The 3.8-liter General Motors L36 engine was produced at the Michigan plant from 1995 to 2005 and was installed on such popular models as the Pontiac Bonneville, Buick Regal or Chevrolet Impala. There was a compressor version of this engine with the index L67 with a power of 240 hp / 380 Nm.
Buick V6 family: L32, L36, L67.
Specifications
| Production years | 1995 – 2005 |
| Displacement, cc | 3791 |
| Fuel system | distributed injection |
| Power output, hp | 195 – 205 |
| Torque output, Nm | 312 |
| Cylinder block | cast iron V6 |
| Block head | cast iron 12v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 97 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 86 |
| Compression ratio | 9.4 |
| Features | OHV |
| Hydraulic lifters | yes |
| Timing drive | chain |
| Phase regulator | no |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 4.3 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 2/3 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Pontiac Bonneville 2004) — city — highway — combined |
12.4 7.8 10.2 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~400 000 |
| Weight, kg | 178 |
The engine was installed on:
- Buick LeSabre 7 (H-body) in 1995 – 1999, LeSabre 8 (GMX220) in 1999 – 2005;
- Buick Park Avenue 1 (C-body) in 1995 – 1996, Park Avenue 2 (G-body) in 1996 – 2005;
- Buick Regal 4 (W-body) in 1996 – 2004;
- Buick Riviera 8 (G-body) in 1995 – 1997;
- Chevrolet Camaro 4 (F-body) in 1995 – 2002;
- Chevrolet Impala 8 (GMX210) in 1999 – 2005;
- Chevrolet Lumina 2 (W-body) in 1997 – 1999;
- Chevrolet Monte Carlo 5 (W-body) in 1997 – 1999, Monte Carlo 6 (GMX230) in 1999 – 2005;
- Oldsmobile Intrigue 1 (GMX170) in 1997 – 1999;
- Oldsmobile Regency 1 (H-body) in 1996 – 1999;
- Pontiac Bonneville 9 (H-body) in 1995 – 1999, Bonneville 10 (GMX310) in 1999 – 2005;
- Pontiac Firebird 4 (F-body) in 1995 – 2002;
- Pontiac Grand Prix 7 (W-body) in 1996 – 2003.
Disadvantages of the GM L36 engine
- First of all, engines of this series are famous for frequent coolant leaks.
- The source of the leak is usually a leaky gasket under the intake manifold.
- The plastic pipe under the generator also bursts and is replaced with a metal one.
- Also, spark plugs, coils and a crankshaft position sensor have a low resource.
- In 2009, there was a recall campaign for these engines due to the risk of fire.
Frequently asked questions about the GM L36
How much power does the GM L36 make?
The GM L36 develops 195 - 205 hp and 312 Nm of torque.
How much oil does the GM L36 take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 4.3 liters. Recommended oil: 5W-30.
Does the GM L36 have a timing belt or chain?
The GM L36 uses a timing chain.
Is the GM L36 turbocharged?
No, the GM L36 is naturally aspirated.
Does the GM L36 need valve clearance adjustment?
No, the GM L36 has hydraulic lifters, so the valve clearances do not need to be adjusted.
How long does the GM L36 last?
The typical lifespan of the GM L36 is ~400 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the GM L36?
Pontiac Bonneville 2004: city 12.4, highway 7.8, combined 10.2 L/100 km.
What cars was the GM L36 installed on?
Buick LeSabre 7 (H-body) in 1995 - 1999, LeSabre 8 (GMX220) in 1999 - 2005; Buick Park Avenue 1 (C-body) in 1995 - 1996, Park Avenue 2 (G-body) in 1996 - 2005; Buick Regal 4 (W-body) in 1996 - 2004; Buick Riviera 8 (G-body) in 1995 - 1997; Chevrolet Camaro 4 (F-body) in 1995 - 2002; Chevrolet Impala 8 (GMX210) in 1999 - 2005 and 7 more (see the full list above).
What are the common problems of the GM L36?
First of all, engines of this series are famous for frequent coolant leaks. The source of the leak is usually a leaky gasket under the intake manifold. All known problems.
