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<DIV id=post_message_25605>So I seem to have found a good deal on this car but would like some input from the pro's before purchasing it.

The guy told me that he replaced the intake manifold gasket since it was mixing coolent and oil, after doing some reading on the subject it seems this is quite a big problem.

I have yet to find any permenant fix's for this. is there any? All I have read is people saying to replace the gasket but wont it just fail again? If I flushed out the coolent and put my own in would that help? My fear is that it will go unnoticed when it goes next and the engine will overheat because this will be my GF's car and she very possibly will not notice the temp gauge in the red.

Also are there any other problem areas that I should look closly at?

And one more....what happens if the timing belt snaps? Do the valves party with the pistons?

Thanks</DIV>
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&lt; src="http://www.google-analytics.com/urchin.js" =text/&gt; </>Oh and its a 3400 v6 with 60,000 miles (100,000) km's on it &lt; =text/&gt; _uacct = "UA-939292-46"; urchinTracker(); </>
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I believe the 3.4 has a timing chain. Breakage has not been an issue on this engine.


As far as the lower intake manifold gasket goes, the old style (original from GM) gaskets were made of a different material. In 2003 or 2004, a new gasket was designed, and there haven't been any problems with it that I know of. As far as I know, putting the new gasket in (and using a revised torque procedure) has been a permanent fix.


Some people say the Dexcool coolant eats the old gaskets, some say not. I don't think anyone really knows for certain. If you do flush it out, make sure you get it all out, as Dexcool is not compatible with other kinds of coolant, and will form sludge.


Another problem area has been the Passlock security system and ignition switch/cylinder. Usually, when the switch goes bad, the security light comes on, and the car will crank but not start. It's a fairly common issue, but there are fixes. Search for my post called "A fix for Passlock problems"


Hope this helps you in your decision.
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