Hello,

I am new to this forum, and any input is much appreciated guys (and gals).

I have a 2000 GMC Sonoma 4.3 V6, and it started leaking coolant and running hot so I parked it. Got the intake manifold off and the gasket on the lower side looks to be shredded - lots of gunk etc. I think this is the problem, and looking to replace - are there any recommendations on which gasket to buy?? I have heard sticking with OEM is the way to go.. Ive see some other brands selling kits for about $35-$55.. I am pretty car illiterate, I inherited this truck from my father after his passing, trying to take care of it. Want to get the right part here and get this truck back on the road

Thanks again.

Sam

OEM should be fine. But I'm not as familiar with that engine. Any chance you could post up pictures of the old gaskets so we have a idea what you have.

On another site I frequent, Felpro is the one recommended.



$29.99 at Autozone and you get everything in the picture. Felpro part #MS95817

While your at it, change the oil just in case some of that coolant got into the oil. Oil and coolant don't do good when mixed.

Thanks guys! I have checked out that Felpro intake Gasket kit, that looks like what I need and the price is not bad at all - we decided to go ahead and replace the upped and lower gasket since it'* off. Yes, I will be changing the oil, I think that'* exactly what happened because my oil is discolored and muddy.

I have attached some pictures of my intake and surrounding area - there seems to be some sort of gunk or blockage in the rear ports closest to the firewall. What is that? Anybody? Should I be worried? I am replacing the gasket, am fairly certain the muddy oil is from coolant mixing with it, but the blockage back there may have something to do with it overheating too. I broke some of that gunk up and shop-vacced it out.

Thanks for the input guys I appreciate the help so much!

Best,

Sam

Looks like really old coolant. When air gets in the system it can do that. Any idea how old the coolant is? GM engines come with Dex-cool. And it says 100k miles, OR 5 years, which ever comes first.

Not sure about coolant - I had put a new jug of 50/50 coolant just after I started driving it, but have not gone as far as to flush the whole coolant system or anything. I did also put water from the hose in there, was told that using distilled water was better and that tap water could lead to the build-up too.

Either way, do you think it would be a good idea to get a wire brush and bang that stuff up and suck it out of there? Is there another option haha - I'll do what it takes just not exactly sure what angle to approach this from.

Thanks Danthurs!

*

Clean up what you can. Then get a bottle of radiator flush. Run that threw there. That will break up the buildup and then flush it out. Then drain the whole system and refill with new coolant and distilled water.

muchas gracias my friend!

Sam

Any time.