What would cause a 1997 Chevy Malibu 3.1 engine to have an intake manifold anti-freeze leak?
by 
Anonymous
ANSWERS: 10
-
More than likely a bad gasket between the manifold and the engine block or around the thermostat. Over time the bolts can come loose or if they are overtightened at the time of installation it could cause the gasket to break. The only other cause would be a crack in the manifold itself.
-
The '95 and later chevrolet 3.1 liter is known for the lower intake manifold leaks. I am a dealership tech and I believe its a design fault. Every set of gaskets I have replaced have been due to the "silicone inner gaket material" wearing out. The gaskets are both hard plastic, and silicone. on the lower ends of the gasket the silicone surrounds the outer water jacket and follows the head down to the block. What happens is the silicone wears out and allows the coolant to run down the head and exit at the base of the head. New gaskets have been redesigned and are in my opinoin, not prone to this happening.
-
oops.
-
oops
-
oops
-
silicone failure sure, over tightened OE intake bolts crushing gasket and causing silicone to become extreemly thin above all,to fix use GM silicone,GM redesigned gaskets with the anticrush metal inserts, all new GM intake bolts,.//don't forget to use a toqure wrench mmbtech
-
Bad design- I have a 2001 and waiting for a recall as I cannot afford the repair. The gasket was made of a material that cannot take the heat. I hear a recall is imminent, but I hope before I have to do this! Right now I am using Stop leak, and it is working. I already had to replace the ignition in this thing... --Kim
-
I have a 2003 with 100k that started doing the same thing. Which stop leak product are you using? I am hoping for the recall too. thanks
-
No answer, but a story - in Aug '04 had your problem, and intake manifold gasket was replaced. Leaking started again last summer '06, in the same area you mention. Mechanic warranties work for only 1 year. I should find out where he got his parts, and what kind was used. Maybe the gasket was insufficient. I will call GM, can't hurt. If no satisfaction, I will take to another mechanic who I know has a more generous warranty.
-
97 grand am same problem replaced gaskets and 2 months later th engine blew up.the anti frezze got to the bearings.car still sitting in drive way blown up.started taking motor out just havent finished it yet
RELATED QUESTIONS
Copyright 2023, Wired Ivy, LLC