Engine Mechanical problem
1996 Oldsmobile 88 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 102648 miles

my son has a 96 old 88...v6...3.8....it locked up on him..thought mabey the timing chain,,,but when i put num.1 plug had water in it...then thought head gasket...than i pulled all the plugs and theres water in all the clylinders......what do you guys think???????thanks for your help

v6. hmm if theres water in all cylindres i might be thinking the engien is hydrolocked from leaky intake manifold gasket.

is it water or antifreeze?

thanks for your answer...its antifreeze...answer to your ??? i was afraid might be cracked block...i started pulling the intake off...thanks for your answer

but since all cylinders are fulled i kinda rule out a cracked block since you say its a v6 not a straight/inline 6.

get a compression test going and see.

Had to replace the upper intake manifold (plenum) & gasket. Odd design has water going up into the intake end of the plenum. If slightly overheated or run low on coolant the joint looses it's seal & you guessed it, pours water into the intake.
I used a shop vac & small Dia. hose to clear the cylinders through the spark plug holes & top of the intake manifold (lower) & changed the oil. Replaced the plenum & gasket, ($120@ parts store) started right up & runs great.

thats really thought out, good job.

hope it helps him with his problem.