Infamous intake leak

[no-logic]

Hi all. My 2000 Monte Carlo with a 3.4L has leaking intake gaskets. It has 70K on it. I was wondering whether anyone here has had any luck with getting Chevrolet to pop for any part of the replacement cost since this is an inherant defect in the GM line.

['97ventureowner]

Good luck. If you can get the guys in the service department to admit there is even a problem, which there is. You might have a little better luck if you are the original owner, and have proof of regular maintainance performed on the vehicle. This is about the right mileage where this problem tends to rear it's ugly head, after the warranty has expired and a few years have elapsed. I have read on this site where other owners of similar GM vehicles with the same problem have had some luck with Chevrolet's "800" number for customer service. Some have even had luck at the dealer to cover some of the repair. The majority who do get some relief from GM or the dealer usually end up paying half of the cost of the repair.

[no-logic]

Originally Posted by '97ventureowner

Good luck. If you can get the guys in the service department to admit there is even a problem, which there is. You might have a little better luck if you are the original owner, and have proof of regular maintainance performed on the vehicle. This is about the right mileage where this problem tends to rear it's ugly head, after the warranty has expired and a few years have elapsed. I have read on this site where other owners of similar GM vehicles with the same problem have had some luck with Chevrolet's "800" number for customer service. Some have even had luck at the dealer to cover some of the repair. The majority who do get some relief from GM or the dealer usually end up paying half of the cost of the repair.

I talked to a dealer today and that is the attitude that I got from him. "We don't see too many of those." (B.S.) I have heard stories of shops doing 5-6 a month. My next step is to call the 800 customer service number. Thanks for your input. I'll let you know how it turns out.

[Rally Sport]

If the dealer wont admit that theres a problem then id go off and buy the part and start working on it myself, or if you dont trust yourself start looking around for a mechanic, hopefully someone that you know personally, less of a rip off there.

[no-logic]

Originally Posted by Rally Sport

If the dealer wont admit that theres a problem then id go off and buy the part and start working on it myself, or if you dont trust yourself start looking around for a mechanic, hopefully someone that you know personally, less of a rip off there.

I could do it myself. I've been in the automotive field all my life and was a tech. But this is my everyday driver and I have no heat in my garage. My brother knows a guy that would do it for much less. He works in a shop and does side work there after hours. That may be my best bet.

[SaveTheMontes]

It is a known issue...HUGE. One of the reasons they're getting sued for so much money. It's sad how GM cheaped out on a friggin gasket of all things. Such a cheap part will cost them hand over fist in lawsuits. It does seem to be a hit/miss though. My 97 has 158k (Km's) on it and no leaks, guess I got lucky? If any dealership told me what they told you my reply would be: Did you just start this week or do you think I'm stupid? It is such a big issue with GM that all it takes is 5 minutes on the internet to find a lot of testimonials from owners. The dealerships do/say nothing because GM won't back them up, it's not their fault that a handful of people at GM made this mistake. If they had not cheaped out on that gasket those engines are for the most part fine. The mechanic who is rebuilding a 3.8L supercharged emgine and swapping it for me knows about and has replaced them before. he's one of who knows how many non-Gm techs that knows darn well it's an issue.

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by no-logic

Hi all. My 2000 Monte Carlo with a 3.4L has leaking intake gaskets. It has 70K on it. I was wondering whether anyone here has had any luck with getting Chevrolet to pop for any part of the replacement cost since this is an inherant defect in the GM line.

Not much hope on it.
But if it makes you feel any better ford has also had intake problems not gaskets but the hole intake.
They had a class action suit that made ford fix a few of them but no all.

Save your repair tickets and if you are luckie maybee some day GM will cover a few.
Just be glad you found it before it ruined the engine.
And be sure to change that oil when you replace the gaaskets
Good Luck

[no-logic]

Well I talked to Chevrolet and they offered no help. So.....I'm going to do it myself. I dug out my old propane heater and my brother is going to loan me his pickup to drive for a few days. My weekends are tight for time so I'll do it over the course of 2-3 days during the week. If anyone has done this already, is there anything I need to watch out for? I checked and found the gaskets come with the plenum gasket. Is there any other gaskets or seals I will need? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by no-logic

Well I talked to Chevrolet and they offered no help. So.....I'm going to do it myself. I dug out my old propane heater and my brother is going to loan me his pickup to drive for a few days. My weekends are tight for time so I'll do it over the course of 2-3 days during the week. If anyone has done this already, is there anything I need to watch out for? I checked and found the gaskets come with the plenum gasket. Is there any other gaskets or seals I will need? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

Most aftermarket parts places have a intake gasket replace set that has all of the little gaskets and valve cover seals in it.
Allso the oil pump/dist shaft 0 ring that you may want to replace at the same time.
Also get a good tube of silcone sealer for the intake ends.
I use import gray but some use the good GM black stuff.
Just make sure you get the good /no cheapo stuff.
And be sure to torque it in sequance and to specs.
Instructions usually come with gasket set.
Good Luck
MT

[maxwedge]

Just add, make sure you get the updated bolts and torqueing specs also.

[no-logic]

Originally Posted by maxwedge

Just add, make sure you get the updated bolts and torqueing specs also.

Thanks. I'll get a manual before I start. Do I need an EGR gasket? Where can I get the bolts? Also some threads that I have read call for removing the valve covers, loosening the rockers and removing the push rods. Is this necessary? Is it set up like and old Ford?

[maxwedge]

Yes it is and don't mix up the pushrods, different lengths!!!!!, the bolts are available from GM parts and Felpro or Dorman also.

[no-logic]

Originally Posted by maxwedge

Yes it is and don't mix up the pushrods, different lengths!!!!!, the bolts are available from GM parts and Felpro or Dorman also.

Very good. Thanks for the help Max.