1998 Pontiac Montana Engine cooling Problems

“I noticed I have been using a lot of antifreeze in the van but no leaks under it. I took it to the garage to change the thermostat and to have it checked out. They told me my head gaskets are bad and need to be replaced, when I took it to the dealer he said I needed a new radiator too! I have been looking on the web and found many consumers with the same complaint as mine. Why haven't these 1998 Pontiac Montana's been recalled?”

“A year ago,I puchased a previously owned 1998 Pontiac Montana transport van with approximately 58,000 miles on it. I am a certificated aircraft mechanic with over 10 yrs of experience. So, I am aware of potentional problems with used vehicles. I did not have any problems with this vehicle until 3 months ago. When I had a low coolant light come on. I immediatley checked the fluid level and it was low. I then, began to look for a reason for low coolant. I found the coolant leaking externally out the intake manifold area. …”

“On july 18, 2003 we took our 1998 Pontiac Montana (58,000 miles) to domaille buick-mazda-mitsubishi in rochester, minnesota for a 3,000-mile oil change prior to leaving for our summer vacation. On that day the mechanic informed us about evidence of a lower intake manifold gasket leak and the need for immediate repair. He advised us not to drive the vehicle for fear that the engine could seize up in the middle of major traffic. This costly problem, of which we are now acutely aware, is fairly common amongst this line of vehicle (chevy venture and olds silhouette). …”

“On july 18, 2003 we took our 1998 Pontiac Montana (58,000 miles) to domaille buick-mazda-mitsubishi in rochester, minnesota for a 3,000-mile oil change prior to leaving for our summer vacation. On that day the mechanic informed us about evidence of a lower intake manifold gasket leak and the need for immediate repair. Gm has a vehicle owner satisfaction program initiated in response to the problems noted with their intake manifold gasket. Gm redesigned the intake manifold gasket and replaced the gasket at no cost to the owners of 1999-2003 model cars. …”

“Currently running, but not for long. Low coolant light on lifters clanging. 75,000 mile now..... Running like crap. I see that there have been several complaints on this matter with major engine repairs. $$$$$$ when is GM going to recall???????”