98' Blazer - Lower Intake Leakage

[rasmith527]

I’m experiencing a serious coolant leak from the front of my 98’ Blazer. It has approximately 128,000 miles. I had a nearby Chevy dealer look at it and I was told the leak was due to a bad lower intake that needed resealed. They quoted me $500 - $510 to do the work. I thought it was the water pump at first. But because of the location, it’s hard to pinpoint where the leak was actually coming from. Has anyone experienced the same trouble? What was the problem? What did you do the correct the problem? How much did it cost? Thanks!

[s10blazerman4x4]

Wait till Wolfox reads this he has something to say but till then search intake manifold coolant leak or something like that with wolfoxs name in it

[rasmith527]

Thanks for the heads up! I hope this isbn't a common problem.

[s10blazerman4x4]

From what i read on here it is fairly common.

[Jeremy Fitch]

Yes its a fairly common problem from what the GM techs told me. I had it happen in my 96 only it blew to the inside and dumped coolant into my oil. I had it fixed at a dealership for about what you were quoted. But with yours it should be slightly less as I had to have an engine flush, oil change, and cooling system flush done as well.

[rasmith527]

Originally Posted by Jeremy Fitch

Yes its a fairly common problem from what the GM techs told me. I had it happen in my 96 only it blew to the inside and dumped coolant into my oil. I had it fixed at a dealership for about what you were quoted. But with yours it should be slightly less as I had to have an engine flush, oil change, and cooling system flush done as well.

Thanks. I haven't had any problems with my truck until now. Not bad for a 7 year old truck!

[s10blazerman4x4]

You should be glad you dont have a Gm 1997 model year vehicle

[rasmith527]

Originally Posted by s10blazerman4x4

You should be glad you dont have a Gm 1997 model year vehicle

What other problems have you had with your 97' model?

[s10blazerman4x4]

I have a 1991.But from reading ignition switch water pumps dex cool clogs up.My friend has a 97 malibu and everything that was talked about as failure for the blazer model year 97 has gone on his car within 6 months of getting it.

[BlazerLT]

The only problem with the 1997 is the ignition switch.

Also replace the rad cap and get the coolant flushed.

As for the leak, get someone OTHER than the dealer to look at it for a second opinion.

[s10blazerman4x4]

Also water pumps and a whole list of other things.I know its offtopic but i posted about you in off topic thread LT you should check it out its great

[wolfox]

Look for a good, local garage. The dealership was going to rape me for more than a grand to get this problem fixed. Taking it over to a local garage that bore a "Goodwrench" sign and current ASE certifications for *all* of their mechanics got the job done for a little over $300. That included new heater core hoses, coolant and crankcase flush, refill, fresh oil, fresh oil filter, updated Felpro gaskets for the lower intake and upper intake plenum areas. I would not run the truck for a minute longer until you got the seals fixed. If there is an internal leak, it spoils your oil fast, which in turn will blow bearing races and starve main bearings of vital lube when the mixed up sludge turns to acid and glue. So don't run it one JOT until you book an appointment to get it fixed, and completely flushed out afterwards. It's a fairly common problem, but GM updated the gasket material specs to chase the problem in later production runs. I still would not trade my '95 for anything after going through this ordeal. They're awesome little trucks. THe updated parts do not cost much, about $14 for the set - figure to pay $28 shop markup for them and other materials. The home mechanic can handle the job, as it's not terribly hard to do, but I did not feel like having my lower back broken for 5 hours of work under there, getting her apart and back togther. However, expect to get soaked if you take it to the dealership or an unscrupulous garage. Good luck.

[s10blazerman4x4]

Thats what i was waiting for Wolfox.I love it