Good news maybe

[popeye1]

I have a 2003 Lasbre purchased June 2003. There was recall to put something in the cooling system which I took it in for. A short time later I returned to the dealer because the antifreese level seemed to go down about 1/2 inch in the overflo tank. Then at about 26000 miles I finally brought it back and complained it keeps loseing antifreese a very little at a time. Then at 40000 miles I had It flushed because the overflo tank looked very dirty.
New at 46000 miles I got ready to take a long trip and when I backed the car out of garage I found a spot of antifreese on the floor. I had to unpack the car and load up my wifes new Honda Accord and we took it.
When we got back I took it to the dealer and asked if GM was going to stand behind it. They looked at the car and found the Manifold gasket leaking. They also asked for all the paperwork WHICH I SAVED!!! They checked with GM and they are going to fix free of charge. Only the parts are on back order.
Does this tell you something? I was in the marine business and when parts were back order there must be a big demand. A lesson here for everyone, SAVE YOUR PAPERWORK WHEN GETTING WORK DONE AT THE DEALER.
Popeye1

[kok328]

Your particular case is very rare. Most people won't stand their ground or back down from the dealer.
What they recalled you for was to add some cooling system sealer to your motor to seal up the known defect in the intake manifold gasket. It didn't work. Most likely gummed up your coolant sensors.
Anyway, you didn't tell us the results of your two visits to the dealer prior to them warrantying the job. Most likely they wrote it up so that they are to blame for not addressing the issue head on. However, they have to follow TSB guidelines.

Just stay on them until the parts arrive.

[popeye1]

The new gaskets have been installed. I notice now the engine temp is not as high as I remember. During the summer months the temp was 195 to 200 degees. I was in Tulsa the other day on a trip. We left the motel in the morning and the outside temp was 34 degees. Out on the hyway the RPMs read above 2000 rpms at 60 mph. This stayed this way for more than 10 miles then dropped down some. Also the engine temp never went above 183 degees. Later the outside temp went to 45 degrees. The engine temp varies between 183 and as high as 191 degees. While going thru a city I was in traffic with some stop and go and the temp went up to as high as 200 degrees but dropped as soon as I started moving to 30 mph. I noticed lately my gas milage is down on the hyway even when I stay below 70 mph. I was getting at least 30 mpg and now getting 25 to 27 mpg. This info is as close as I can remember. Can some of you pros out there please comment on this post. Thank you from popeye and have a great new year!!

[HotZ28]

I noticed lately my gas milage is down on the hyway even when I stay below 70 mph. I was getting at least 30 mpg and now getting 25 to 27 mpg. This info is as close as I can remember

Gas mileage will normally be lower this time of year with the seasonal change to the "winter blend" fuel. In addition, if you purchase fuel that has the 10% alcohol blend, you can expect even worse mileage! Be careful, and watch what you buy!

[popeye1]

Thanks for the come back Hot. I noticed this before using some gas I filled up with around Rockford, Ill. last Aug.
Whats your opinion of the engine temp. It seems to me that if I have 190 degree thermostat it should run hotter than 183 degrees in only 34 degree temp. I am going to check with the dealer tomorrow and see what they say. I hope they just dont tell me I need a new thermostat unless I really need one. popeye

[HotZ28]

Temp is fine, don't worry about it!