The updated gaskets have a metal shim type core with rubber gaskets lining the ports as opposed to an all plastic core. Now, in case you're wondering what the heck is the difference between them, the difference between the standard and the updated gaskets is huge. Not too mention that there's a price difference between both. Why? Because the old plastic type gaskets are still being produced and sold. Whether you replace the leaking intake manifold gaskets yourself or you're having it done at your local automotive repair shop, you need to use or ask for the updated intake manifold gaskets made by Felpro. Is there something that can be done to avoid a repeat of this particular problem? The answer is yes and it involves using an updated type of intake manifold gasket made by Felpro and tightening the intake manifold bolts with a torque wrench to specification. If you do own a vehicle equipped with a 3.1L or 3.4L engine, chances are that you have already experienced this ‘intake gaskets leaking coolant’ condition (and have repaired it), or you're experiencing it right now or will be soon enough. Once out of warranty, well you know that you're the one that's gonna' have to pay for it. This eventually results in gaskets that look like the one in the photos I'm using in this article.īefore anyone gets their ‘knickers in a twist’ I want to emphasize that I'm expressing an opinion, namely mine -that the geniuses at GM probably figured out the exact formula to make these plastic gaskets last just long enough to outlive the typical new car warranty. Over time and thousands of miles, this action of expansion and contraction of the surfaces that the intake gaskets are sandwiched between (plus the rushing/moving coolant) starts to eat away and/or tear the intake gaskets at their coolant ports. In a nutshell, it's because the intake manifold gaskets are made out of a composite material (the technical name for plastic).Ĭompounding the problem is that the metal that the intake manifold gaskets are sandwiched between, expands when it heats up and contracts when it cools down (remember, the intake manifold gaskets are sandwiched between the intake manifold and the cylinder head -which are made up of aluminum metal). What Causes The Intake Manifold Gaskets To Leak Coolant? You can find this tutorial in Spanish here: El Defecto De Los Empaques Del Múltiple De Admisión (3.1L, 3.4L GM) (at: ). In this article I'll offer you several suggestions on what you can do to mitigate this problem.
#COOLANT LEAKING FROM WATER PUMP ON A GM 3.1 V6 PROFESSIONAL#
Having worked on cars as a professional automotive tech for about 20 years and having repaired this condition many many times, I can tell you that you can do certain things to avoid a repeat of this problem. So, you might be wondering, is there a way to prevent this from happening? The answer is both a yes and no. Although GM has been aware of this problem ‘since man learned to walk upright and harnessed the power of fire’, they haven't done much to correct it (other than to deflect blame onto the owner of the vehicle for supposedly using the wrong type of coolant). This problem has been a gold mine for GM and the auto repair industry.
One of the most common problems on the GM 3.1L and 3.4L V6 engines is coolant leaking from the intake manifold gaskets.
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