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1995 Pontiac Grand Prix intake manifold gasket

Tiny
ANTON74
  • MEMBER
  • 1995 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 95 MILES
Hello,
I have a 1995 Pontiac Grand Prix SE, 3.1L SFI engine. Since I bought this car one year ago, I am experiencing the coolant loss. The car runs good though, and there are no signs of coolant and oil mix. There are signs of coolant sipage on both left and right sides of intake manifold, but no actual coolant puddles. As I understand, intake manifold gasket failure is quite common for this engine. I consulted three or four different mechanics, and they all told me that there is no reason to change the gaskets right now. Just add coolant and drive. They said that the leak is external and not serious. I am somewhat worrying about the engine, I just want to keep this car running. Should I change the gaskets right now or can I wait until the leak will become internal?
Thank you,
Anton.
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Sunday, August 16th, 2009 AT 7:30 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
  • MECHANIC
  • 8,548 POSTS
Yes, change the gaskets now. Coolant leaks can cause other problems, like smoke if it comes in contact with the exhaust and can cause a fire in the engine compartment.

If you wait until coolant gets into the oil, it is usually too late, you can damage the main and cam bearings.
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Sunday, August 16th, 2009 AT 8:54 AM
Tiny
ANTON74
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
Thank you for your reply, mmprince4000. I am going to replace the gaskets by myself. I have been told that there are 2 gasket sets for my engine, one with pushrod guides, and another one without the guides. How can I figure out which set should I order?
Thanks,
Anton.
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Sunday, August 16th, 2009 AT 10:11 AM
Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
  • MECHANIC
  • 8,548 POSTS
On some 3.1 engines the pushrods fit inside the gaskets, you must install the gasket, then pushrods. You can tell when you look at it, the pushrods will be inside the gasket.
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Tuesday, August 18th, 2009 AT 8:42 AM
Tiny
ANTON74
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
Is it possible to compress the spring and remove the pushrod, without opening the valve covers and without using the special pushrod tool? Can I use a pry bar, open end wrench or anything else in order to compress the spring?
Thank you.
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Thursday, August 20th, 2009 AT 10:28 AM
Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
  • MECHANIC
  • 8,548 POSTS
If you compress valve spring, the locks can fall out and the valve will fall into combustion chamber, you will then have to remove head.

Simply remove pushrods, keep in order, then reinstall with piston in firing position, turn 3/4 turn after zero lash.

Also check with dealer to see if the intake manifold gasket was part of a recall.
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Friday, August 21st, 2009 AT 8:50 AM

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