[pmpilot]

I had a slow leak (internal) in my 3.4L 98 Montana that I corrected (albiet temporarily) a couple of years ago with tabs. However, this month my wife started the van and got a head noise which sounded like a stuck lifter. I looked under the oil cap I found that the oil was jelled (brownish orange in color). I added a quart of oil (even though it wasn't that low) and it quieted up. The coolant reservoir dropped as well (I refilled it).

As best I can guess the following is happening. Somehow, coolant is leaking into the engine and mixing with the oil. The oil is gelling and as its viscocity is changing the engine is loosing protection.

I've read several posts in this forum (I'm new to this forum) and I see several references to the intake gasket being the culprit. Then others say that the head gaskets are the culprit. Coolant in the oil, but what's the cause?

I'm not sure how much money I want to put into this vehicle. The dealer wants $1100-$1400 to replace head gaskets or $800 for the intake. I called Pontiac and they will let me know by Tuesday if they are willing to honor my request for a goodwill warranty on the intake gasket (the van is now 7 years old with 116K on it and out of warranty, so I'm thinking they will not, but it's worth a shot).

Also, do they make a 3.4L intake installation kit? I talked to the local auto parts store and they are only able to order the 3.8L kit.

Thanks for the help.