GM 3.1L V6 Engine Intake Manifold Gasket Leaks

[[email protected]]

Does anyone have any information on leaking intake manifold gaskets on General Motors 3.1L V6 engines? Mine is a 1998 Grand Am with low milage (40K) and I have been told I need to spend $900 to replace the intake manifold gasket because it is leaking antifreeze into the engine oil.

[jason1sawyer]

Originally Posted by [email protected]

Does anyone have any information on leaking intake manifold gaskets on General Motors 3.1L V6 engines? Mine is a 1998 Grand Am with low milage (40K) and I have been told I need to spend $900 to replace the intake manifold gasket because it is leaking antifreeze into the engine oil.

$900.00???????? that sounds a little steep. ALL I CAN TELL YOU IS THAT GM IS COMMON FOR OVER TIGHTENING THE BOLTS AND CRACKING THE GASKET. BUT THEY WON'T TELL YOU THAT. I HAD MY 97 GMC TRUCK FIXED AND IT COST ME ABOUT 300. SHOP AROUND.

[Chameleon-kat]

Fairly common problem on 97-01 3.1 and 3.4 engines I believe. Just had them replaced on my daughters 97 GA. $430 US at independant shop

[kyle34s]

the gaskets are just poorly engineered, these gaskets were one of the first non-asbestos gaskets and they're just crappy. at 90k i had mine replaced for 600 because it was leaking antifreeze out of the engine, i doubt yours was leaking into the oil because your engine would be destroyed...it's like putting water in your engine instead of oil and expecting it to lubricate

[spinktec]

Coolent in the oil IS a symptom for an intake manifold leak on a 3.1, and from what I've heard it's not uncommon. It doesn't have to be much either just a little steam escaping into the valley area adds up. I replaced my intake gasket (valley pan gasket) myself without too much trouble, although it took the whole weekend (91 Grand Prix). I think $900 is steep, $350-450 sounds right; that's 6 hours labor plus parts. This is a pretty straitforward job for a mechanic so I wouldn't bother using the GM service dept for this, just use a local mechanic.

[Markgase2000]

I had coolent leakin INTO my engine and mixing with my engine OIL , it was like that for months before it started to leak outside as well. It went 2-3 months with antifreeze leaking inside and it didnt do nothin thank goodness.

[Markgase2000]

100 - 200 bucks gaskets and thermostat , and 5 hours labour , not even close to 900 dollars , more like 500 at the most.

[VtecDOHC]

First off, any decent shop will charge between 80-100$ an hour for labour. Re do your math and if its a 6 hour job, ur already into it for 600$ just on labour. Add the gaskets and shoptools ur in it for about 1000-1100$ in the end. Were talkin high quality gaskets and the job done properly. I have done that job and alot of shit has to come off, alternator, ps pump, and even motor mounts to access things u need to take off. The job is long and not easy. Until u do it urself u ant comment on price nor labour.

[thephantom1492]

Reviving an 8 years old post? you should really check the dates...