How much should lower intake gasket repair cost?

Question

I have a 2001 Alero (3.4/V6) and I smell antifreeze and recently just had it flushed because it was low and my heater only worked when the car was moving. I found out it takes dexcool (expensive crap) and if problems exist 9 times out of 10 it's the lower intake gasket. Do you think I'm on the right track?

Sequence of events.

I was smelling anti freeze
then heater would only heat when moving
discovered ant freeze was low
had garage flush and add new antifreeze
2 days ago car got very hot, then enging cooling kicked in...but about three idiot lights came on (totally unrelated like TRAC)
also, the last couple times i hear like a air noise like you would hear coming from a balloon (almost like a fart).

Answer 1

I know these engines are NOTORIOUS for the lower intake gasket leaking!! I would guess the repairs to cost between 300.00 and 500.00 in a reputable shop depending on what brand of parts they use. I would recommend Fel-Pro gaskets. They have been re-designed to prevent the problem from happening again. DO NOT use the original equipment gaskets as they (like the ones on the vehicle now) are designed to fail at the coolant ports. Make sure the mechanic doing the job is familiar and comfortable in doing this type of repair!!!!

Answer 2

Upper Intake Gasket Repair Cost

Answer 3

I have a 1996 Oldsmobile LSS that had a very similar problem. You should seriously consider looking into the upper intake plenum. In my car, and on most newer oldsmobiles, the upper intake manifold is made of plastic. I found out the hard way, that any prolonged overheating will warp this plastic intake causing coolant to pour into the block, thus causing very serious problems. When taken to a mechanic I was told it would be a $1,200 fix. Instead I bought the manifold at parts america for $129.00 and the gasket set for $60.00 and paid a trustworthy "back yard" mechanic $300.00 fix it. Although he did fix it, it was a huge problem, i had never seen so much coolant in my life, and it was all just chillin' in my intake. Not a good place for coolant. The intake no longer leaks, but still have plenty of problems accociated w/ it. You especially want to keep this in mind when troubleshooting, especially if any of the warning lights (ie. check engine) are related to the egr valve. It is the excessive heat from egr valve that causes warping of manifold. In my scenario the lower intake gasket was never a problem, even after my whole intake filled w/ coolant. The one quick way to figure it out is a compression test. My suggestion to you is to sell it! Wish I could be more positive, but I can't, oldsmobiles have notorious intake problems. All I can say is good luck to you, and have a few different people check it out. They seem to have different answers from mechanic to mechanic.

Answer 4

Yes lower intake gaskets are bad for leaking on the 3.4/3.1L engines. Your vehicle does not have the same engine as an Olds LSS. I work at a dealer and can tell you that it will cost you about $750 here. The GM gaskets have also been redesigned to prevent future problems. Just watch where you take your vehicle to get it done because torque specs are very critical to a good repair!!

Answer 5

that seems to be bearing directly to the going fee. im assuming that contains factors too. i understand some adult males that would do it for twenty dollars and a case of beer, in case you purchased the climate