1998 Chevrolet Venture: engine overheating

Filed Jan 22, 2006 · Engine · 112,234 miles · UT

The intake gasket on my 98 venture failed and leaked dexcool into the engine. The engine temp fluctuated and the vehicle overheated damaging the head gasket. I see gm is ignoring the issue as well as the federal safety agency. There is however a law firm in putting together a class action suit for this problem. I encourage all to join in the suit and to leave gm and become loyal honda owners.

Filed May 16, 2005 · Engine · FL

1998 chevy venture mini-van. Have had to replace the radiator (now twice) due to overheating caused by "sludge" in the cooling system. Also, mechanic reports a coolant leakage in intake manifold gasket, which apparently is a well-known problem. Have only put dexcool in system, so wonder where sludge came from. Have not had gasket repaired yet because I think gm should do it for free.

Filed Jan 7, 2005 · Engine · 82,647 miles · NY

I have a 1998 chevrolet venture with 82,651 miles. The vehicle would slowly dissipate coolant, which I replenished as needed. Then a major coolant leak occurred at the engine block. Barnard chevrolet of churchville, ny 14428 repaired the lower and upper intake manifold gaskets, and the rear head gasket. Each had detiorated from the dex cool, causing the leakage. The dealership refused any customer assistance, despite my providing them with technical service bulletin #03-06-01-010. Although the dealer provided a complete and professional repair, I believe that evidence is quite clear that the dex cool coolant and the gasket materials used by gm results in a defective product, and that gm must pay for these repairs. I also believe that that the federal safety agency has a responsibility to the american consumer to hold gm accountable. The bush administration seems to have completely suppressed this issue in terms of government followup. What a shame, the lobbyists win again. Middle class americans left with the bill.

Filed Nov 22, 2004 · Engine · 88,500 miles · CA

I had the coolant flushed one month ago at the local dealer. Driving on the freeway near home, the low coolant light came on. No indication on temperature gauge that coolant temp ever exceeded even halfway through the normal range. The next morning, the van runs rough and has a light coolant smell from the exhaust. Took it to dealer for diagnosis. Dealer said that the intake manifold gaskets failed allowing the van to overheat and blow the head gaskets. Repair estimate is $2500 and with only 88k miles on the van. This is the second time that the intake manifold gaskets have failed. First time the intake gaskets failed was at 45k miles right after I bought it. There was no overheat or head gasket failure on the first incidence.

Filed Nov 11, 2004 · Engine · 71,691 miles · OH

I am going to need to repair my minivan due to the problem with the coolant leak and I really can not afford this and may have to have the van sit until I can. I cannot believe after all the complaints I have read on here that there is not a recall on this or the headlights. I will not purchase another chevy vehicle again because this is a costly repair that is not the consumers responsibility, its obvious that this needs a recall. I do hope you come to your senses about this costly repair to the consumers because I will let every one I possible know that chevy knows about this costly problem but refuses to accept responsibility as I am sure others that have this problem have told numerous people and you sales will drop so low that you will wish you would have had a recall.

Filed Aug 4, 2004 · Engine · 69,649 miles · TX

While driving at 30 MPH consumer noticed that the vehicle overheated. Vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic to be examined, and mechanic determined that the head gasket malfunctioned.

Filed Jul 13, 2004 · Engine, Fuel system · 75,000 miles · IA

The upper and lower intake gaskets were leaking coolant and oil onto the engine. This resulted in vehicle overheating, and burning up the engine motor. Also, fuel injectors had to be cleaned numerous times due to them misfiring.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Engine · 115,000 miles · MO

Leaking intake manifold gasket leak. Leaking coolant. Repair estimated to be $800 by elco chevrolet in ballwin, missouri. We discovered through research on the internet and talking to mechanics at a local auto repair franchise that this has been a problem with the chevy venture vans. We are looking for relief from gm-this is not the first problem we have had with coolant leaks in the van and are now wondering if this problem was undetected and we have been repairing other items needlessly (water pump, etc.) when this was the true source of the problem. We are very concerned about the future of the engine on this vehicle with this problem.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Engine · 35,000 miles · MI

Car began losing coolant at about 20000 miles. Had to keep topping coolant tank. Presented to local dealer at 35,500 miles to be repaired. Coolant sensor replaced, problem persisted. Wife's car (1999 venture) began having same symptom, researched and found that this is a widespread problem with intake manifold gaskets (recently redesigned by gm). This problem can allow coolant to mix with oil, and oil with coolant. Can result in sudden catastrophic engine failure (camshaft breaks due to insufficient lubrication). Stranded vehicles will present multiple safety hazards.

Filed Sep 16, 2003 · Engine · 98,000 miles · MI

While driving temperature gauge started fluctuating from high to low, and vehicle overheated due to the intake manifold leaking anti freeze onto the engine.

Filed Feb 1, 2003 · Engine · 57,000 miles · NY

At 57,000 mi my 1998 chevrolet venture developed a coolant leak at the intake manifold on the drivers side of the engine. I was quoted a $500.00 estimate to replace the $3.00 gasket and the mechanic at the dealership stated that he sees a lot of these leaks and that this is very common. Ts

Filed Jan 16, 2003 · Engine · 65,000 miles · NC

Coolant leak in 1998 chevy venture minivan. Faulty intake gasket.