4.3 plastic intake gasket

[Chris Stewart]

Hi Blazer Gang,
Did GM ever fix the plastic intake manifold gasket problem on the '96 & newer 4.3's? If they did, which year? The felpro replacement is plastic too.
thanks for any info,
Chris

[MT-2500]

The only fix is a new gasket.
Any certain problem on it you are asking about?

[Chris Stewart]

Thanks for your reply.
I was considering a purchase on a 2000 but not if the intake gasket problem wasn't addressed by that year. Intake manifold gaskets should hold for the life of the motor like my 1992 4.3 w/177k with the composite gasket, not start leaking around 100k like this '97 4.3 Vortec with the plastic gasket.

[biv343]

I don't think they ever addressed the problem. My 99 intake gasket died just under 100,000 miles.

My employer has a fleet of 2003 Astro's with 4.3's - they've had a couple go bad so far as they hit the 100K mark.

If the rest of the vehicle is in good shape, I wouldn't worry about the intake gasket. I had mine replaced at the dealer for just under $400. They used a composite gasket this time - hopefully that one lasts. Not that I expect the Bravada to make it to 200,000 though....

[Chris Stewart]

Thanks Biv, I was thinking about getting one and using your switch idea to save the transfer case.
I think the shift solenoids still need to be replaced to keep from hurting the trans down the road.

[MT-2500]

The intake gasket gives problems on all of them soner or later..
Even the older ones without the thick plastic gasket.
Aluminum on steel heads and you have problems over time.
The thick plastic was supposed to be better but it did not work out that way.
MT

[Chris Stewart]

Thanks for the info MT.