Subject: | Loss of Coolant, Milky Colored Oil (Replace Intermediate Intake Gasket) |
Models: | 2000-2003 Buick LeSabre, Park Avenue, Regal |
2000-2003 Chevrolet Impala, Monte Carlo |
2000-2003 Pontiac Bonneville |
2000-2003 Pontiac Grand Prix |
with 3.8L V6 Engine (VIN K - RPO L36) |
Built Prior to the Following VIN Breakpoints:
Plant | Plant Code | Models | VIN |
---|---|---|---|
Fairfax | F | Grand Prix | All Vehicles |
Hamtramck | U | Le Sabre | 3U251577 |
Orion | 4 | Bonneville Le Sabre Park Avenue | 34180673 |
Oshawa Plant 1 | 9 | Impala Monte Carlo | 39361907 |
Oshawa Plant 2 | 1 | Regal | 31275860 |
Some owners may comment on a loss of coolant, coolant odor, having to add coolant or a milky substance on either the oil dipstick or oil fill cap. Additionally, owners may indicate that there are signs of coolant loss left on the ground where the vehicle is normally parked.
Condition may be due to coolant leaking past intermediate intake or throttle body gaskets.
Important: The upper intake manifold should not be replaced for a coolant leak condition, unless a rare instance of physical damage is found. Even if the throttle body surface shows a slight warpage, the upper intake should not be replaced unless a drivability concern is noted or a relevant engine DTC, such as a code for an unmetered air leak, is set and the upper intake manifold can clearly be shown as the cause of the concern.
Thoroughly check for any external leaks. If no external leaks are found, then replace the intermediate intake manifold gasket and the throttle body gasket. When changing the throttle body gasket, the nuts that retain the throttle body should be replaced with a new design that improves torque retention. Medium strength thread locker should be applied to the studs before installing the new nuts.
Part Number | Description | Qty |
---|---|---|
17113137 | Gasket Kit - Upper Intake - Includes Throttle Body and Intermediate Intake Gaskets | 1 |
11517293 | Nuts - Throttle Body | 3 |
12345382(10953489 in Canada) | Threadlocker - Medium Strength | 1 |
Parts are currently available from GMSPO.
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:
Labor Operation | Description | Labor Time |
---|---|---|
J0255 | Manifold or Gasket, Intake (Upper, Lower) - Gasket Upper - Replace | Use Published Labor Time |