Intake gasket

I have read much about the 97 and up Malibu having a water leak at the intake gasket. I love my 97 2.4L and want to keep her on the road. Especially after spending a bundle on a trans rebuild!

Is there any documentation in regards to changing that gasket on a 2.4L? I am fairly adept under the hood and quite frankly cannot afford a mechanic. Trans took care of any disposable income.

Thanks!

The notorious LIM gasket leak occurs in 3.1/3.4L v6 motors. Don't worry about it.

*Whew!* Thanks!

So far my intake gasket isn't leaking but I know my time is coming. My car has 80,000 miles on it now so I figure it's a matter of time. I am pretty handy with tools and was thinking about trying to replace this myself. Is there any place a person can find step by step instructions on how to do this job? I don't want to jump into it blind. LOL Also,, I am a member of another BBS for my motorcycle, and they had a link with a parts finche, and service manual online. Is there a place to download this sort of information for my 2001 LS? I hate to blow the bucks for a paperback version if I can find it online. I tend to read more online than from books ! LOL Oh yea,,, I am also a cheap a$$ !! I admit it ! Thanks for all replies in advance !

A Chilton or Haynes manual both have good diagrams but you will be hard pressed to find them on-line and for free at that. I have looked high and low. Besides, when I'm under the hood I like to thumb through the book.

Thanks for the info. Which manual seems to give the best information on my car? If I buy, I want to only buy one, and get the most bang for my buck. Which would you recomend? Thanks again for the reply..

That is a matter of preference. I have a Chilton’s and it has fairly detailed diagrams on the intake manifold etc. I'm sure Haynes does as well. A good example: I have both for my 74 CJ5 Jeep. Both have about the same information but one or the other may highlight something in greater detail. Again it comes down to preference.

You will pay between $17 and $20 for either. If you can wait, you could probably find them used at Amozon.com or eBay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Chevrolet-Malibu-repair-manual-on-cd_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ6760QQihZ018QQitemZ2 80101530832QQrdZ1

Thanks all.. Definately going to get one of these. I do have the one for my bike and use it alot. I figure it will be money well spent.. I really appreciate your help. Oh,,, I did talk to GM about my intake leak,, They checked it and it does have a small leak. They are supposed to call me next Tuesday to let me know if they will assist in paying for it or not.. I'll keep everyone posted. Place your bets ladies and gentlemen ! Help or no help ! Thanks again for the tips and help.

Well,,, We are on our way now. I called and talked to GM about the intake gasket problem, and after a week of calling back and forth, GM has aggreed to pay for the parts to fix my car as long as I pay the labor. The local dealer quoted me $252 in labor. I am taking her in tomorrow morning and have the repairs done.. I know the parts are close to $75 and I am on the short end of the stick, but any help is note worthy. Afterall, my car has 80,000 miles on it,, I did not buy it new or with a warrantee, I actually bought it from a Ford dealership, and never had it serviced at a GM dealer.. Even at $300 I feel good about driving a car that I can depend on more. They are also throwing in an oil change, and a scan on my ABS.. Sounds fair enough considering they didn't have to help me out any. Is there anything else I should have them check while the top of the engine is off? Thanks..

I just got my car back from the dealership. It cost me $302 total for the intake gasket job. I guess that wasn't too bad considering some of the horror stories I have read. They also did a scan on my ABS light and found out it was coming from the front right side. I guess I will tackle that job next and then my car will be back to 100%. I am so glad I am done with the leaky gasket thing.. Now I hope to drive my car a long time without any future problems.. Thanks for reading..

What year did GM fix the intake gasket problem? 03?

Sounds about right because my 2001 Pontiac Montana's failed.