Had to replace another GM 4.3 lower intake gasket

[iceberg]

At least it was an external coolant leak and the engine was not damaged. This one lasted until 112,000 miles it was on a 2000 gmc jimmy with a 4.3 v6. My 2000 Blazer made it until 145,000 miles. The gaskets cracked in the same place on both vehicles. I got a newer metal replacement gasket from the stealership today for $49.00. GM should be giving these things away not charging $49 for as many problems people have with these things. At least I fixed them myself and didn't pay the $800 the stealership wants to do the job. Another plus was it was 50 outside yesterday and not 10 degrees.

Rant over.

 

[nel]

What's the most difficult task in the disassembly/assembly process?

I have a '99 4.3L Sonoma. It has a minor leak that I've been "managing" via a stop-leak product. So far, so good, but I'll have to get in there and take care of it for real before too long. Thanks.

 

[JustinH]

800 dollars! Ha!

Its not that bad of a job, anyone with a craftsman tool set can do it in their driveway in an afternoon.

 

[iceberg]

Here are some pics I put up on another board. Do a search for lower intake there and you'll find many how to's and lots of info.

http://www.s10forum.com/forum/showthread.php?p=3872456#post3872456

 

[iceberg]

I agree $800 is rediculous. I would give 5 hours for a safe bet if you really take your time cleaning up the surface areas. A lot of dirt gets wedged between the valve cover and intake manifold and you have to be very careful cleaning up the sand/dirt.

 

[JohnBrowning]

Better watch it! If you point out any common knoldge failure of GM products you will get the reputation of GM bashing!I agree with you they shold not be chargeing $49 for them that is insane for what they are!

 

[iceberg]

I'm not bashing GM, just pointing out that of the 2 blazer/jimmys I own of the 2000 model year, have 100% failure rate with intake manifold gaskets that were crushed/craked/leaking in the same exact places. To be honest I bought this truck expecting to have to replace the gasket. I even posted a question a while back in the bypass filter forum asking if I could detect a coolant leak with my frantz that is on the motor.