14th Dec 2009, 10:57
I have a 98 Park Avenue with 190,000 miles and it runs GREAT. I have had to replace the plenum/intake manifold twice, both times the check engine light came on, get to the shop ASAP, this will keep it from receiving any damage.
Only one other issue, makes a rubbing sound only turning right. I've had the axles and tie rods replaced, and mechs say it looks new on the front system. I hope to take that 3800 to 300,000.
Good Luck.
14th Dec 2009, 17:39
I have owned two of the 2nd generation Park Avenues, a '99 which I never experienced this issue when it was sold with over 140,000 miles, and an '05 which I don't believe has the plastic intake manifold. It is the Series II 3.8, but most sources say it is aluminum in the later models, not sure which year they changed though.
14th Dec 2009, 17:44
4:51, it is very rare for the engine to actually hydrolock from this issue, which is how it would destroy the engine. It is still a very costly repair for these aging cars, however you can have it done for around $700, maybe a little less if you go to an independent garage. The dealer would probably charge over $1,000. My old boss did his '99 LeSabre himself for around $300, that included a new starter which was destroyed in the process.
18th Sep 2009, 04:51
Great cars - most who own them love them. However, the post-1994 models all have one huge and dangerous fault - the plastic intake manifold, which melts, allowing cooling fluid into the engine oil and thus destroying the engine. Basically eliminating the car as a new engine would be too expensive on a '98 to be worth it. So keep a very close watch on this issue - I'm not actually sure there is any way to head it off or notice it before it is too late.
Another case of 'improvements' in technology leading to a worsening of a product.