updated head gasket for 3400 V6

[redly1]

when did GM finally address the cheap head gasket issue with the 3400 V6? I seem to remember it being mid year 2003, but I don't know where heard it.

anyone know?
if so, is there a VIN cutoff for the old one?

['97ventureowner]

Do you mean the intake gaskets? I know GM issued updated intake gaskets along with intake bolts, and sealant to be used in the replacement procedure in July 2002.

[redly1]

Hmmm...good question.

Here's what I remember. THe 3400 has some top end gasket that caused a coolant leak into the internals of the engine (where water is NOT supposed to be). For some reason I thought it was the head gasket.

I noticed on the GMinsidenews boards that someone mentioned in May 03, they finally switched from an intake manifold gasket made by Dana to one made by Reinz. There;s no real word on whether it solved the problem. Then someone else mentioned that in 04, the part number changed again...Hmm

Anyway, how do you identify the date a Silhouette was manufactured based on VIN? (I'm guessing it involves some cross referencing)

[kmohr3]

On my Intrigue there is a tag on the bottom of the left door with the date and the VIN. Not the SPID label with all the 3 digit codes, but a different label. You should have the same kind of label on the Silhouette. Look on all the door jambs, inside glovebox, rear hatch, spare tire cover, etc. It's there somewhere.