09 3.6 good?

[cavell]

I found a 09 3.6 w/125k miles and know the ohc motors are touchy. If it has no timing codes it might be ok? Same as a srx if you compare them?
I buy 06-09 to do heads. I tolerate them I guess. I must be nuts to buy a 3.6 version.
It does have 300hp which is nice

 

[dgstarr]

These engines are known to have timing chain failures when the oil has not been changed every 3000 to 4000 miles. A timing chain replacement requires removal of the engine and is very expensive. I would not purchase unless you can see the service records. Most people don't change their oil that often.

 

[cavell]

Is chain ok? Well, today it is. Tomorrow? I buy them to fix. I got an 06 w/130k miles for $700. Did heads. Gone. A lower mile 09 w/3.6 for 2500 seems good price wise. Maybe too good
I found another one with chains issues for $1k. Should cost more.
My 3.4 09 w/98k is worth $4k.

 

[sdhow]

Sounds like you answered your own question. Timing chains are at least $4k, parts and labor.

 

[bearbait]

I've got a 2008 3.4 with 121k on it. Best vehicle I ever owned. Change oil according to oil life monitor ( at 10%) and flush anti-freeze every 4-5 years. Runs like a top' Am thinking of getting new or used Blazer but leery about 3.6. Mine is getting pretty rusty underneath.

 

[sdhow]

If you run a 3.6 to 10% of oil life, it'll never make it to 100k miles.

Unlike the 3.4, the 3.6 has GDI, VVT and DOHC. It demands very clean, high quality oil at all times. 4k is a maximum oil change interval.

 

[bearbait]

Thanks for the advice. I thought the 3.6 was just a punched out 3.4. Don't want a turbo or a 3 or 4 cyl. Very limited vehicles with 6 cyl.

 

[sdhow]

No, a completely different engine. It's what GM calls a "high feature" V6...which means "high $$$".

The 2.4L 4 cylinder has about the same hp as the 3.4 V6...but...it's still got the GDI, VVT and DOHC. It's just a little easier to work on than the V6.

 

[bearbait]

The 2.4 has had a bad history of timing chain failure. I want to stay away from them.

 

[sdhow]

Good luck. Push rod engines are a thing of the past. Everything is direct injection and VVT now...and has been for about 15 years.