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3.8 V6, auto, 94,000 miles.  When I start the engine cold, I get a repetitive noise, but it isn't a click, clank, or knock.  It has a tone to it, like dung-dung-dung-dung, about three beats to the second at idle.  It isn't perfectly regular, but is similar to an exhaust rhythm (well, of a carbureted engine).  It goes away at higher RPM (1200-1500 or so), and isn't present when the engine has warmed, even slightly.  It's more noticeable if I put the car into gear.  Oddly, it's also more noticeable inside the car than from outside with the hood lifted.

The car starts, runs and shifts perfectly.  

you might want to look at the harmonic damper..  most of those engines have a thin molded rubber disc to drive the outer ring...

they can fail.. and cause weird noises... almost like ringing a bell..


take a look at a new one at most parts stores..

Dorman / Harmonic Balancer
For your 1998 Buick Park Avenue 3.8L SFI OHV 6cyl
Part Number: 594-004

you can grab the belt with the engine off and sometimes. work the belt back and forth if it is bad..  it takes a special tool to remove the harmonic balancer..  please if it takes bolts... do not screw them in deep...  6 or 7 turns only ... you will see the sensor ring on the back side.. you can bend it and destroy the crank sensor before you get the damper off..    it should be hard to damage.. but another tech at a former work place did it..


here is a drawing of the balancer puller and the flywheel holder needed to loosen the crank bolt...

http://repairguide.autozone.com/znetrgs/repair_guide_content/en_us/images/0900c152/80/21/7b/80/medium/0900c15280217b80.gif

there are instructions at autozone.com...

look it up for a 98 chevy lumina 3.8... you will have to log in.. but the info is there...


it could be tother things.. but when i read you post.. thats what came to my mind first...  and there must be a problem with them if a bunch of stores carry them...  

waynep7122...

Thanks for all the information.  It is indeed a bell-like sound.  I'll check it out.  Sounds a lot better than a new engine.

James T.