2002 Pontiac Aztek No Heat Overheating

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A_TKVANVIG
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We have a 2002 Pontiac Aztec with 82000 we bought this last year used, everything worked well until winter hit. About three weeks ago we noticed it wasn't blowing any hot air in so we took it to a mechanic and they said the thermostat was stuck, so we had it replaced. A week after that it overheated and was blowing out cold air and then hot air, we took it back and they said there was air in the coolant line so they bled the air, two days later it did the same thing but worse, again they bled the air. It worked for about a week and now it's doing the same thing and very seldom do we get any heat. They are now leaning toward a blown head gasket but someone else said to have them check the water pump and see if there is any blockage. We need to get this resolved and would like any info ASAP as we need this vehicle to get around in, is our only vehicle. THANKS!
Jan 2, 2007 at 6:49 AM
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SERVICE WRITER
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If it has a 3.4 motor. get the intake gasket checked. Very common.
Jan 2, 2007 at 6:54 AM
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A_TKVANVIG
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[quote:be6dc5d43c="Service Writer"]If it has a 3.4 motor. get the intake gasket checked. Very common.[/quote:be6dc5d43c]


We know there is seepage around the intake gasket and we told our mechanic about that. They said that it is common, but would be completely unrelated and have no impact on this. Is there something we can tell them that would cause them to rethink their thought on this?
Jan 2, 2007 at 7:05 AM
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A_TKVANVIG
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Well, just got a call and the mechanics say they can't find any signs of a head gasket leak of any type, or any signs of a cracked head gasket. But, it's not overheating yet either.

He said the thermostat is opening and closing just fine, he also said flushing the heating core would have flushed everything out, wouldn't have allowed anything back into the system.

So am not sure what the problem could be.
Jan 3, 2007 at 7:05 AM
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SERVICE WRITER
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He didn't go to IATN appearantly and research the intake?
Jan 3, 2007 at 9:14 AM

Suggested Repair

Have the intake manifold gasket inspected and replaced if leaking. Seepage is already noted, and on the 3.4L this is a common cause of coolant loss, air in the system, intermittent overheating, and little or no heat.

Conversation Summary

A 2002 Pontiac Aztek with about 82,000 miles stopped producing heat. The thermostat was replaced, then the cooling system was bled more than once after intermittent overheating and cold air from the heater. The shop found no head-gasket leak and said the thermostat was working, while the owner already sees seepage at the intake gasket. The expert says an intake gasket problem is very common on the 3.4L and should be checked rather than dismissed as unrelated.

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