So I got a 2004 Grand Prix GTP with the SC 3800 v6. Got it cheap, as it also came with the famous GM intake gasket coolant leak. I understand that there are upgraded aluminum framed gaskets for this application, but my stupid local Pontiac dealer says there is no such thing. Can anybody help me out with a gm part #? Would their parts catalogue maybe list such a gasket if I told them to look at a different model?
Why is it so hard to find guys that work at a dealership that are actually "car guys?"
OK, I tried that, and when I called the dealer, the parts dude said that's for the upper intake gasket kit. My car is the supercharged version, there is no upper intake. I need the lower intake manifold gaskets. Do you have that part #?
Can't vouch for this application but many times the fel-pro gasket is the better or updated version-but not always so YMMV.
I believe it is a Fel-Pro part - NOT a dealer item.
I never see any 3800 lower intake leaks (the upper plenum ALWAYS fails first and then we do the lower as a preventative maintenance thing - but you don't have an upper plenum now do you? :) ) but for the 3100/3400 they go bad with frightening regularity.
IIRC the list price for the 3100/3400 gasket set is $130 or so from NAPA. I would imagine the 3800 set to be similarly expensive. Order it from NAPA and make sure to request the aluminum-backed one. They probably keep them in stock so it wouldn't be an issue for them to open the package to verify.
It's not a Dex-Cool problem, BTW. Fords don't use Dex-Cool and the engines of theirs that use a similar plastic/rubber composite gasket, also have gasket failure problems.
Well, I have 3 part #'s now to try. I got 89017825 from another message board (Grand Prix specific board). My head hurts.
RE: the 3800 and LIM leaks. It's not as common as the 3100/3400, but it's definitely not uncommon either. Lots of guys on the GP boards have had to do them. They seem to tend to leak externally though rather than into the intake ports or oil passages, so they don't lead to catastrophic engine damage nearly as often.
Thanks all.
OK, did some more intarweb research. Looks like 89017825 is for the SC engines (what I have), and 89017816/89017817 are for the non-SC engines. Apparently they seem to be identical, but have different PN's? No wonder GM is going broke...
I've always had a soft spot for the General, and have owned several cars that treated me very well that were supposed to be unreliable POS's. Hopefully GM is still around in a few years when I need more parts for this one.
