I am looking for advice and information on the problem of the 3.1 and 3.4
liter GM engines having intake manifold leaks or other problems.

I had a 1999 Pontiac Grand Am with a 3.1 engine that developed this problem
and in my research I found it is a common problem on some of these engines.

We are considering two used cars. #1 2005 Chevrolet Impala with the 3.8 v-6
engine and #2 is a 2004 Chevrolet Impala with the 3.4 v-6 engine.

The 2005 is an Impala LT 3.8 v-6 model with leather and other appointments
but it has 83,000 miles on it.

The 2004 Impala is an LS 3.4 v-6 model with only 42,000. We are leaning
towards this one but I am concerned about the problems with this engine.

Can any of you talented people give me your knowledge, thoughts and opinions
on these cars?

Thanks in advance for any help you can offer.

Bob D...

"Bob D" <rdennison (AT) att (DOT) net> wrote

pretty rare and mostly occur randomly. I don't think you can get any
meaningful idea of the chances of either of these particular cars developing
that problem. Even if one had twice the chance, that still does not mean
that that particular one will have the problem and the other will not. Or
that either one will or will not have a different serious problem. In
general, all cars are pretty reliable but all of them are subject to minor
or serious problems.

This may not help you at all, but it's the way I look at it. If there is a
clear cut choice, then that is the proper choice. Otherwise I think you take
your best guess and hope for the best outcome.

Don Young

"Bob D" <rdennison (AT) att (DOT) net> wrote

There is definitely a intake gasket leak problem with
the Malibu 3.1 V6 engine, but that doesn't relate at
all to Impala engines. Maybe there's an Impala
usenet group?

Thanks for the replies Don and Russ. I'll look carefully for any leaks on
both and then
go with the one we feel is best. Appreciate the help.

There is no Impala group that I could find. This was the closest.

Bob...

"Russg" <russgilb (AT) MUNGEsbcglobal (DOT) net> wrote

I believe the intake manifold leaks were mostly on the 3.4 and were taken
care of by 2004.

"Bob D" <rdennison (AT) att (DOT) net> wrote