Intake manifold coolant leak problem
jwalker1970
11-26-2007, 12:55 PM
RE: 1996 up 4.3L Vortec Intake manifolds
I had a vehicle come into the shop this morning with coolant in the oil.
No Misses at cold startup. No white smoke or "steam" out the tailpipe.
Vehicle had a distinct burning coolant smell.
Found Problems:
Coolant leaking externally burning on exhaust system.
Coolant leaking externally into oil system.
Cause: Defective Intake Manifold Gaskets
Fel-Pro has a "Perma-Dry Plus" gasket application for this application. The new style gasket is a rubber on steel gasket that won't crack and leak.
It's a bad idea to install the original hard plastic gaskets. They are the same material that GM used in the 3.1's and the 3.4's. (Lots of problems!!)
I had a vehicle come into the shop this morning with coolant in the oil.
No Misses at cold startup. No white smoke or "steam" out the tailpipe.
Vehicle had a distinct burning coolant smell.
Found Problems:
Coolant leaking externally burning on exhaust system.
Coolant leaking externally into oil system.
Cause: Defective Intake Manifold Gaskets
Fel-Pro has a "Perma-Dry Plus" gasket application for this application. The new style gasket is a rubber on steel gasket that won't crack and leak.
It's a bad idea to install the original hard plastic gaskets. They are the same material that GM used in the 3.1's and the 3.4's. (Lots of problems!!)
old_master
11-26-2007, 02:56 PM
Very common problem, don't forget the RTV in the corners! Thanks for the info! Time to add another part to the "Don't use OEM" list.
blazes9395
11-26-2007, 04:59 PM
Fel-Pro "Perma-Dry Plus" gaskets are by far, far superior than the OEM designs. I was almost ready to use the plastic gaskets again, but I found out that Fel-Pro makes these. If these were used OE from the factory, GM would have never had an issue with intake gaskets. They are well designed and will last.
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