a few questions before purchasing 2002 Alero

[axemurder]

So I seem to have found a good deal on this car but would like some input from the pro's before purchasing it.

The guy told me that he replaced the intake manifold gasket since it was mixing coolent and oil, after doing some reading on the subject it seems this is quite a big problem.

I have yet to find any permenant fix's for this. is there any? All I have read is people saying to replace the gasket but wont it just fail again? If I flushed out the coolent and put my own in would that help? My fear is that it will go unnoticed when it goes next and the engine will overheat because this will be my GF's car and she very possibly will not notice the temp gauge in the red.

Also are there any other problem areas that I should look closly at?

And one more....what happens if the timing belt snaps? Do the valves party with the pistons?

Thanks

[BNaylor]

Welcome to AF.

It would help to post the mileage and what specific model or engine. The LIM gasket issue is specific to the 3400 engine. The LIM gasket issue is a common problem not just on the Alero with 3400 V6 engine but all GM cars that have it. No problems as long as the job is done right.

[axemurder]

ya its a 3400 v6. it has about 60,000 miles on it (100,000km's). So once it has been replaced it should be like the LIMG on any other car?

[BNaylor]

Mileage is excellent for the age. We have around 55k miles on our '02 GL2 with 3400 and it had the LIM gaskets replaced back around 2005 but everything is fine since. The other indication is coolant loss with no mixing with oil, etc. so keep an eye on the coolant level. Since ours has been replaced the coolant level is just right with no loss and the engine never overheats. You just have to cross your fingers. Good luck!

[jatzarik]

my buddy works for GM in sales and he has to deal with this question all the time. First later models do not have this problem, nor do the 2.2s. This was the major correction they made from the 2.4 to the 2.2.

In answer to your question, if the gasket is replaced right (by a GM dealership as he claims) then you won't have any problmes for the life of the car. The reason I add GM dealership is b/c who knows how it was replaced with another mechanic. My friend recommends any 2002 or older to simply replace the gasket before anything goes wrong.

So, if you are confident the gasket was properly replaced, then it should not deter you from buying it.