I have a 97 Malibu with a 3.1 v6 and it is on the 4th intake gasket in a year. It just blew out again Friday and that one was put on the end of Jan. I have it back up at my mechanic. He is stumped and so am I. I am figuring it must have something a bit warped but I don't know what to do with it. It is still a pretty nice car and I depend on it daily. OD shows 113k. Anyone have any ideas?
Rob

Was the correct torque applied when re-installing the manifold? Were all the surfaces cleaned? Was lock-tite used on the bolts? What kind of gasket was used? That does seem odd, however, 4 times in one year - Even if something wasn't done totally perfectly. You're positive it's the intake leaking every time?

Ive never seen this myself, or heard of it. Usually once it has the new gaskets in it, there are no other problems. Perhaps the head is warped, is the gasket blowing in the same place each time?

False alarm this time! It was just the hose that runs on the back side of the engine this time.
Sorry for the false alarm!
Rob

yeah well i just got my malibu back in one piece again tonight.. ive been workin' 6-10 double day shifts for 5 weeks, 6 days a week and im workin on the car in my down time. my mind wasn't with me and I was rushing.. I installed the LIM , then found my box of pushrods when I went to pick up the fuel rails :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead:
OOooopps

Make sure you turn onto the Fel-Pro Troube Shooter Intake Gaskets.