1998 Pontiac Trans Sport: engine overheating

Filed May 24, 2004 · Engine · MI

Coolant leaking into engine through intake manifold gasket.

Filed May 7, 2004 · Engine · SC

While driving vehicle overheated and check engine light flashed. Then, vehicle shutdown. Consumer tried to restart vehicle but was unable to do so. Consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic replaced the water pump due to mixed antifreeze corrosion.

Filed May 7, 2004 · Engine · SC

While driving vehicle overheated. Check engine light flashed and then vehicle stalled. Consumer tried to restart vehicle but was unable to do so. Consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic replaced the water pump due to mixture of antifreeze and corrosion.

Filed Apr 24, 2004 · Engine · MI

1998 pontiac montana with a gm (generic) 3.4 liter engine events leading to failure were normal driving conditions and regular maintenance. The failure is the intake manifold gasket. The consequences currently are exterior leaking coolant. *ak the probable future consequence per the dealer, is coolant leaking into the crankcase causing the failure of the crank bearings. Which documented cases have resulted in engine failure while driving which can cause a unsafe situation. What will have to be done is to replace the intake gasket at a cost of $500-$700.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Engine · 69,300 miles · UN

Engine was losing coolant and had a ticking sound when brought into gm dealer. Repairs included replacement of head gaskets and intake gasket. Cooling system also had to be flushed and refilled. Mileage quote above was actually 110927 km and repair costs were can$1965.

Filed Dec 16, 2003 · Engine · 54,490 miles · CA

Coolant leak and intake manifold gasket failure. Dealer diagnosed coolant leaks from intake manifold gasket, valve cover gasket and waterpump and recommended coolant flush - dex cool.

Filed Dec 1, 2003 · Engine · 67,422 miles · OH

A well maintained 1998 pontiac transport with a 3.4 liter engine developed a coolant leak. This was diagnosed by a local service center. As they explained that my vehicle has an intake manifold leak, it was also mentioned that they have seen many manifold coolant leaks with this engine. I decided to have it repaired at a gm dealer where I purchased the vehicle. They also explained that they service many of these type of leaks. They explained that the repair calls for a new type of manifold gasket and new bolts. The mechanic even showed me where on the old gasket the failure usually occurs. Although it may seem as if these comments where anecdotal, it still appears to point to a general failure in the design of the manifold gasket. This repair was very expensive. Why haven't these 3.4 liter been recalled? Are only inexpensive manufacturer defects recalled? Had this coolant leaked into the engine which in some cases it does, based upon my research of this issue, then even more damage and possibly risk to the vehicle operator and passengers could have occured.

Filed Oct 14, 2003 · Engine · CA

Currently I have 56,187 mile's on my 1998 pontiac trans sport and have been experiencing excessive oil useage since the second year of ownership as well as just recently experiencing the temperature gauge going past the 210 mark despite it only being 60 degrees outside and driving short distances. I have found a numerous amount of complaint's regarding issues comparable to this including a bulletin that was in fact distributed to g.m dealers in canada and the u.s (bulletin # 03-06-01-010) dated march, 2003.titled engine oil or coolant leak (install a new design intake manifold gasket. This bulletin describes comment's from owner's as followed. An apparent oil or coolant leak. Additionally , the comments may range from spots on the driveway to having to add fluid. Cause, intake manifold may be leaking allowing coolant, oil or both to leak from the engine. I have discovered that this has been a well known problem since 1998 but has yet to be an actuall recall on these van's. Many of the complaint's mention coolant found in the engine oil. I have come across several complaint's of motor's having to be replaced in these vehicles due to this problem with the consumer having to endure the costly repair financially. I primarely use my van to transport my 16 year old severely disabled son to and from school with his wheel-chair as well as to dr appointment's. The recent problem's with ticking sound's as well as at times idling rough and chuggling while driving with the temperature gage amping past the 210 mark is not a good sign. At 56187 miles I should not be experiencing major problem's with this vehicle. With the numerous complaint's on this matter being considered I am requesting an investigation that will lead to a very much needed recall on the 1998 pontiac trans sport as well as the other year's that are affected by this major flaw from the manufacturer.

Filed Sep 15, 2003 · Engine · 71,000 miles · MI

Total engine failure occurred while driving on highway on vacation with wife and three kids. 71000 miles on very well maintained van. We bought it with 8,000 miles on it. No warnings, no noises, no smoke, no overheating. Engine just quit running and we coasted to a stop on very busy interstate. This could have caused a major accident. Dealer promised "at least 50% warranty" then retracted offer two days later pending tear down and diagnosis. Diagnosis spun crank bearings/ bent rods due to coolant in oil. Cost $2050 after 50% warranty. Two weeks later, told camshaft was broken in half and that our engine could not be repaired. I asked why they didn't know that before. Svc mgr said they just pulled the engine out that day. This was not true since my wife and I spoke with the technician three days prior and he was all but ready to reinstall our engine. The bare block was on an engine stand when we spoke with him. Svc mgr then said warranty was in question. I had meeting with mgmt about "bait & switch" tactics. Svc mgr then said pontiac would install brand new "crate" engine for the $2050 we were quoted two weeks prior. No one from the svc dept ever called us about delays or when our van was done. Took 34 days to complete repairs. After getting it back, it was discovered that the axle retaining nuts on both sides were only finger tight/ready to fall off. Went back and have them torqued to specs. They wonder why go to a local shop for routine service rather than the dealer. This was the most absurd fiasco I have ever seen. We are seeking restitution. Gm should be forced to recall these engines for intake manifold gasket failures as this was determined to be the root cause.

Filed Aug 6, 2003 · Engine · MI

1998 pontiac transport minivan 3.4 liter, coolant leaking from the intake manifold. Mechanic believes it is a general problem with the gasket. Major expense to repair on vehcile with 75,000 miles.

Filed Jun 26, 2003 · Engine · 58,959 miles · CA

Overheating on highway, caused vehicle to shut down to 3 cylinders. Caused a major power loss. Cracked head due to cooling problems.

Filed Jun 4, 2003 · Engine · 70,000 miles · NY

1998 pontiac trans sport 3.4 liter coolant leaking engine damage major expense on a vehicle w/ 70'000.