Coolant Leakege

[new1]

Hi all,
I am newbie to this. I have 98 v6 malibu, recently I found coolant leakage and service center has asked me to take to dealer.
Is there something that can be done to save big bucks with dealer.

Thanks

[wpbharry]

At a minimum, check with more than one dealer if you can (not familiar with independent shops on this issue). I had the intake manifold gasket service done last summer on my '98 LS (bought new, but sold last month) under Extended Warranty. But, at the time, I researched the issue in this and other auto forums and saw that folks have paid anywhere from $500 - $1,200. It pays to shop around, but don't wait too long. This is not something you want to go slow on.

[pamajoer]

Did the service center tell you why they wanted you to bring it to the dealer? Definitely don't let it go , or you'll end up needing head gasket/ heads...and that's definitely NOT a cheap job, even if you do it yourself. You're probably leaking @ intake gasket....the part is inexpensive, but labor will not be...it's still cheaper than heads/head gasket....Make sure to get it looked at...Just my

[rcohen_malibu99]

Check out my post. This is a defect. I am arranging a group of Malibu owners as to sue Chevy for two hidden defects, blower motor spped control 1&2, and cooling system failures!
Rick

Originally Posted by new1

Hi all,
I am newbie to this. I have 98 v6 malibu, recently I found coolant leakage and service center has asked me to take to dealer.
Is there something that can be done to save big bucks with dealer.

Thanks

[johnholl]

Originally Posted by rcohen_malibu99

Check out my post. This is a defect. I am arranging a group of Malibu owners as to sue Chevy for two hidden defects, blower motor spped control 1&2, and cooling system failures!
Rick

More power too ya! My 3.1 puked at 98,000, also my fan speed has not worked in 2 years...I attemped to gain access to the blower resistors but it looked like a real project. I had a used engine put in for $1,500...got lucky i guess. Let me know how you make out on the recall\ classaction. No more chevys for me

[Pratik_Mistry]

I also have a 1999 Chevy Malibu so far we had major problems:
1. Blower Motor (Heating/Air Conditioning switch) keeps burning out
2. Coolant leakage, first occurance at approximately 70,000km leaked in the car park took it to a GM dealer told me that the car was out of warranty and head gasket and major repair needs doing. I was advised the car should not have another problem like this for up to an additional 60,000km now this morning at 103,000km same coolant leak and again major expense. I believe GM should be covering this as a recall or major defect.
Always been a North American car buyer, worked in car industry for 25 years but this is the last draw, will never buy GM again and looking into a Japanese car now. I am very dissappointed with GM's service.

Just recently the chassis started squeaking every time the car went over a small bump and sounded like the whole car was going to drop to the ground. I believe GM should be sued for first of all having 2 major defects and not giving a recall. i can be contacted at [email protected] for further information.

[wpbharry]

When the gaskets were replaced on my '98 in summer '03, I was informed that GM had developed a new type of gasket (which went on my car) and they're designed to last "forever". The same gasket is used on the 3500 in my Maxx, I presume.

You must have gotten the old-type gasket during the first replacement.

[Johnny R]

A common problem is a leak at the intake manifold gasket. Most often it leaks to the outside, sometimes it leaks to the inside and contaminates the oil. FYI: I got mine replaced by the dealer at no cost when the car was at 75,000 km (47,000 mi) and off warranty, and after I was a bit assertive. They replaced it under what they called "special warranty adjustment". They also wanted to replace the water pump (claiming there was a seal leaking) at my cost, but I declined. A local mechanic confirmed that, in fact, the water pump was leaking. I asked the mechanic to replace it (at about 1/3 of the dealer's quote). Happy driving!