'99 Malibu: Intake Manifold Problem????  

Group: alt.autos.chevrolet.malibu Date: Tue, Jan 20, 2004, 12:19am
(CST+6) From: mjohns7861@aol.com (MJohns7861)
In October I added some radioter fluid when the light came on my dash.
Did not think much about it (and perhaps I should have). I added some.
Now it is on again - leading me to believe there is a slow weak and what
I have read on the Edmunds discussion board about the dreaded intake
manifold problem. I took the following step below to figure out what is
going on.
From where the resevior runs for adding fluid I followed a hose it
(standing in front of the engine - under the hood) from left to right
and to the right of the oil dipstick (but lower) and to left of the
battery (arout 11 o'clock direction-wise from the battery) I found a
reddish substance that was slightly puddled. This hose connects to
radiator on the battery side of the car. My knowledge of cars is limited
- so this is the best way I can describe it. In checking the oil I do
not see any mix of radiator fluid and the oil seems fine. How does this
sound? Intake manifold problem.
Saying it is - and this seems to be a specific problem with Malibu's -
do you think I am OK taking it to the local garage (I have some
co-workers who have given me recommendations for a local garage - my car
has never been to a non-Chevy dealership save my tires)? It sounds like
a pressure check on the radiator would be my next step.
Thoughts/comments - I am all ears.
Thanks guys,
Magnus

Ok for starters a pressure test will not prove you have a manifold
leak...But however will infact help push out the coolant where it is
leaking...You have to have the car hot for this to work and
running...Malibu's are known for intake gaskets going bad usually they
leak in the rear,,,,But you might get luck and if it is leaking its in
the front where you can see it....
Also it leaks standing in front of the car looking at the engine see the
hose there is a coolant sensor if it puddles up in there its the
intake..
As far as replacement its not that hard if youve done it before and if
you know what gaskets it needs they need to change all of the upper
gaskets as well...How many miles are on the car? Do you have any
warrenty GMPP i know covers this....There are a lot of problems that can
come up if its not done right....Goto someone you can trust who will
garrentee their work..
Steve C

Take it to the local garage - avoid the dealership like the plague -
they will overcharge you for parts and labour.