1997 Other Oldsmobile Models

The gasket may have failed again. Poor installation techniques are the biggest reason for a 2nd failure on these.

Not to say this is the case, but you need to find where the coolant is going. HEadgasket is another concern.

A pressure test to verify no extenal leaks are occuring would be a start. If it is good, the plugs need to be removed and checked over. IF nothing obvious, then keep the pressure tester on the systen over night with the plugs out.

Undo the oil drain plug enough so that you can collect a cup of oil before you start the engine. Check it for any coolant in the oil as it settles to the bottom.

If none crank it over with the plugs out and see if any coolant shoots out the cylinders.

Post back with the results.

We found through talking to various mechanics, etc. that it is a recurring problem for the intake gasket to be replaced. We were actually told we were lucky this one lasted so long (9 months). Many people spend $500-800 to replace this item on these cars over and over...until they finally get rid of the car.

There is one alternative...GM makes "Cooling System Seal Tabs" to "seal and prevent leaks due to casting porosity in engine compartments." There are five tabs in a package. You get them from a GM dealer. We paid $5. It can be used for other leaks also. So far it is working well...we had to put the tablets in twice.

The second failures are mostly attributed to poor installation. There were a couple..maybe... we had come back through our errors. The second one should last many miles and years if it was done right.
Those words are from someone that is rationalizing poor workmanship.


Strongly recommend not using any kind of sealing liquids or tablets. They activate on interaction with oxygen typically and can activate anytime there is an air pocket and potentially plug up a system internally causing expensive repairs.