masquerading as an engine is actually part of why GM "changes their warranty and service bulletins"

[@paulspomer16]

This engine is very picky about its oil and maintenance. It is not tolerant to neglect. You must change the oil every 5k miles or less and must always keep the oil level at the top of you want them to last. If you maintain them perfectly in this way, you won’t have timing chain issues and the engine will easily go over 250k miles.

[@kitsuneneko2567]

You have the only channel where I'll willingly watch another man handling his dipstick.

[@Backroad_Junkie]

Usually with a wrench and a hammer. Ouch...

[@richtes]

Even worse he often struggles to pull the dipstick out

[@kylemiller2920]

@@richtes hence the new baby 😉

[@samholdsworth420]

Y'all are sus...

[@kristensorensen2219]

🤔🤣🤣🍸🗯

[@l_speed8797]

I had an Enclave with this engine. At 1500 miles it started ticking then locked up a few seconds later, and yes, I was accelerating aggressively when it did it. It got replaced and ran for another 120k until the 3rd dreaded problem these are known for occurred, wave plate failure on the transmission. In between it puked a radiator, both cv shafts, multiple blend doors and the ac compressor...twice. So, yeah. GM did a great job with these.

[@batmanlives6456]

It’s GM … So you know it’s Garbage

[@batmanlives6456]

@Yeah Right you must have the only reliable GM vehicle on the planet GM of late has cut so many corners it’s reduced it’s brand to garbage status This is world wide

[@ahmedalso5316]

I have a enclave with 200010 miles same motor and trans works fine never been replaced

[@l_speed8797]

@@ahmedalso5316 I wish mine had been that reliable. To be fair to GM, i had a Sierra that had even more miles on it and literally never had a single issue other than standard maintenance and wear items.

[@billdang3953]

@@batmanlives6456 Some people refer to GM as Garbage Motors.

[@jonty172]

Your sense of humor is fantastic and your work is excellent. I quit being a mechanic 10 years ago after 10 years as I was sick of how crap everything was becoming. Your videos are bringing me back great laughs and memories thankyou. Peace and love

[@MultiMightyQuinn]

I really like the "beat the hell out of it" technique. I usually follow that with the "I just need a larger hammer" maneuver, but does not work for assembly nearly as well. Thanks for sharing, love the tear down. See you next week!

[@robertphillips9017]

The first rule of watch repair “it the part doesn’t fit you need a bigger hammer”

[@aland7236]

Percussive maintenance.

[@kristensorensen2219]

When Eric uses a jack hammer then he is really serious!!🤔🤷👍

[@wrecktech]

"Ring. Ring. Someone answer the phone." Never ending one liners... ❤️😁

[@brutekiller787]

The lack of bounce in that oil pan was a testament to how full of stuff it was

[@drawbridge611]

Thanks for choosing this engine. This was one of the most entertaining videos per "unit view time" I've seen in weeks. I'm chalking this destruction up to youthful exuberance. Sequence of events: 1) past redline, 2) neutral to drive drop, 3) squealing tires, 4) laughter, 5) BOOM CLATTER SILENCE, 6) "Oh shit, Dad's gonna beat me hard this time..."

[@mcwrench45]

The GM 3.6 direct injection motor... by the time they get to TAE, it's usually the timing chains worn out (low oil light ignored by indifferent driver), VVT system jammed by dirty oil (CEL ignored by indifferent driver) or incorrect valve timing by reman facility, or poor electrical connections (worn pin tension or burnt connectors, usually at the fuel rail pressure sensor) or incorrect assy (did ya know that GM used the same 2 pin connectors on the HP injection pump solenoid and the EVAP valve and either connector will reach either component?) I have not yet seen a mechanical failure on this level, but then again, those hardcore mechanical failures don't usually end up at an electrical shop... thanks again Eric for a most entertaining and informative tear down video!

[@aaronfischer7199]

This is not the first one of these failures that I've seen. You were right in your summary. The llt engine breaks a valve spring. Then kaboom! And yes timing chain issues aplenty. I've replaced over 40 sets in the last 5 years. The same engine is used here In Australian built Ve/VF Commodores.

[@stuartharris4062]

They were a dud in commodores- try replacing a thermostat

[@aaronfischer7199]

@@stuartharris4062 I'm hearing you vz and s1 very are not too bad. But any thing with the sidi engine is transmission out.

[@kwakas4ever]

@@aaronfischer7199 - didn't the VF have the later LTX with the supposed timing chain "fix"? Or was that no better than LTT?

[@glennshumaker2019]

You break a valve spring in any engine, it's bad news. I have seen them break in large diesels and destory not only the head but the block also

[@jrbuch]

@@kwakas4ever Yeah the VF's had the LFX which was a redesign of the LLT engine. I'm still wary of them, but supposedly they are better. My partner has a VF SV6 - I'm hoping the engine lasts.

[@johnoldonekanole602]

Dude you have way to much fun . I am 74 and seriously amazed at how complicated todays ICE have become . Just my opinion but should not be this way . I had a 225 slant 6 back in the 70s and it was fun to take apart and work on . I can not see the fun in working on the new engines . Be safe and thank you for sharing your skills and knowledge .

[@Prestiged_peck]

Been waiting for one of these, it does not disappoint even just halfway through.

[@hdrenginedevelopment7507]

Honestly, the newer LFX version of this engine was probably the only modern rental fleet engine I've actually enjoyed. It's one of the few modern naturally aspirated engines that actually has decent specific power output (hp/L) anymore now that Honda has gone turbocharged and is actually pretty entertaining to rev out. 310hp and will pull strongly to the 7200 rpm rev cut. The LLT power output is about industry average for the size and about 30 hp less than the LFX.

[@pbberger2002]

I've become a regular viewer. And until I saw one of your videos I had never seen the inside of an engine. It's truly fascinating. It's not true what they say about the squirrels being in there.

[@kitsuneneko2567]

Yeah, it's gerbils.

[@danielwebster8019]

One of the squirrels tried to escape.

[@dennisyoung4631]

Hamsters on Hamster-Craque, supposedly. They get to jumping a lot. Sometimes, one jumps out of the engine.

[@hybridorbital85]

I just lol

[@rmp5s]

Nah. Just McNuggets and indestructible wrist pins.

[@Driver0378]

I like how even though Eric knows he has a boat anchor in front of him, he still zips head bolts and what not out in the correct order. I most likely wouldn’t. Lol

[@ikocheratcr]

I think it is better to always be consistent, and correct in these scenarios, so you are so used to it that you will always do it right when the time comes. Kinda training.

[@JohnK-ph3vw]

Definitely a habit-my dad would do the same thing, he was a mechanic for 33 years. 😂

[@nickbrooks3253]

I've seen these break valve springs before. Not very common but it does happen. The few I've seen with broken springs came in with a ticking noise and an intermittent misfire on the cylinder with the broken spring. Seen one totally blow up the way yours did but I'm not sure if there was misfires and noise before it blew up that the customer didn't notice. Timing chains were a major issue on the early 3.6. They would stretch and set timing codes usually P0008 and P0017. Sometimes you would get a rattling noise from behind the timing cover as well. If ignored it would eventually jump time and bend valves. This was not helped at all by the oil life monitor in the early Traverses (and other vehicles on that platform) that would allow close to 20000 km between oil changes on conventional oil. If customers followed it and never checked the oil level the engine would sludge up and start burning oil and then you'd end up with stretched chains or spun rod bearings. There eventually was a recall on those vehicles to reprogram the olm so it wouldn't allow such long oil change intervals. Another common problem with these was the timing cover leaking oil at the joint where the right cylinder head meets the block. Not usually a major leak but annoying. If you own a 3.6 (or the 3.0 V6 which is 99% the same) make sure to change the oil regularly and use only full synthetic oil and check the level once in a while. If you need to do the timing chains only use OEM parts I've seen a lot of issues with aftermarket ones failing again under a year after being installed. The later 3.6s are a lot more reliable than the earlier ones. Don't really see any timing chain issues on the 2012+ LFX engines unless they were neglected to absolute hell.

[@kaidem1749]

Know of any causes of misfires on a llt 3.6 all cylinders but 4, miafire goes away when on throttle on there at idle

[@Titanic19127]

I’m looking into getting a 2011-2014 CTS coupe. 60-100k miles. Would I have to worry about a catastrophic failure like this shown in the video?? Or timing chain issues. With all my cars I’ve owned I get them changed at 3k miles.

[@paulspomer16]

You’re exactly correct. The 2012 and later models of this engine has the timing chain issues mostly fixed. But this engine is still very picky about it’s oil and maintenance and it is not tolerant to neglect. If you maintain it perfectly, always changing the oil every 5k miles or less, and always keeping the oil level at the top, they will easily go over 250k miles reliably.

[@peterhoworth2688]

I love your videos I’m from Australia I pulled apart one of these today and it had deleted the rockers and bent a few valves never had an oil change in its life the amount of gunk was overwhelming iv watched nearly all off your videos love what you do you have given me the inspiration to pull apart engines just to see what has gone wrong

[@Linkziz]

I'd like to see a pentastar 3.6L. I like showing the Mopar videos to my wife. She's a Mopar parts manager and it helps to see stuff in person and being torn down. The ecodiesel and 6.7 Cummins videos really helped her with understanding what the techs are actually asking for.

[@allq7138]

Thank you I look forward to your videos every Saturday

[@gregoryweber7408]

fantastic as always sir! crazy carnage and thanks for the ongoing education on what neglect can do to an engine

[@kristineblethyn1909]

I've been watching your antics for a while,Ihave not laughed so much when you flipped the second head..Thankyou! I thought you were having a break with new baby.What a great job you do,thanks

[@russellvoth5161]

Thanks for doing the GM 3.6 engine, major damage in the palace really hard to believe the amount. I have 3.6 that had its timing chain replaced with only 124000km, looks like poorly heat-treated steel as the oil was regularly changed at 5000km for it whole life. Since having this issue with the chains, I haven't and won't purchase any GM with this 3.6 as they have some issues that GM isn't addressing. I was a GM guy from my youth but have moved on, again thanks for doing this 3.6 very informative about the possible damage.

[@southerncross3638]

The Achilles heel in these motors is prolonged oil changes, I have a 2005 Caddy srx with one I change the oil every 2000 miles (oils cheap] plus add a bottle of Rislone, also shoot a couple of shots of throttle body cleaner down the pcv, never let it go more than half a quart low on oil. 250.000 miles runs like a top.

[@alanzelanski7288]

I want to thank you for a great video. My wife and I watch every video. This week we are both getting over Covid so I was very happy to hear my wife laugh at your video. It really made my day. Thanks again.

[@JadXtreme]

Been wanting to see this one for a while. Thanks!

[@tomsee8419]

hammer time on the crank is how you know an engine is really locked up Edit: you know eric doesn't plan on doing anything but scrap an engine when he starts heaving parts across the shop like he's throwing an 80 yard touchdown

[@edifyguy]

That is the most noise a spark plug removal has ever made, pretty sure. I was laughing myself silly as you were forcing it to leave. In fact, I laughed in a lot of places here. Thanks for making such quality entertainment. :)

[@jeramiahgainey3177]

Another great video dude keep em coming and I'll keep watching.

[@kkdejour4512]

The best engine autopsy on KZbin. There are other channels that so-called do this but nowhere near as good as you! Keep doing what you do.

[@jaredburns6652]

I love the cam the crack caps loose. I just started as a mechanic at Firestone and watching your videos each weekend is a great way to end the week. Can u maybe teardown a Nissan 3.5 out of the Altimas murano and pathfinders

[@johnhull6363]

First plug causing that much trouble..."it's gonna be a bad night"

[@christopherweise438]

Sounded like he was pulling a nail out of a board.

[@gobuffs1993]

Angry Donald Duck.

[@henryD9363]

Massive fart attack

[@rayshutsa6690]

Wow that was some great carnage to this engine. When the torque is seized on and the motor would not turn over this one was going to be a good one. Thanks for a great video. Love your channel and content. ❤👍

[@thequackenscoasterchannel2927]

"Cam the crack caps loose" had me rolling Would love to see a Pentastar 3.6 torn down given all the problems those engines seem to have.

[@09corvettezr1]

There is one in the background next to that orange cart, in addition to the one that been on the shelving unit for the last few months which I suspect is a good engine or Eric would've torn it down already. One is likely coming soon.

[@Jonathan11225]

they are not bad engines the have some issues with the lifters that eat the cams, the bottom end is rock solid

[@09corvettezr1]

@@Jonathan11225 and the oil coolers leak oil into the valley

[@Jonathan11225]

@@09corvettezr1 yah no big deal easy fix

[@Jonathan11225]

@@09corvettezr1 i had a 2012 200 and i have a 2015 200 both have been very good, my 2015 is closing in on 100000 miles no ticks oil cooleer was replaced at like 45000miles but no leak from whatsoever from timing cover,valve cover or oil pan. I take care of my stuff (im an ex chrysler tech) and i do 90% highway miles i bought it at like 20000 miles. Intraded in my 2012 at 60000 miles and i've bought it with 3000 miles the engine was top notch, throughout my career at the dealers i've seen 2 pentastar replacement (one broken vavle spring at 1200 miles) and one 3.2 that was knocking (brand new cherokee fresh off the truck) of course there was plenty of replacement left head on 2011-2013 and some cams replacement but given the amount of those on the road that was'nt too bad

[@Turboy65]

That fifth piston and rod is as badly chunkified as I've ever seen, even in race motors that blew up. IMPRESSIVE. The failure mode in this engine, as I mentioned earlier, was valve spring failure resulting in a dropped valve resulting in the crunchy noises that were its death cry. In my case, it happened when I was in drive, doing 30 mph, in city traffic. I'd have no problem telling you I was running it hard, if I was doing that. But the valve spring dropped the valve at about 2000 RPM. There WAS a problem before it, an undiagnosed miss in the same cylinder where the spring failed, which wasn't a coil pack or spark plug, apparently. I have to say the valve spring was already broken but hadn't come out of place...until it did. So there was a warning symptom, that neither I nor my mechanic read correctly.

[@DrFiero]

Need to go check out Steve Morris' 3K HP piston delete engine. Now THAT is carnage!

[@Stealth86651]

Love the breakdowns and explanations, thanks for the content and effort. Wish there were more content creators who had the same balance of personality, information and production quality.

[@herrjanssen8531]

Exactly! I really like Eric's unaffected style. A few puns, etc., but straight to the point in the end. The way it's supposed to be. I don't like these crash boom bang videos with maximum narcissism at all. Eric's channel is a nice exception.

[@hondaccool]

Awesome video 😄 thanks a lot for your work I watched almost every video you made 2 times at least 👌

[@jeffharris9693]

For just pennies a day, you could provide KZbinrs like this with a pair of safety glasses. Call now, operators are standing by.

[@localcrew]

That is some SERIOUS crankcase ventilation!

[@grahamrothphotography]

Was close to buying a Colorado with this engine, than my mechanic convinced me it was a bad idea, went for a 13 Ridgeline w no issues, aside from that dang timing belt service haha

[@duggancruz]

As a mechanic I'd say your mechanic gave you great advice😉. Honda ridgeline great choice of vehicle.

[@barrya.6212]

The 3.6 IS BULLETPROOF NOW...has been for SEVERAL years and was when it was first installed on the Colorado....all the bugs / flaws were worked out....a easy 200K plus engine without needing any internal work.

[@RussellBooth1977]

My grandfather had this engine fitted into his old 2005 model Holden VZ Commodore which was Australian built, since it was the global V6 engine it was the 175 kilowatt version (LY7) which was built at the old Fishermans bend engine plant which was located near Melbourne in Victoria in Australia,it was known as the Alloytec V6 engine. He had no timing chain troubles with it because it was driven in a country area, City traffic tends to cause timing chain failure in them,he got over 430,000 kilometres (267,190 miles) out of his car & the engine was still good in it,the the thermostat & crossover pipe o rings are a bitch to replace in the Commodores which were fitted with that engine because there's not much clearance between the firewall & the engine meaning that the rear transmission mount has to be removed so that the engine can be dropped down far enough to gain access to the O rings, Holden just removed the transmission to do the job. The later VE Commodore was fitted with the 210 kilowatt 3.6 litre LFX V6 version of the engine. My VY SS Commodore is fitted with the 5.7 litre Chevrolet LS1 V8 engine which was a better bet than the Alloytec V6 engine for the timing chain reason,I didn't like Holdens ECOTEC version of the 3.8 litre Buick L36 V6 engine which was fitted into the VS-VY Commodores,I didn't like the 3.8 litre Buick V6 engine in any form at all !

[@mr.r9505]

Great video and good info really enjoy your stuff!

[@Human-yd7mb]

Love these videos , it like seeing an autopsy done on a blown engine

[@ryanmegill9292]

GM has a TSB for trigger wheels on the 3.0 and 3.6 engines slipping on the crank like that. It's actually way more common than you might think. These engines were/are absolute junk. Plagued with problems.

[@duggancruz]

Yes they are 😉

[@TwentytenS4B8]

Explains why the U-Pull yards are full of them.

[@arc00ta]

They had several TSBs, including one for valve springs, because GM finds the shadiest factory in the already shady mass of factories in china and then asks them to make it cheaper. Like, recycled pepsi cans would probably be an improvement. Still, they can last a while if you fix the PCV and keep oil in it. Many problems on these motors are related to the type of people that buy them (just like the Nissan Altima and the Ford 5.4 3-valve trucks) and a severe lack of regular maintenance.

[@glennshumaker2019]

It's like any other engine, if the owner neglects it's regular maintenance then, yeah it gets bad, and some are bad when they were built. Mine has 173,000+ on it mainly becaues it gets regular maintenance, synthetic oil and the best filter, I know it wont last forever but im going to drive it until it dies

[@glennshumaker2019]

Oh by the way I can show you the odometer if you like 173,000 + miles and it was used when I bought it

[@daveh2612]

I’m actually surprised this wasn’t the first damn engine you did for this channel. Every junkyard everywhere is littered with failed GM 3.6 engines.

[@31dknight]

Another great teardown video. Thanks

[@TheMadTube]

From 2:24-3:12 was a faithful reenactment to when I eat dairy. Even the dialogue is accurate. Kudos.

[@TheCRTman]

I'm deaddddddddddddddddddddddd

[@notbobthebuilder3109]

The sledgehammer part made me laugh so hard. Thanks for the great content as always 😂

[@HumbleMechanic]

You are killing it dude! KEEP IT UP!!!

[@aceautonewportky]

Thank you. Very enjoyable. The it's misfiring so I'll floor it, that'll clear it out........ Nope. As always, I truly like your content. 43yr experienced mechanic here.

[@wysetech2000]

A few years ago I worked on a Malibu that had a windshield leak and leaked water on the PCM. After I replaced the PCM I took it for a road test to make sure the repair was done right and I decided to try a full throttle from about 20mph. The front tires broke loose and almost tore the steering wheel out of my hands. I worked on the engine but didn't pay too much attention to it. I stepped on it hard a few more times and I was impressed with the power. When I returned to the shop I took a peak a little closer at the engine. I had to see WTF it was. It was a 3.6 and the first one I had ever seen. Too bad as usual GM gave in with the quality. I saw 2 of those engines blown up shortly after that. I replaced one and the other was warranty at GM. Both were Cadillac SUVs. I would say that that engine was driven until it stopped after the valve spring broke.

[@TwentytenS4B8]

That's exactly what happened. Valve spring broke and it swallowed a valve. That thing had to sound like skeletons screwing on a tin roof. For your next teardown, I'd like to see an Audi 3.0T.

[@christopherjones512]

GM POOR MANUFACTURING

[@YungEagle3k]

The audi 3.0s are pretty good engines

[@TwentytenS4B8]

@@YungEagle3k Yup, I own one with 210,000 miles and counting.

[@appleimacdude]

How often do you hear skeletons screwing on a tin roof?

[@dingdongmagee]

Ive been dying to see this one! Thanks!

[@glennshumaker2019]

Eric I enjoyed the 3.6 teardown, I have been waiting for a teardown of the 3.6. I have a 2012 Traverse LT with the 3.6 engine. I have all the bad reports on the timing chain and a few other things that others dont even know not just the engine although I have read other reports. This one has 173.000 + on it and still runs fairly good(needs a fuel pressure regulator) right now,I use it to do Lyft it's kind of small for a 4900 pound vehicle,your teardown has.shown the architecture of the engine. I keep the maintenance up though, working on the engine is another story, had to replace the water pump very difficult. Enjoyed the information learned in the viedo mine is a little different like lntigrated exhaust manifold, but I think the design of the basic engine is the same.I enjoy all your videos.One 1 more thing I was a diesel mechanic for 26 years, Cummins Mack, Catapiller, Detroit Diesel. It is kind of funny, guys go to school to work on diesel, but when they get in the real world it's a different story, every thing is greasy, dirty you name it, not many are clean, grease is a give me. I enjoy all of your teardowns videos.

[@glennshumaker2019]

One more thing, the computer limits vehicle speed to 108 mph....LOL

[@barrya.6212]

GM fixed all the bugs on these....some guy stated by 2013... maybe it was 2012... Can't complain about making it to 173,000 and still running good..after the corrections they are known to get to 200K and beyond...

[@gs1100ed]

I have a 2013 Traverse with this engine, so looks like I have something to look forward to.

[@yeahitskimmel]

Please disregard your "oil life monitor", the timing chain woes on these are real

[@skimask5049]

sell it now lol

[@Cynsham]

The thing you should look forward with a Chevy Traverse is the day you finally get rid of the piece of junk for good, wish you luck with it

[@dingdongmagee]

Just replaced the starter on mine. Haven’t had that much fun in…..never

[@henryD9363]

Let me wish you an early Merry Christmas present

[@theberrybest]

I just sold my 2012 Acadia. I'm happy to know that I had 10 years of enjoyment with nothing other than 1 battery replacement and oil changes. Never even had so much as a breaklight go out, and everything still worked. Of course I only put 44,000 miles on it, so what could go wrong? The benefits of owning multiple vehicles. I still have two GM products in my garage, and one at pops house. One is a 92 camaro that's been garage parked since new. Still runs like a champ.

[@christopherweise438]

98% of the tear downs we see on this channel can be attributed to massive oil change intervals or oil starvation. People just don't don't pay attention to the simple things, and that's what gets them.

[@bradhaines3142]

most GM vehicles arent bad. just have to not use a commuter car at a race track, helps a lot for durability

[@christopherweise438]

@jdslyman - Plus, the ethanol dries out the rubber lines and gaskets so avoiding that does more than just running better.

[@christopherweise438]

@jdslyman - Yea.....it all depends on the engine. Some will run worse on higher octane because the computer optimizes everything for 87. Some will run ok on 90 or 91. Here is West central Wisconsin 87 octane is 10% ethanol and you have to go 91 octane to get no ethanol, but the price difference is only about 15 cents.

[@wafflesnfalafel1]

thanks for the vid sir - very nice. It's really too bad that 3.6 had those issues... We've rented Impalas with those motors several times and really enjoyed them, but would never purchase one...

[@MusikMan8675309]

Favorite part of my Saturday!

[@deadspyder]

My favorite part is the fight with the dipstick gets better every time.

[@henryD9363]

It's a longstanding issue

[@huzudra]

I never knew GM had optional AFM on the 3.6's, I guess it only activates once though. As for the trigger wheel they know about them coming loose, it's the first thing you're supposed to check if there's cam/crank correlation codes. Not an uncommon issue at all!

[@stevem268]

it amazes me how far car engines have come in the last 30 years. back in the day a chevy impala would have had a massive pushrod v8. now it's a dohc, 4 valves per cyclinder, direct injection v6.

[@kars4me2]

Awesome thanks for sharing from Fulton Mississippi love watching you

[@Kboyer36]

I was excited to see this one pop up. I have a '14 impala limited (06-12 body style) with the 3.6 and it's running strong at 122k. It's always cool to see the inside of the engine that you have been using for years. I had heard of the timing issues on these but am glad to know that it's usually due to low oil.

[@Bartonovich52]

I have a 19 but it’s the LFX. Apparently they did a lot to improve the engine although one rumour is that they made the tolerances looser for how out of phase a cam has to be before a code is thrown. Religious 5000 mile oil changes and checking the oil with every fillup for me.

[@paulspomer16]

It is always due to low oil and lack of oil changes. If you maintain them perfectly they will easily go over 250k miles.

[@Kboyer36]

@@paulspomer16 I'd believe that. My parents old 92 Chevy Lumina with the 3.1L V6 made it to just shy of 300k when the timing chain broke. Sadly that condemned it to the great scrap heap in the sky.

[@handsome4922]

I've always hated working on these, *especially* on AWD applications. I swear between GM and BMW engineers, they absolutely hate mechanics.

[@jamessowder193]

Timing might have been an issue though. They're not an interference engine, I've been told that you should treat them as such. I'm currently throwing P0008, and P0017 codes. P0008 is for the crank position sensor. Replaced it, now it's more often. P0017 is cam position sensor on bank one. Passenger side. Passenger bank is always the first to cause trouble. She's running rough. Also look up the drill bit size for drilling out the pcv valve bigger. That's why these consume so much oil. High crank case pressure. Drilled mine out and it doesn't use any oil.

[@DrFiero]

The 3.0 version of this I just did was nearly identical, except it did a piston delete on #1 & 2. Not a chunk bigger than your pinky nail left! Noticed one of the cat's rattling, and found a valve head in it.

[@edrannou3914]

I'm 68 years old. Never saw a valve cover with a toupee before.

[@stephengreen3566]

Maybe do an older engine, circa, 1960-75? I love your videos and appreciate your time and the effort you put into making them. Thanks.

[@pbberger2002]

He did a Chevy 350 about 2 months ago. And it was an old one. Very old

[@robertflock1520]

a slant six or any flathead

[@saltycreole2673]

He did a 350 small block a while back that almost broke his crappy engine stand.

[@dingdongmagee]

@@saltycreole2673 salty army🇺🇸

[@johnfranklin5277]

My58 cadillac wants to know what you've got against 1950s engines??!! Lol.

[@Migweld7]

Always fun to watch your video, good job! Did you have any request for a pantastar 3.6l teardown?

[@jaredbawden6707]

I've become a regular viewer of late, this is easily the most entertaining and interesting installment I've seen thus far. One thing though, as funny as the plastic tub "safety shield" is, perhaps a proper face shield would be a good investment? They're a lot cheaper than a new eye.

[@reidthompson8979]

I’d like to put in my vote to see a Honda B20 teardown! Found in the ‘97-‘01 CR-V, the ‘97-‘98 having the 126hp B20B4 and the ‘99-‘01 having the 147hp B20Z2. I just replaced the heat gasket on my ‘99 5 speed manual CR-V, and I want to see more!!

[@hdrenginedevelopment7507]

Those tend to burn exhaust valves if the lash isn't checked regularly, as the exhaust valves are prone to receding into the head, so may be easy to find a core. The manual says "adjust if noisy" as the service interval, but they are more akin to small children...some noise=good, no noise=bad.

[@Backroad_Junkie]

That big inspection port almost looks factory, lol. Removing that plug was painful... I'd still like to hear what these sound like when they detonate. I personally don't want to find out on my car, but...

[@LolPepperGate]

I hella laughed out loud at -cut scene in- AHHH AHHH AHHHYYYYHHH AHHH with the BFH sledge 🤣🤣😂😂😂 lmfao. Another great video Eric. Thanks.

[@jacobmarin2537]

Had a 2011 Acadia. Baby’d the crap out of it and still timing chain crapped out, mande to fix the issue and won’t you know it, months later, the oil pressure light came on and then slight knocking on the engine. Managed to do what i could to get rid of it. Crappy engines that don’t last. Great video tear down. New subscriber

[@bigbubba5289]

From the LFX modified engine to newer these engines seem to have far fewer problems. GM made several changes including modifying the timing chain system and they also changed the oil replacement algorithm. I have a highly modified 3.6 LFX with stock forged crank, aftermarket forged rods, pistons, camshafts, and aftermarket valve train parts. There are several companies selling supercharger kits for these engines but I have learned from experience that the stock hypereutectic pistons will NOT live long under boost.

[@jumpjumps197]

I have the 3.6 LGX. Is that a newer improved version of the the LFX?

[@jasonsanders3397]

@@jumpjumps197 Yes

[@liver.flush.maestro]

The noise of the spark plug 🤣😂

[@RANDOMNATION907]

_brraaap!_ , I know , I couldn't help but giggle

[@xboxmaster555]

Nothing beats few bong rips and watch a exploded engine this is my saturdays

[@stlchevy95]

those slow mo replays of things going wrong cracks me up

[@richwielechowski5191]

Thanks for sharing. Eric, good luck to you and your wife on the birth of your little one.

[@ExitThirteen]

I'm gonna start calling you "Dark Helmet" with that fancy piece of headgear you were wearing! 🤣

[@chahh1866]

Having done my share of teardowns, I could watch this all day long.

[@bjgiulia]

Have an ‘07 Caddy SRX that started setting codes. The car has almost 160k on it. Haven’t really used it, because I haven’t had time to change the timing components. Bought Engine Quest timing set, I’ve always heard good things about their stuff, hopefully they are good. Bought 4 new solenoids, oil pump and water pump to do at the same time.

[@rockmountain4011]

If I'm not mistaken, that trigger wheel (or reluctor wheel) on these engines had a problem with slipping. What my mechanic did on my wife's Enclave was drilled a hole, tapped it, fastened, and tack welded it as per GM's recommendation. I've also been elbows deep in this engine doing injectors which are a total ball pain. I love the car... despise this engine. Had it for a year and a half and we've put over $3,000 into repairs on it.

[@PureCountryof91]

I see the Acadias, and traverses with around 60k, for $4k.. of course they needed an engine. But it certainly shows how awful they are willing to build things

[@JHONNYR98]

I find it hilarious that GM went from making the bulletproof 3800 V6, then replaced it with this engine

[@andrewmontgomery1763]

Because it makes 100 more horsepower lol the 3800 is a boat anchor, and clearly this engine was not taken care of lol

[@lieutenantdan8170]

@@andrewmontgomery1763 the 3800 updated like they did the 4.3 v6 would've been heaps better than the 3.6

[@zoltanliszkai2162]

The 3.8 was dimensionally too big and the design couldn't meet modern emission regs (was a 1962 design)

[@nunya2779]

@@andrewmontgomery1763 boat?

[@DZARB]

@@andrewmontgomery1763 wrong it all had to do with CAFE standards.

[@oldgadget1]

yeah, this is carnage of epic proportions.. We need more of these

[@HUBBABUBBADOOPYDOOP]

I hope you are knee deep in enjoyment of your time off! Thanks for the video, that was cool.

[@johnhull6363]

Do we have a baby yet? In good health we all hope for you and the family!!!

[@Tutankhamun1333]

My Australian commodore from late 2004 has this exact same engine that has nearly 218k Kilometers/ 135458 Miles and it runs extremely well for its age.

[@jasonsanders3397]

Not the exact same engine. Yours would be an LE0 or LY7. This engine he pulled down was a direct injected LLT - Holden called them the SIDI = Spark Ignition Direct Injection. And they didn't come out in Australia until around 2009

[@ralphlyons8020]

Great video. Laughed a lot with this one.

[@tormentfromhell73]

Just saw GM 3.6 and immediately clicked on it, I've been waiting for one of these videos as I own a lacrosse with this engine. Have owned it since 2016 and the engine is the only part I haven't had issues with lol.

[@barrya.6212]

By 2016 everything was corrected on these engines and they'll easily go over 200K .....

[@tormentfromhell73]

​​​@@barrya.6212mine is a 2011. I bought it in 2016. It has 114k at the moment and the engine is the only thing that hasn't broken, save for a water pump 4 years ago. No biggie. The emergency brake motor plus module, was $1,800 alone. Plus a flex plate because there was a chewed spot that happened to line up with my starter one day and wouldn't engage to start. If i had known, i could've just put in neutral and rolled forward until the bad spot was past the starter. But had it towed and $2,400 later.... New flexplate. Rear brake noise that ended in me replacing rotors, calipers, hoses. The noise was still there. It was 100% rotor noise and wouldn't go away until both rear wheel bearings were replaced. Both bearings were good. We think the surface was out of round and that caused the intermittent rotor noise, even though new rotors were on. I think someone passed away in this car and haunts it. If i stop my engine to get gas, it does very weird things. Then it's 100% perfect until i get gas again. So i leave it running and no issues. One time the ignition lock cylinder got stuck in start mode after getting gas. It's NEVER done that before or since. When you let the key go it should pop back and it didn't. Weird thing to happen just from getting gas. Sometimes it won't start, or makes a weird noise when starting. I start this car at least 20 times a week and it has never happened until i stop to get gas. And it's consistent. Every time i stop for fuel it's something messed up that has nothing to do with gas.

[@formulafish1536]

The biggest issue with the timing chain is the angle with which it connects to the crankshaft. You have maybe 3 or 4 links connected instead of virtually going completely around , which causes excessive wear on the timing chain.

[@pauljcampbell2997]

You make a good point, and why on earth would the GM design team think that is okay, when you and I know it isn't. Driving 4 cams with 3 or 4 teeth off the crank is crazy!

[@christopherweise438]

@@pauljcampbell2997 - Plus, using oil pressure for the chain tensioner. As Eric said....run it low on oil and you have valves snapped off by pistons like we saw here.

[@formulafish1536]

It’s a massive shame because if they simply didn’t do those 2 things, GM would have an amazing engine. And, when it is running, it is a great engine. Especially in the later Commodores here in Australia. Where for some reason when the chain snaps you don’t get pistons into valves, as was explained to me by my father, who has been a mechanic for 4 decades and has seen almost every generation and type of motor GM has sold in Australia. I genuinely asked him the other day whether it would be possible to remedy the chain issue, which I knew would probably be a no without completely redesigning the block, but worth asking anyway. I didn’t realise the oil pressure tensioning was a thing though. Which is especially dangerous in modern cars, which usually don’t have oil pressure gauges...

[@SvdSinner]

Awesome timing! I spent today working on getting a bad 3.6L out of a Cadillac CTS, and am planning on doing a tear-down to see why it was running like garbage. (My guess is a bad bearing somewhere generating a bunch of friction.) One thing of note: This is definitely NOT an LLT. The LLT (which I'm working on) is direct-injected and has fuel rails and injectors between the heads which this engine definitely does not have. I'm guessing it is an LY6, but I could be wrong.

[@I_Do_Cars]

It’s an LLT, missing the injectors and rails. You can see the additional cam lobe for driving the HPFP. An LY6 is an iron 6.0 gen4, 07-14 2500/3500 truck or van engine. Hope the rest of that job goes smooth!

[@aboodmki3]

The MPI version of the GMHFV6 is called LY7 not LY6

[@SvdSinner]

@@I_Do_Cars The sponge thing between the heads on my LLT has a big bulge on top above the fuel pressure sensor. Admittedly, my LLT is RWD and has several differences with its transverse mounted breatheren.

[@SvdSinner]

@@I_Do_Cars Flipping through the service manual, the other two variants are the LP1 and the LY7.

[@adamtparker6515]

Simple slip of a chain cog cause all this or a PCM that told the motor 'I quit!'? Buick LaCrosses labeled these babies as 'Variable Valve Timing' instead of LLT, Alloytech, etc. Buick was smart as it told buyers 'do not select this motor'

[@jacobhixon4054]

I get so excited when he throws the timing chain guides🤣. It’s hard to come by in videos but when they look good or perfect, he launches them. Same with water pumps

[@stephanebolduc6501]

Good carnage on this puppy. Thanks for another great episode!