myclone,
What part of this do you not understand?If GM could build a decent 3.1 or 3.4 engine with an intake gasket that didnt leak there would be no internal coolant leaks.That means few cars would ever be driven low on coolant or gotten hot.Shouldnt we expect that a vehicle that we paid $20-30,000 for shouldnt have a leaky intake gasket at 60,000 miles.
Ok,if the average motorist does see his coolant is low what is he going to do.He is going to add more coolant to it so that means even more coolant is going in to end up inside his engine.The last thing on his mind is that its all going to eventually end up in his oil pan and ruin his engine.Hes not even aware theres an intake gasket problem because Mr Goodwrench sure isnt going to tell him to be watching for this.
Buick Centurys have the 3.1 V-6 and in my town the average driver of one is probably a 75-80 year old widow woman.Shes supposed to know if her coolant is low that she should go right to her GM dealer and tell him my 1999 Buick Century has a leaky intake gasket at 60,000 miles and I'll gladly pay you $600.00 to fix it when my SS check comes in.She shouldnt expect poor little old GM to have to pay for their own screw up.Give me a break.
Lets face it probably 50% of the motoring public doesnt check their oil or coolant level once between oil changes.Most around here have their oil changed at Walmart,a quick lube place,or at their local car dealer.Very few service their own vehicles these days.I do most of mine when I have the time.
I'm probably guilty myself of not checking stuff often enough,especially low mile newer vehicles.We have 6 cars,2 pickups,6 tractors,2 combines,and 2 grain trucks.Thats alot to look after.I shouldnt have to check my wifes $34,000 (when new) AWD 2002 Buick Rendevous CXL's coolant level every day because GM built a stinking lousy 3.4 V-6 engine that could lose an intake gasket at any time.Enough said.
Sorry, but I dont have much of a sense of humor these days.
