Just a reply to my post, I have taken the van to an independent mechanic. He spent a few hours trying to figure it out without taking it all apart. He also had another mechanic from another shop (GM Mechanic) come take a look. The GM guy said that is a common failure item and GM will always deny they know! But it was indeed the intake gasket that has gone out. The driver side front head. Needless to say, I was givven an average repair estimate of $600-800. I have found the parts to cost about $100-120. However, I realize this is a little like changing the plugs and will take just as long. I will be attempting this myself over a 2 day period. I am sure I could do it in one, but to relieve my family of all the cursing and plain bad moodness
I am taking the extra day. One day will be tear down, the other will be rebuild.
I just hope that after this the head gasket doesn't go!! I do not want to attempt that now either, as that would take me an additional day or two. I have never ever had a head gasket go out on any of my vehicles. I properly maintain them so I have no issues with most problems. Just it seems that GM did quite a doosey when building these affected vehicles. Hard to tune-up, hard to replace most components.
Just wanted to let you guys know that it was the lower intake!
11-30-2006, 06:44 PM
