You know it is funny that GM had a recall on 2000 Monte for the fuel pressure regulator leaking and causing intake manifold explosions in 2004.
File In Section: Product Recalls
Bulletin No.: 03054B
Date: June, 2004
PRODUCT SAFETY RECALL
SUBJECT:
FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR - REPLACE
MODELS:
1998-2000 BUICK PARK AVENUE, LESABRE
1998-2000 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE
1998-1999 OLDSMOBILE EIGHTY-EIGHT
2000 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO, IMPALA
EQUIPPED WITH 3.8L V6 (RPO L36 - VIN CODE K) ENGINE
THIS BULLETIN REPLACES 03054A ISSUED FEBRUARY 2004, AND IS BEING REVISED TO INCLUDE 1998-2000 BUICK LESABRE, PONTIAC BONNEVILLE; 1998-99 OLDSMOBILE EIGHTY-EIGHT; AND 2000 BUICK PARK AVENUE, CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO AND IMPALA MODEL YEAR VEHICLES. DUE TO PARTS AVAILABILITY, 03054B IS BEING CONDUCTED IN 2 PHASES. PHASE 1 WILL CONSIST OF 1998-1999 BUICK LESABRE, PONTIAC BONNEVILLE AND OLDSMOBILE EIGHTY-EIGHT MODEL YEAR VEHICLES. PHASE 2 WILL CONSIST OF 2000 BUICK PARK AVENUE AND LESABRE, PONTIAC BONNEVILLE, CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO AND IMPALA MODEL YEAR VEHICLES. WHEN SUFFICIENT PARTS ARE AVAILABLE TO NOTIFY CUSTOMERS OF 2000 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES, YOU WILL BE NOTIFIED AND WILL RECEIVE A NEW INITIATION REPORT. PLEASE DISCARD SAFETY RECALL BULLETIN NUMBER 03054.
CONDITION
General Motors has decided that a detect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain 1998-2000 Buick Park Avenue, LeSabre, Pontiac Bonneville; 1998-99 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight: and 2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Impala model year vehicles equipped with a 3.8L V6 (RPO L36 - VIN Code K) engine. These vehicles have a much higher than usual rate of fuel pressure regulator diaphragm leaks. A leak can allow fuel to enter the intake manifold through a vacuum line. In low battery conditions, if the engine does not start when cranked, the fuel from the leaking regulator and a mistimed spark can cause a backfire. The backfire can rupture the intake manifold, causing a loud bang. The rupture of the intake manifold can displace a fuel line, pulling an injector out of place, and causing a fuel leak. If there is an ignition source, a fire can result.
Slow engine cranking and difficulty starting the engine could indicate a low battery. Poor driveability or a check engine light could indicate a fuel pressure regulator leak.
CORRECTION
Dealers are to inspect the engine fuel rail and, if necessary, replace the fuel pressure regulator.