Cost To Repair Intake Gaskets- 3400 V6

2000 Chevy Malibu 6cyl Low coolant Light and engine overheating.
Question = What would the average cost be to repair an oil and antifreeze intake manifold gasket leak - 2000 Chevy Malibu. It is the 3400 V6 engine in my car. The oil is also a milky color, i guess from the coolant getting in the crankcase. I want to get this fixed before it causes damage to my engine. It has been going on for some time as i have been adding antifreeze for a few weeks now, but just finally figured out where the problem was.

Answer:
This is quite a common problem on this engine. And it is a pretty big repair job. The gaskets have been redesigned from GM. There is now a kit with gaskets, bolts, and all seals to complete the job. This kit is about. $85. Non-GM gaskets are about $50-$60 and can be purchased at any large parts store. Labor for this job is 6 hours Multiplied by the shop labor rate, lets say $75.

So an estimate of total 3.4L intake manifold gasket repairs with GM gasket kit, plus labor, plus oil change, plug antifreeze- Total cost approx. $600. Also be sure to check the spark plugs for contamination. If they are, they must be replaced or the engine will have misfire code P0300 in the PCM along with any other codes that are there because of the coolant leak.

More Intake Manifold Gasket Information

Problem with ignition key on my 2003 Chevrolet Malibu 3400 v6 engine.
Question = Ignition will not turn, acts like it is stuck. Chevy Malibu 2003 and the car will not start. None of the lights come on the dash and the car will not crank over to start at all. This all started when i went out to my car this morning. There was no problems with it the night before, then all of a sudden this problem started happening. Sometimes the key even gets stuck in the ignition.

Answer:
First check the key. Look closely to see if it is bent or has any damage. Try another key before anything else. If that looks OK, the it sounds like the ignition lock cylinder is bad and needs to be replaced. The lock cylinder is also the Passlock sensor for the theft / security system in your Malibu.

You could try to spray a little WD-40 or silicone spray in the cylinder, and work the key in and out, turn it back and forth and even tap it with a small hammer. Sometimes that will free up the ignition cylinder, but it will still need to be replaced. This requires removing the front face of the dash to get to the part. See link below for replacement procedure with step by step pictures.

During replacement you will also check that the ignition switch that the cylinder sits in will turn free. This can be done by using a small screwdriver to actually turn the ignition switch and make sure the lights come on as if you were turning the key.

After replacement of the ignition cylinder, then the Passlock theft re-learn procedure will need to be done or your Malibu will not start and the theft light will be activated. There will also be a code stored in the computer that will need to be cleared or the check engine light will stay on.

Malibu Ignition Replacement

Question:
Starting last night we heard a ticking/clicking noise coming from the engine. It speeds up and slows down as you accelerate or slow down. We thought it could be the lifters, we put some product in it to clean, it is still making a noise. Why does my malibu make noise. I'm hesitant to take to a mechanic if its something we can fix ourselves any ideas?

Answer:
An additive is most likely not going to fix this problem. First things first, check the oil level and condition. Check coolant level and condition. This engine is well know for lower intake manifold gasket leaking coolant internally and externally. When internally, it contaminates the oil and can cause upper engine noise. Next what you need to find out is which side of the engine is making the noise. Best way is with a stethoscope. Would suggest a qualified tech. To listen to, and start diagnosis of this noise, because it may get worse and cause further damage.