Coolant Leakege

Hi all,
I am newbie to this. I have 98 v6 malibu, recently I found coolant leakage and service center has asked me to take to dealer.
Is there something that can be done to save big bucks with dealer.

Thanks

At a minimum, check with more than one dealer if you can (not familiar with independent shops on this issue). I had the intake manifold gasket service done last summer on my '98 LS (bought new, but sold last month) under Extended Warranty. But, at the time, I researched the issue in this and other auto forums and saw that folks have paid anywhere from $500 - $1,200. It pays to shop around, but don't wait too long. This is not something you want to go slow on.

Did the service center tell you why they wanted you to bring it to the dealer? :uhoh: Definitely don't let it go , or you'll end up needing head gasket/ heads...and that's definitely NOT a cheap job, even if you do it yourself. You're probably leaking @ intake gasket....the part is inexpensive, but labor will not be...it's still cheaper than heads/head gasket....Make sure to get it looked at...Just my :2cents:

Check out my post. This is a defect. I am arranging a group of Malibu owners as to sue Chevy for two hidden defects, blower motor spped control 1&2, and cooling system failures!
Rick


Hi all,
I am newbie to this. I have 98 v6 malibu, recently I found coolant leakage and service center has asked me to take to dealer.
Is there something that can be done to save big bucks with dealer.

Thanks

Check out my post. This is a defect. I am arranging a group of Malibu owners as to sue Chevy for two hidden defects, blower motor spped control 1&2, and cooling system failures!
Rick More power too ya! My 3.1 puked at 98,000, also my fan speed has not worked in 2 years...I attemped to gain access to the blower resistors but it looked like a real project. I had a used engine put in for $1,500...got lucky i guess. Let me know how you make out on the recall\ classaction. No more chevys for me

I also have a 1999 Chevy Malibu so far we had major problems:
1. Blower Motor (Heating/Air Conditioning switch) keeps burning out
2. Coolant leakage, first occurance at approximately 70,000km leaked in the car park took it to a GM dealer told me that the car was out of warranty and head gasket and major repair needs doing. I was advised the car should not have another problem like this for up to an additional 60,000km now this morning at 103,000km same coolant leak and again major expense. I believe GM should be covering this as a recall or major defect.
Always been a North American car buyer, worked in car industry for 25 years but this is the last draw, will never buy GM again and looking into a Japanese car now. I am very dissappointed with GM's service.

Just recently the chassis started squeaking every time the car went over a small bump and sounded like the whole car was going to drop to the ground. I believe GM should be sued for first of all having 2 major defects and not giving a recall. i can be contacted at [email protected] for further information.

When the gaskets were replaced on my '98 in summer '03, I was informed that GM had developed a new type of gasket (which went on my car) and they're designed to last "forever". The same gasket is used on the 3500 in my Maxx, I presume.

You must have gotten the old-type gasket during the first replacement.

A common problem is a leak at the intake manifold gasket. Most often it leaks to the outside, sometimes it leaks to the inside and contaminates the oil. FYI: I got mine replaced by the dealer at no cost when the car was at 75,000 km (47,000 mi) and off warranty, and after I was a bit assertive. They replaced it under what they called "special warranty adjustment". They also wanted to replace the water pump (claiming there was a seal leaking) at my cost, but I declined. A local mechanic confirmed that, in fact, the water pump was leaking. I asked the mechanic to replace it (at about 1/3 of the dealer's quote). Happy driving!