Olds Intrigue 1998, 165K, wouldn't crank, removed plugs and put dry cardboard in front of plug holes, then cranked it and it blasted coolant out of both banks, in what appeared to be mostly on the passenger side holes. Car ran perfectly normal when shut off last time it was driven (the previous night). It has had an issue with losing coolant and needing to be topped up periodically -- but never got very low. The oil has never appeared have any milky looking substance in it, usually associtated with coolant in the oil.
1.) Since it blew coolant out of plug holes on BOTH banks, I presume this pretty much eliminates the likelihood of it being head gasket issue-- and, rather, this points to the intake manifold issue these are known for -- correct?
2.) What is the usual protocol for dealing with this, e.g. a gasket replacement kit, or does the actual plastic manifold need to be replaced as well?3.) Since this issue with these engines is well known, does anyone have any advice, links, etc. for someone dealing with one of these for the first time -- such as any peripherals to upgrade or be mindful of?
4.) What would you say is the best name brand to replace gaskets, etc. with -- or ones to stay away from?5.) Did the engine experiencing hydro lock condition likely do any additional harm to it, or can it simply have the cause addressed and be good to go indefinitely? TIA