Head Gaskets

[pastaben]

I just purchased a 99 Venture with 48K miles on it. Drives and feels better than my wife's 2002 Town and Country. From what I've read in this forum, it seems the Ventures have problems with the gaskets.

Anyone recommend just replacing them before problems arise? Will there be any huge damage if the gaskets go before I get to replace them? Or will a mechanic think I'm nuts for trying to change them?

Anything else I should check out before I really begin to enjoy my new van would be much appreciated.

thanks,
Ben

[DRW1000]

The gaskets seem to be affected by the Dex-cool. Apparently this is quite widespread with Dex-cool and GM.

I think the gaskets going will be an unscheduled inconvenience but you should receive notice before too much trouble (read damage) in the form of coolant loss....

[ERDaniels]

Unfortunately this is a problem. GM is aware of this (even though they will try to convince you otherwise) and will offer to do the work for half price (if you feel like fighting with them). If you can do it for less and don't want to go through the fighting process, then that might be your best choice.

[umina]

1st off, dexcool is NOT the problem. The problem is the original intake manifold gasket not being torqued properly and being a poor design. The gasket has been revised as well as the installation procedure to correct this in 2002 I believe. The reason people think dexcool was the cause of their problems is that when you get a gasket leak and air gets into the system, the dexcool crystalizes. This can block coolant passageways and clog up heater cores. If the system is tight (no leaks and radiator and coolant resevoire always full) then you will have no problems.
I've got a 99 Montana that had the gasket replaced once (when still under warranty) before the revised gaskets, and was starting to leak again when I got it. I poored a bottle of BARS stop leak into the system 4K mile ago, and havn't had any problems since (read no more coolant light intermittenly turning on and off and random near overheats at stop).
The repair can be done for as little as 350 at an independant shop, vs 1200 at the dealer. Or you can buy the gasket set for $50-$75 and do it yourself. These are good vans, they just require regular maintenance and someone to keep an eye on fluid loss. Of course, this forum has TONS of good info that can save you lotsa $$. Welcome aboard and enjoy your venture!

[DRW1000]

I think I was more at ease believing it was the Dex-Cool.

Anyway I don't know if it has been proven one way the other as to the long term effects of Dex-cool but if what you suggest that it crystalizes upon exposure to air then we may be wise to flush it out and replace with the regular coolant. I know the cooling system is a closed system but there will be leaks over time.

[broughy84]

get it out. flush the cooling system and put the green antifreeze in. its cheaper anyway.

[Bcelect]

The dexcool was designed to be lesss corrosive on the numerous materials inside the engine, using regular antifreeze may do more harm than good, time will tell. as long as you keep the antifreeze level up and repair any leaks, dexcool has a good track record. As far as lasting 1.5 k , that may be pushing it. Some sites recommend changing it based on your driving.(what else is new?).