Intake Manifold Leaking

Greetings,
I just discovered that my 2001 Montana has a coolant leak at the intake manifold. I've got about 50k miles and not real happly about the expense I'm about to put out for this repair.

Just curious if anyone has used or know of any result of using a Bar's type stop leak solution to fix this problem. I know of sucess stories on older model vehicle but not up-to-date on newer models (1998+).

I would much rather spend $5 on a bottle of this stuff than $600+ on repairing it. I've decided to take it to somebody after surveying the engine and discovering that you can only get/see about 1/2 of the motor. Even the brake fluid reservior is in a crappy location.

Anyway, Any comments/suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!!

This is a universal problem with all Montana/Venture vans. It *will* happen sooner or later. Because the downside risk is so huge (i.e. ruin your engine) I would have it done right. The dealer will overcharge, but if you have a mechanic you trust he will likely do it much cheaper.

They have a new gasket and torque specs out now (came out sometime last year) so it SHOULDN'T happen again if you get it repaired properly. I had mine repaired about 15 months/17K miles ago and it is still fine. The van had 70K on it when the gasket failed.

Don't wait to get it fixed. Coolant in the oil can really do a number on your engine.

I too have noticed a coolant leak, and i'm hoping its the lower intake manifold gasket and not one of the head gaskets. My dealer wants 600 bucks or so to repair it, but i'm sure a local shop could do it for less. I put a bottle of Bars Stop leak in it the other day and am holding my breath. If u're gonna use bars, use the pelletized type, not the liquid radiator kind. But keep in mind stop leak is a temporary solution, and you will need to eventually get the gasket replaced. I'm lucky, cause mine is only leaking externally (coolant out of the engine, and not into the oil, which will ruin the engine quicker). The gasket on mine was replaced 2 years ago (previous owner had the repair done).
I'd still reccomend taking it to a dealer (not something I would usually do under any circumstances) just because they have the revised gasket and torquing procedure that a local mechanic shop may not have. I'd be willing to pay a little more to make sure its done right.

I also noticed that Felpro makes an intake gasket for this motor, anyone used one of them (possiblly a cork gasket??) and had any success?

It all depends on if your mechanic keeps current. My local mechanic is probably 55-60 years old, but he keeps current with everything and looks everything up on his computer. He was the one that told me about the new gasket design/torque specs. Plus he was about half the price of the local Chevy dealer. If you have someone you trust, you can't go wrong. An honest, competent mechanic is a valuable ally.