Help Replacing Intake Manifold Gaskets

[rod0921]

just like to know if anyone can post how to replace the intake manifold gaskets (both upper and lower) on a 2000 3.1L Chevy Malibu...this would be VERY useful as this is the solution to the insanely common coolant leak problem. if not, does anyone know where i can find how to do this???(websites? books?) thanks alot.

[madmalibu]

I think there was some kind of recall on that, check it out.

[cjb24]

Buy the Chilton book for that car. That has it step by step. Had the same problem. I replaced the push rods and lifters why I was there.
They have to come out anyway to get the gaskets out. My lifters and rods were worn and making alot of noise. Its been over a year since I did that. Now I have abs problems!

[rod0921]

does anyone know where i can find the chilton book or something similair, i havent been able to find it. and do you know what to do to fix that abs problem you say you have, would be nice to catch it before it happens. thanks.

[cjb24]

Chilton was hard to find. I went to many auto parts stores til I found it.Try the chilton web site or even Ebay. Don't know whats wrong with the abs yet. The light comes on 15-20 min. into the car ride thens goes out when it sits for a few hours off. Didn't look into that yet been to cold, I will soon.

[thriftyone]

I had my lower intake manifold gasket replaced by a dealer for $100 after I asked them to inquire with Chevrolet customer service...knowing that this is a big issue with the 3.1L and 3.4L engines. My milage was around 47k. Also, my abs light came on intermittently for a couple of weeks before my alternator died.

[cjb24]

That is something to look into. I am on my second alternator. It's about to two years old. Noticed headlights go dim sometimes and power equipment goes slow at times.

[rod0921]

i was thinking of just replacing both whole intake manifolds with ported intake manifolds from rsmracing.com , how hard will it be to do this? what improvements/problems will it cause?

[bobcityrocker]

Unfortunately there is no recall for the Lower Intake Manifold Gasket leak. I just fought my @#$ off with the dealer and they never budge. They said even if others 3.1L owner had funding from GM, it was individual case by case. Bullshit, my car only had 60k miles for a 98. Tip top shape, maintenance regarly done etc etc. Anyhow, I did it myself, 14 hours. What a job!!! Haynes (Canadian Tire) or Chilton (CarQuest). I used Haynes and it's very detailed. This is quite the project to take on the other hand. You're basicly rippin' out half the motor from the hood. So read you stuff before doing it. I can answer any question you may have in doing so.