just got an '02 vue

[kwguy]

I just picked up an '02 vue, v6, awd this weekend. I tried to do a search for the 3.0l engine, but the search function didn't want to work with me. It kept saying that 3.0 isn't enough info, so I turn to you. I would like to know a little info on this engine- what is the peak torque when in drive? I ask beacuse in my old sc2 the peak torque was at 2400rpm which just happened to be 57mph on the freeway. That helped me get really good mileage on trips. I would also like to know the pros and cons of this engine, aside from the fact that I can't see the spark plugs at all, or that I couldn't find a dipstick for the tranny at all. Are there any mechanical mods, or am I stuck with just a k&n in the filter box? Any other tips I need to know about? Thanks for your help.

[plum_sc2]

i have an 03 Vue V6 ................ my best fuel mileage so far is 26 highway(i usually set the cruise around 73), and i average about 22 mpg with a mix of city/highway driving. There is NO trans dipstick because its a sealed unit but there IS an external filter on the transmission.

Aside from the coolant leak issue that was corrected by the dealer i have no complaints about the truck. Although a braided(flex) exhaust pipe under the oil pan is now broken and it now has quite the rally-car type sound to it.

[Gerry Proctor]

Trans filter is internal and is for the most part not serviceable even with a fluid change. Unless the new owner has a leak or evidence of a leak, you should never have to add fluid to the trans since the fluid is not consumed. This applies to all transmissions. Also, there is a dipstick/fill point. It's near the front of the trans. A very short tube. Though, it's really just a service point since it won't be low unless it's leaking and the service method for checking the level calls for a near perfect leveling of the vehicle. And if the vehicle isn't level and you overfill the trans, expect to induce a shift flair.

You can get an aftermarket braided flex pipe and have it welded in. Much cheaper than the factory item. Here's a link to a braided flex pipe: http://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/30770/10002/-1

[tackepj]

What you have is an L81 V6, manufactured in England by Vauxhall (GM's UK division). It's a DOHC, 24 valve, 54 degree narrow-angle engine that was used in the 2002-2003 VUE V6 and all L-series cars with the V6 motor. A variant of it was used in the Cadillac Catera and Saab 9-5 V6, as well as the Opel Omega in Germany. It has a magnesium alloy intake manifold (and variable-length intake runners) that is unique to the VUE, and it's coupled to an Aisin 5-speed automatic tranny.

It's one of my favorite motors (had one in our previous Saturn) that, due to its design, likes to rev and sounds great doing it. I don't know where the peak torque is made, but I bet it's pretty high. It's a pretty solid motor, though has been known to need thermostat replacements and oil cooler reseals.

It calls for a timing belt replacement (at which point you should also do the water pump) at either 100k or 105k--I forget the exact number. It's an interference engine, so it's not a repair to overlook.

[plum_sc2]

You can get an aftermarket braided flex pipe and have it welded in. Much cheaper than the factory item. Here's a link to a braided flex pipe: http://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/30770/10002/-1


Thanks Jerry!!!!! i bet i could also get that at AutoZone, Murrays, etc

[VTchemist]

Glad you like your VUE. It's a good vehicle.

Service issues that other posted mentioned should include, the timing belt which needs to be replaced at 100K for the L81 engine.

It's a good time to do the plugs too, because getting the Mg intake manifold off is not an easy process.

Other 100K issues are a change in the transmission fluid (actually, every 60K, per the revised service schedule) as well as the radiator fluid.

PTO fluid should be changed at 90K. RDM at about 100K?

I am very happy with my 2003 V6 AWD. It's one of the better vehicles I've had (except for the front axle/CV/bearing issues...)

[kwguy]

Thank you all for responding. It seems a little odd that they wouldn't give you an easy way to check the fluid in something that important. I'm also a little curious about the internal filter. What happens when it finally plugs up? How do you know it has happened? Is there anyway to add an external filter? Also, why is it so hard to take off the manifold? I was thinking of installing some e3 or halo plugs, but I'm losing interest in that idea if it will take most of the day to do it. Do any of you know about a message board that is specific to that engine?

[Gerry Proctor]

It seems a little odd that they wouldn't give you an easy way to check the fluid in something that important.
Not really. Again, if it's not leaking, it's not using any. You're going a long way to make something a problem that isn't.

I'm also a little curious about the internal filter. What happens when it finally plugs up? How do you know it has happened?
The trans stops working.

Is there anyway to add an external filter?
Sure. You could plumb a remote filter into the cooler lines, but it's really unnecessary. The factory filter will easily last well into the transmission's service life. Just have the trans serviced according to the maintenance schedule and it will be fine.

Also, why is it so hard to take off the manifold?

It's a mechanical thing. It's not hard. Just takes a lot of time. You can search the forum for intake manifold lifting proceedure. If you have the FSM and the tools, you could get it done in about three hours start to finish.

I was thinking of installing some e3 or halo plugs, but I'm losing interest in that idea if it will take most of the day to do it. Do any of you know about a message board that is specific to that engine?
I would go with the factory spec plug. It's fine to experiment with plugs but if the engine rejects the plugs, do you really want to be doing this again in 5k miles? While the L81 engine has been around since the middle '90s, it doesn't have an entheusiast following. The aftermarket doesn't support it (not too many folks interested in hot rodding their Cadillac Ceteras). It is a good engine(save the earlier versions with lifter problems), but it is a very pedestrian mill.