Hi there. Some years ago my V developed what I was to learn was lifter noise. I think I over did it trying to remedy the situation, which I did, but a thumping sound developed not long after. So the situation got worse, van would start fine, but if I drove it even a a few miles, the liftets would get very loud. I decided to change the oil, using 10w40, but that made it worse. Finally it died on me en route to my destination. I tried to restart it but as I recall it would only try to crank slowly. The next day when I tried to start it, the engine shook violently.

My simple question is can I effectively rebuild this engine? Never done it but everyone has a first time. I get the impression something broke inside the engine. Should I just buy an engine (even toyed with the idea of putting the 3800 series II from a Grand Prix with a failing tranny)? Thanks in advance.

 

Whether you end up rebuilding that engine, or having to replace it, you'll still have to pull it out. So I would start with that and see if a quick investigation will show what went wrong. Only then can you make a decision whether or not it is rebuildable.
But with the age of your van, I'd think it would be more economical to find a used engine. The 3.4 is in the same engine family as the 3.1, but not the 3.8, so trying to use a 3800 will be a custom fit for just about everything.

 

This is true. The 3.4 and 3.1 are 60 degree engines, while the 3.8 is a 90 degree. I frankly doubt it would fit without major surgery.