Leaking Anitfreeze ?

swinsoneric · #1 07-18-2006, 11:53 AM

i have a 98 3.1 and for the last 2 weeks it has been leaking antifreeze. Every 3 to 4 day i have to put some more dexcool. I was thinking that it might be the intake gasket, if it is how much damage can be done if i continue to add dexcool and drive the car............P.S. the car is not over heating

johnschmitt · #2 07-19-2006, 12:23 AM

If that's where the antifreeze is getting out you have a range of possibilities. It could A. never be a problem, B. hold out until you get it fixed later on, or C. throw a bunch of water into the crankcase, burn all the bearings up, and break the cam and/or crack the block tomorrow. 5-7 hundred $'s now or $2500 later. I'd get it taken care of.

dgallo_2000 · #3 07-19-2006, 12:51 PM

If you see no trace of leaking, then cation, it is leaking internal. Check your waterpump also. Dexcool has been known (I've been told and have first hand knowledge) wears out the waterpump fast...

swinsoneric · #4 07-19-2006, 01:02 PM

I have replaced the water pump about 5 months ago. But as i said before the car is not overheating and i've noticed the dexcool on the ground about 2 weeks ago

dewaynep · #5 07-19-2006, 02:36 PM

If you are at all handy with tools and have a few hours on a weekend you can change the intake gaskets yourself for about $50. If you don't already have a torque wrench you will have to borrow or rent one, but that is the only "special" tool you will need. Good luck.

swinsoneric · #6 07-19-2006, 03:34 PM

Im kinda of handy but don't i have to take off the whole manifold ?

dewaynep · #7 07-20-2006, 08:47 AM

Yes, you have to take the intake plenum and the intake manifold off along with a few other parts. The thing is it is basically, with a few exceptions, just pulling stuff off to get to the manifold gaskets, then just putting it back together. There isn't any magic that happens. If you have a weekend free, basic hand tools (sockets, screwdrivers, torx sockets, etc....) and a manual (the manual won't tell you in step by step instructions how to do it, it is just a guide and to use for torque values) it isn't a super difficult task. The hardest part is remembering where everything goes. That being said, if you have never worked on a car or don't even change your own oil, do not attempt this, have a real mechanic do it.

swinsoneric · #8 07-20-2006, 09:22 AM

About how much should an intake gasket job cost ? And another question, how would i know if i had air in my system ?

kdmx · #9 07-23-2006, 11:13 AM

Our local radiator shop quoted us $700 labor to r and r , but we need a new manifold that costs an additional $270. We also have a 98 Malibu v6. We are trying Bars Leak as a temporary fix today. Will report back.

swinsoneric · #10 07-23-2006, 11:23 AM

I'll be waiting to hear something.

samturner · #11 07-23-2006, 02:51 PM

I had much the same problem and I tried the GM tablets you crush up and mix with water and put in the radiator it worked for awhile but it was just a band aid and I knew it when I did it just had to get by for another couple weeks. I got these GM tablets at a independent parts house but the deal should have them'

I eventually had the intake gaskets replaced the dealer wants more a lot. I went to an independent garage with a good reputation here my part of Kentucky and it still cost $325.00

I had 197,000 miles on the car it used to be my company car and never a problem when I was driving 800-1,000 a week its when I slowed down the problems started.

I felt like I could have done the job but I could make more that much doing something else that was a lot more fun.

swinsoneric · #12 07-23-2006, 05:10 PM

Is replacing the intake gasket that hard of a job ? I found the intake gasket itself on-line for only $58.50 but i know it's the labor that cost alot.

maxwedge · #13 07-23-2006, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swinsoneric

Is replacing the intake gasket that hard of a job ? I found the intake gasket itself on-line for only $58.50 but i know it's the labor that cost alot.

If you have never done this type of work before get a good manual before jumping in to it. Both GM and Fel-Pro make updated gaskets for this problem GM also suggests the use of their new intake bolts along with a revised torquing procedure, so watch what you buy on e-bay!

johnschmitt · #14 07-24-2006, 01:42 AM

You'll normally want to get the upper manifold gaskets, valve cover gaskets, and some permatex too. Those gaskets might come off fine, but it's more likely that they might not. You'll need the sealer to go between the block and the middle of the lower manifold on either end.

swinsoneric · #15 07-25-2006, 08:03 AM

So how much would the whole set cost ?

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