QuestionHi!
Thanks so much for the quick response!
I got three estimates for Intake Manifold Gaskets..two were approximately $500s...and the highest was $695. The lowest at $480 was at an Econo-Lube where I've been taking my car for oil changes for over a year. I am assuming those are the going rates in my area and am leaning towards the cheapest since I don't have a crystal ball revealing who'll do the best job. Any comments regarding the prices and how I might protect myself if things go wrong? I am assuming replacing Intake Manifold Gaskets is a routine job?
Also, with respect to antifree...is there any on the market where I don't have to add water? I need some now as I just checked it and the plastic overflow bottle is almost empty. Since it's empty...should I fill the radiator or the plastic expansion tank?
WOW...sorry for being so wordy...I just want to do the right thing.
Thanks again!
Cheri
Littleton, Colorado
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Followup To
Question -
Hi,
Within the past week I brought my Lumina (which I love-truly reliable) to three different auto repair shops. One said I needed intake manifold gaskets ASAP or big trouble was on the horizon. The other two simply said nothing serious needing immediate attention...just seeping. The two said to keep an eye on the coolant to prevent overheating until such time down the road I decide to replace the gaskets or not.
My question is about Coolant...do I put that into the plastic overflow container up the "COLD" marking? What kind of coolant/antifreeze do I use. I live in Colorado where it gets cold and hot.
I live near a walmart and will probably buy the coolant/antifreeze there.
Thanks so much!
Cheri
Littleton, Colorado
Answer -
NEVER EVER take any chances on an intake manifold gasket leak. There is to much RISK of having anti-freeze leak into the engine oil due to this gasket leak and if the anti-freeze gets into the engine oil it will destroy all of the bearings within the engine.
Get it fixed ASAP.
As far as anti-freeze adding, You can add it up to the COLD full mark ONLY when the engine is COLD. You may have to check it each day for a few days and check it every week to make sure that it remains at or near the HOT FULL MARK when the engine is at normal operating temperature.
I would go into any auto parts store and ASK the counter person for the correct coolant for your particular vehicle. It is NOT that much more expensive than K-Marts.
autohelp
AnswerPersonally I would NOT have this type of work done at an oil change facility such as Econo-Lube or Pep-Boys. Have it done by people who do this type of work on an everyday basis and know exactly what to do and what to replace and what NOT to replace.
Look and or ask around fro a reputable repair facility that is familiar with your type of vehicle although you will pay a little more for the repair, You will have the comfort of knowing that it has been done correctly by a reputable facility.
You can just add coolant to the plastic jug for now and YES they do make coolant that is alreday pre-mixed. Just ask any auto parts counter person for help in selecting the correct type of fluid for your vehicle.
But don't wait to long to get it fixed as there is no way to tell when the gasket could fail and severely damage your engine.
This particular job if screwed up, Can destroy your engine. So, I would pay a little more to be sure that it's done professionally and correctly.
autohelp
