3800 Intake leak - diagnostics? PM? (was 3800 Series II Intake Repair Kit!) (2025 Update)

"morris" wrote

Definitely look for coolant level going down. I'd be checking your coolant level once a week. You can also look for coolant leaks starting at the parting line between the plastic section of the intake and the lower aluminum section. Mainly back by the throttle body area. This will give you the head's up that it's probably time to perform whatever repair you are going to perform.

Other then checking your coolant level, or just fixing the problem before it starts...no.

Most dealerships will know what's going on, but they will most likely want to intall a new lower and upper manifold. If you don't feel like spending that kind of money, you can probably find an independent that will simply install the kits that are floating around. I would still recommend that you at least get a new "upper" manifold. Also, even some independent shops will not want to do a "patch" type of repair, as they would have no recourse if/when it fails. Personally, if it was my car and I was doing the repairs, I'd go with the kit and a new upper manifold, but if I was doing the repair for someone else and had to stand behind my repair....it would be new upper and lower manifolds.. no question about it.

Ahhh...still a pretty good engine and car. Not as good as the GenI engine, but not bad.

Ian

Ian - thanks for your guidance. Any sense of what percentage of these fail? Is it just a matter of time? Ballpark cost for the "proper" (new manifolds and labor) fix? Sounds like some folks have gone 100K+ with no problems.

I tend to be fairly anal about my cars and need them to be reliable. I don't mind getting this fixed soon if it's a question of time before I need it anyway. This car is replacing a '95 Corolla and if I look under the hood more than once every couple of months, it's a lot, so I have a hard time visualizing a peek every week.

Thanks again.

Morris

"morris" wrote

I think it's probably just a matter of time with these engines. I do know a few people that I work with that own these cars and so far they haven't had any problems. But often, you don't notice anything and then "wham" your engine is hydrolocked. Labour cost is about 4-5 hrs, up here in Canada, the upper and lower intakes and gaskets run around the $1000 mark just for the parts.

Well, I'm having a hard time visualizing someone who considers themselves "anal" about their car, but can't check the fluids every week? That's just basic maintenance. It's a bit of a lost art these days, but that's only because folks have been conditioned by the manufacturers that their cars are maintenance free.

Ian

Thanks Ian!

I used to check the Taurus every week to find out what I needed to spend the next $1000 to have fixed. (-; Since I've owned the Corolla (~6 years) there's been no reason to bother. About the only thing fluid-wise that has ever needed a refill has been the windshield washer reservoir! No leaks, no consumption, nothing. After a couple of years of "well everything is OK" you become comfortable that it's just not necessary.

I'll watch the LeS carefully for now and when I have a few $$$ in the piggybank I'll get it fixed.

Thanks again for your VERY helpful input.

Best Regards,

Morris

"morris" wrote

Ok, you got me there.....we used to have a 1980 Corona, and it was the most reliable, troublefree car that we have ever owned. In the time we owned it, we put about 350K kilometers on it, and all I replaced was one clutch, and one rear wheel bearing. Truly a remarkable little car.

Ian