Pontiac Repair: 99 pontiac montana, auto collision repair, intake manifold gasket

Question
I have a 99 pontiac montana with a 3400 series engine.  I am an auto collision repair tech and have also rebuilt many older engines.  The problem with my van is with cooling.  I just bought the van and do not know much about it, however, it will not hold pressure in the cooling system.  I can hear/see a spot in what I believe to be the intake manifold gasket on the drivers side where it is leaking.  Is this a common problem and how difficult is it to replace?

Answer
Hi,Josh

Yes the intake gaskets are notorious leakers on these engines,GM has issued updated gaskets as the replacement,if it is leaking from the intake,replace them with updated GM parts,it is not to difficult to replace,though they dont leave much room behind the engine to work,what i do is remove the coil pack and bracket as am asm from under the van,the rest is done from the top,or you could lower the ft portion of the engine and craddle.let me know if you run into a problem and ill guide you through.


ED