Leaking Coolant, Intake Manifold Gasket Failure

9.0

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$250
Average Mileage:
135,000 miles
Total Complaints:
2 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (2 reports)
1996 Pontiac Bonneville engine problems

engine problem

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1996 Pontiac Bonneville Owner Comments

problem #2

Nov 012009

Bonneville SE 3.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 110,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I have a 1996 Pontiac Bonneville started to run terrible and finally we discovered hydro lock. We stripped the top half of the engine and replaced all the top half gaskets. Replaced the EGR valve, replaced the Plenum, new PVC valve and fixed all the vacuum lines. We have new plugs and wires.

After replacing all these the motor runs well for about 15 minutes until the temperature gets high, then I hear a click sound and a horrible noise starts. The sound is similar to a screaming slipping belt. When I take off the oil cap, I hear/feel suction and the noise disappears. This happens only when the car warms up, if it's cold, this does not happen.

Does anyone have a solution or idea why or how to fix this. Please help me! I have dumped $750 into the car and a mechanic can't even tell me what the problem is without tearing the car apart again for another $700. Thank you!

- Kenny C., Port Orange, FL, US

problem #1

Apr 122007

(reported on)

Bonneville ES 3.8L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 160,000 miles

I have a 1996 Pontiac Bonneville with the same problem with a melting intake manifold due to the plastic gasket. After replacing the intake manifold the motor runs well for about 15 minutes until the temperature gets high, then I hear a click sound and a horrible noise starts. The sound is similar to a screaming slipping belt. When I take off the oil cap, I hear/feel suction and the noise disappears. This happens only when the car warms up, if it's cold, this does not happen. Does anyone have a solution or idea why or how to fix this. Please help me! Thank you!

P. S. There is a new PVC valve and sensor

- Stanislaw A., Whitehouse Station, NJ, US

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