Manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe problems of the 1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette

Repeated intake manifold gasket leak / failure - had to replace twice in less than 100,000 miles - first time at just over 36,000 miles. Never owned a car where I had to replace an intake manifold gasket once, let alone twice and virtually every car my family has owned has been maintained and driven over 100,000 miles. Searching the internet you see the gm 3. 4 liter engine in 1999 era this is a common complaint/problem. Also the original Oldsmobile dealer acknowledged it was a known issue with this engine. . Read more...

Leak in the defective intake manifold gasket , which has been diretly related to engine failure,which I now have with my 1999 olds silouette - cost to replace engine - $4,500 - having collant leak into the oil can not be good for any engine! gm will not own problem.

Intake manifold gasket leaking on 1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette with 64,000 miles. $900 repair. Apparently this is a common problem that gm will not accept any responsibility for a design defect.

The "low coolant" light came on but there was no evidence of a leak. We finally discovered that the hot coolant was leaking onto the camshaft and into the engine through faulty lower intake manifold gaskets. The gasket was replaced at our expense but we do not know the damage or condition of the camshaft and engine bearings from coolant mixed with oil to lubricate. There remains a coolant odor we cannot identify. We later learned of gm service bulletin 03-06-01-010 dated March 2003 that identifies this problem but vehicle owners have not been alerted. There will be complete engine failure without early detection of problem and repair.

I own a 1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette with about 55,000 miles. I took the van to a local mechanic because of a knocking noise on cold startup and continual overheating. The mechanic diagnosed the problem as a failed intake manifold gasket. The total bill about $600. The van had regular maintenance. This seems to be a common problem with gm vehicles with the 3. 4l engines.

My 1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette only has 69,000 miles and has a leaking intake manifold gasket. It is obvious by the outraged community online that this is a problem with gm's design and a recall should be forced upon them.

Coolant is leaking on top of engine, resulting from failed lower intake manifold gasket. The gasket was replaced at 34,000 miles, now failing again at 88,000 miles. Water pump was recently replaced. Believe dex-cool antifreeze is at fault.

Vehicle overheated on congested highway with no prior warning of any problem. Manifold gasket failure at 45,000 miles. The vehicle was repaired at a cost of $831 with the possibility that the engine may seize at any time due to coolant/oil contmination. Intake manifold gasket replaced with new gm design and new installation proceedure. I have retained the old parts.

Intake manifold coolant leak caused by defective gasket. Related TSB mentions "new gasket design" implying that original design was defective. Oldsmobile refuses to offer any warranty coverage for failure, repair bill is $950. 00 so far. Seems to be a common problem with this model at this age. Very disappointed with gm's attitude of customer dissatisfaction.

I own a 1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette with 65,000 miles. I took the van to a local dealer after antifreeze started leaking from the top of the engine. The problem was a failed intake manifold gasket. The failed gasket fouled the hydraulic lifters and had to be replaced. The total bill was $1255. Same probelm happended to a relative's pontiac. This is all too common of a problem. Gm should recall this model. This will be the last of 5 gm products I have owned.

Oil leaking into the coolant system. Problem was fixed by replacing the intake manifold gasket. Resulted in replacing all coolant/heater system hoses and a large repair bill. The leaking intake manifold gasket seems to be a common problem.

Intake manifold gasket failed allowing dexcool coolant into the engine and mix with the oil. Total engine failure. Manifold gasket replaced at 58,000 miles. Engine rebuilt at 62,000 miles. Apparently this is happening on thousands of gm vehicles and gm will not cover the cost. In no way should a 1999 van need a new engine.

Noticed leaks that have appeared under the car. Leaks had a consistency of antifreeze and oil mixed. Constantly topping off antifreeze and oil. Intake manifold has been verified by mechanic to have leak resulting in a $600. 00 dollar bill.

Known problem with gm engine v6 3800, leaking antifreeze into engine. Intake manifold gasket failure.

The intake manifold was cracked and leaked antifreeze.

The intake manifold cracked, which caused fluid to leak.

I own a 1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette with 62,000 miles. I took the van to a local dealer because of a knocking noise on cold startup. The dealer diagnosed the problem as a failed intake manifold gasket. The failed gasket ruined the hydraulic lifters and had to be replaced. The total bill was $1500. The van had regular maintenance (oil, filters, anitfreeze checked) every 3000 miles. This seems to be a common problem with gm vehicles and dexcool systems. This could have been a major safety issue had the engine failed while driving.

I own a 1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette with 64,000 miles. I took the van to a local dealer because of a knocking noise on cold startup. The dealer diagnosed the problem as a failed intake manifold gasket. The failed gasket ruined the hydraulic lifters and had to be replaced. The total bill was $1500. The van had regular maintenance (oil, filters, anitfreeze checked) every 3000 miles. This seems to be a common problem with gm vehicles and dexcool systems. This could have been a major safety issue had the engine failed while driving.

Lower intake manifold gasket failure. This problem has also occured to a friend of mine who owns a 1999 olds Silhouette.

Car went to dealer to diagnose a knocking sound on cold startup. Diagnosed as a failed intake manifold gasket, cost to repair approx $900. 00. On disassembly, dealer contacted me and stated that the engine internals were so badly fouled (sludge and deposits) that hydraulic lifters needed replacement, cost approx $450. 00. I asked how this could have happened, van has always had engine oil changed at 3000 mile intervals, with new filter and correct oil, and I don't know what to do differently to avoid this happening again. No advice offered, and no suggestions for why the gasket had failed.

I own a 1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette with 52,000 miles. I brought it to the local dealer because of a knocking noise on cold startup. Diagnosed as a failed intake manifold gasket, cost to repair approx $900. 00. On disassembly, dealer contacted me with information that the engine internals were so badly fouled (sludge and deposits) that the hydraulic lifters required replacement. I asked what could have caused this situation, since the van has always gotten regular oil changes every 3000 miles, with new filter and correct oil, and I don't know what to do differently to avoid this same problem again. No information or advice was offered on why the gasket failed, or why the engine was so badly fouled.

An engine diagnosis revealed there was no oil pressure, a blown head gasket, and a leaking intake manifold gasket.

Leaking intake manifold gasket cause oil to be contaminated with coolant. Engine failed.

Intake manifold gasket - no warning of any problems before finding myself stranded at a gas station due to my van overheating.

The intake manifold gasket failed.

While driving vehicle coolant light illuminated, causing vehicle to shut down. Consumer has notified dealership, mechanic stated head manifold gasket had to be replaced.