Intake gasket leak

KRISNGA

MEMBER
CHEVROLET TAHOE

I have a 98 chevy tahoe with 210K miles. I have been told that it will cost me around $400 to replace my intake gasket. I have also been told that I shouldn't put that much money into a motor with that many miles on it. Should I? Also, I was told that as long as I keep coolant in the radiator, that it should be fine?

2 Replies

GBLABLA

MEMBER
1 POST

GblablaWhen the key is turned to 'start', the engine did start but as soon as you released the key to spring back to the 'run' position, the engine would quit. Eventually, it would stay running but it quit reguarly after that.

The solution is to buy a replacement ignition switch for your vehicle. The $65.00 (Canadian dollars) 'switch' part is simply held on the back of the key assembly with two Phillips head screws. You do not need to replace the key lock and cylinder itself.

Part Number for the 1997 CR-V is 35130-S10-A01

The switch has two large plugs which connect it to the vehicle's electrical system.

Other than having to disconnect the battery and then be a bit of a contortionist to get under the dash, it can be replaced by yourself.

1997 Accord Installation Instructions from Kent

I would strongly suggest that anyone with a 1997 Honda tell their dealer to replace the switch before the warranty period expires. Simply tell them the vehicle occassionally 'starts' but does not 'run' and let Honda pay for the switch and labour.

I attempted to contact the Customer Relations Department of Honda Canada to verify the switch problem and help me get my vehicle running properly. Despite the urgency and obvious danger to myself and others, they took over two weeks to get back to me - so much for responsibility, concern and customer service. There has been no official service bulletin or defect notice released to dealers so they will not acknowledge the facts either. Honda Canada Customer Relations got hold of me January 16th, 2002 to thank me for my report and they will look into it but as far as they know the ignition switch is not a problem because I am the only one to give them the details. Call them at 1-888-946-6329 if you have had a similar problem.

I have contacted Transport Canada and reported the incident to them but they will essentially do nothing until more people report problems or until someone is killed on the road and they happen to investigate the ignition switch as a possible cause. Call 1-800-333 0510 to report your ignition switch failure.

US owners who experience this problem should notify the US National Highway Safety Administration at:

Together we might save some lives.