Intake manifold gasket - repair

[sr17]

My astro has developed a very small leak of coolant from the intake manifold.

The mechanic I had look at it wants $600 to fix it - is this a good price?

What causes this issue? I don't think the engine has ever been over heated.

Can I keep driving the vehicle? The mechanic tells me that if I don't deal with it quickly, it may cause the head gasket to fail too - is this correct?

 

[Steve S]

If so, coolant will get into the oil which is not good. I am not sure about the price. It is a some what common problem. Make sure you buy a premium gasket set ,it costs more but worth the extra $$$$ in the long run.

 

[beast3300]

Originally Posted By: sr17
My astro has developed a very small leak of coolant from the intake manifold.

The mechanic I had look at it wants $600 to fix it - is this a good price?

What causes this issue? I don't think the engine has ever been over heated.

Can I keep driving the vehicle? The mechanic tells me that if I don't deal with it quickly, it may cause the head gasket to fail too - is this correct?


Very good price.

 

[Herz]

Its a very simple repair on the astro, had to do it to mine when I had it. I am assuming you have the 4.3. When you get new coolant avoid the dexcool, and use Fel-Pro problem solver gaskets. The gaskets from the factory are garbage and then paired with a incompatable coolant = IMG failure. You can do this repair your self with very common tools, basic socket and long socket set, ball peen hammer, flat and phillips screwdrivers, some picks, and a torx socket set. For under the cost of 600 bucks you can replace the valve covers, plenum, tb, distributor cap and rotor, plug wires, and plugs. If you keep driving the van coolant could possibly get into the oil.

 

[mechtech2]

You have to fix it to avoid engine problems.
Like defektes said, you can purchase parts, tools, etc., and do the job yourself for MUCH less than 600.
This type of job is within almost anybody's grasp.
Do homework first, and get a manual.

 

[Herz]

heres a pretty good walkthrough on the GM 4.3 engines on how to do the LIM gasket.

http://www.handymanlyness.com/archives/a...e_99_Jimmy.html

 

[sr17]

I was pondering just skipping the repair and replacing my van with something more powerful for the towing it is being used for. However, after kicking tires at various car lots the last couple of days, I have decided to just get it fixed and hang on to it for another year or two. Despite high mileage, the van appears to be in very good shape.

I appreciate the DIY advice, but I'm a little scared to attempt it myself so I will just have to pay the mechanic.

I know that there has been controversy around GM DexCool and assume that I should stay away from it. Picked up some Prestone 50/50 Antifreeze Coolant at WalMart - is this considered a good coolant?

Oil will need to be changed too and I am planning to try Shell Rotella T6 5W40 with a Purolator PureOne filter. Oil pressure is a little low when warm and I am hoping that going to a thicker oil will help a bit. Current fill is Castrol GTX High Mileage 5W30.

What would I benefit from getting done while getting the intake manifold gasket replaced?

 

[mechanicx]

Originally Posted By: sr17
I know that there has been controversy around GM DexCool and assume that I should stay away from it. Picked up some Prestone 50/50 Antifreeze Coolant at WalMart - is this considered a good coolant?


The Prestone and just about all the coolant at Walmart is a Dexcool. Dexcool is not the real reason why your gasket failed, but if you want to get away from Dexcool you'll have to go with G-05 or orginal Green coolant. The coolant has to say "Original Green" or G-05. G-05 is probably your best bet because it has a longer service life than Green.

Quote:
Oil will need to be changed too and I am planning to try Shell Rotella T6 5W40 with a Purolator PureOne filter. Oil pressure is a little low when warm and I am hoping that going to a thicker oil will help a bit. Current fill is Castrol GTX High Mileage 5W30.


I don't see anything wrong with that, but you might consider running something cheap for a short OCI after having the IMG repair to clean out any coolant residue and residue the shop will invariably get into the engine. Maybe Mobil, Quaker State Conventional, or Pennzoil conventional for 2-3 K.

Quote:
What would I benefit from getting done while getting the intake manifold gasket replaced?


Some things that that either are going to be taken off or will be easier to access while doing the repair depending on the milage and condition of the parts: thermostat, coolant hoses, belt, plugs, cap and rotor and maybe wires.

 

[sr17]

Thanks for feedback. The van is in the shop.

I already have the Rotella, so might as well pour it in - since my van sees almost nothing but severe duty, 3K is my regular oil change interval anyway.

Going for a full tune up at the same time with new thermostat, plugs, wires, cap, rotor, air filter and whatever else there may be.

Replacing couple of u-joints and getting brakes done too.

Hopefully this will help keeping the van fit for duty for another year or two.