1998 Pontiac Grand Prix Lower Intake Manifold

TRING1008

MEMBER
1998 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX

Engine Cooling problem
1998 Pontiac Grand Prix 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic

My 1998 Grand Prix GT has 98,000 miles and was recently diagnosed with a leak in the lower intake manifold. The mechanic said it was due to the type of gasket seals (plastic) used in these model vehicles and the coolant (Dex-Cool) causing erosion to the plastic. I looked up the class action suit (GM vs. Dex-Cool) and saw it is too late for me to sign up! Now the mechanic has quoted $970 to fix my car! Said it's a 6 hour job and will cost $657 in labor! Is this true? And if so, is it worth it to fix? They would be replacing the lower intake manifold, all gaskets, oil filter and then of course, oil and coolant, which they recommend using Global coolant now. Bottom line, I don't have $970 to invest in my car, and that seems a bit outrageous. Going to get another estimate tomorrow, just curious if anyone out there has had the same misfortune w/their Grand Prix GT.

1 Reply

ERNEST CLARK

MECHANIC
1,730 POSTS

Your mechanic's labor charges are at the high-end, but not outrageous. And Dex-Cool has been known to cause problems in a lot of cars. That's why it's no longer used.

If you don't have that kind of money to spend, then you'll probably have to find an alley mechanic who'll do it for less.

There are some very good alley mechanics, so don't let that discourage you. But ask around (friends) for the name of someone who's done good work for them.