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Old 03-21-2006, 11:50 AM
skrizan skrizan is offline
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Re: Coolant leaking at intake gasket

I had the same puddle of coolant on my 2000 with 103,000 miles and got a quote of $650 from a dealership here in Michigan. I ended up fixing it myself for about $150.
You may want to check the underside of your thermostat housing before getting the gaskets replaced, however.

I developed the same puddle of coolant a few after changing the gaskets a few weeks later!!! I was devastated to say the least. I found that there was coolant running under the thermostat housing. I had replaced the thermostat while changing the gasket, but I tore into it again and used some RTV sealant material with it (although you are not supposed to need it). I cleaned up the antifreeze, and the same puddle developed again. I found out it was a damaged o-ring on the heater pipe that inserts into the thermostat housing. I should have replaced it when I changed the intake gaskets. It has been bone dry ever since. (Knock on wood)

I think my intake gaskets were seeping anyway, and I didn't pay $650, so I don't feel too bad about changing them, but you may be able to get off cheaper than $800 for a while if it is a thermostat or heater pipe leak.
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