headgasket/intake manifold issues

Hi guys,

I have the dreaded coolant leak with my 2000 Intrigue 3.5. A few months ago i noticed a trace of coolant dripping down the drivers side of the motor near the firewall. The other day I was underneath the car and I have spotted another trace of coolant leaking down the front of the motor on the drivers side.

I cannot pin point the exact location of the leaks but i suspect I am dealing with a head gasket or the intake manifold gaskets as so many have allready had.

Has anybody changed out an intake manifold gasket, or a head gasket on this motor? Am I going to be in for any unpleasant surprises/ challanges? Also, is it more common for the head gaskets to leak or the intake manifold gasket?

I recently replaced the lower intake manifold gasket on my 94 Olds Nintey Eight and it was a breeze. I had the job done in less than a day. However, this car doesn't look so easy being an OHC motor and with everything being jammed so tightly under the hood.

Any tips, or stories (good or bad) are appreciated!

Thanks,

Chuck

I've never done it but.... The intake doesn't look too bad. But, I was a professional mechanic for many years, and even I do not like the idea of pulling the heads myself. It requires special jigs to hold the cam sprockets and camshafts and you are also dealing with 3 timing chains as well. The manual also talks about the possibility of having to repair aluminum threads in the engine block. If it was a 3.8 I would not have any doubts, but this motor is high-tech and complex - good luck!

Thanks for the advice. I really hope that its not the headgasket. I really can't tell where the coolant is comming from as everything is packed in so tightly with this car.

Chuck

i'm having the problem fix intake manifold gasket it's costing about 450.00