Pontiac: Valve Cover Gaskets

Hi All,

First time posting to this newsgroup. Just came back from local dealer
after dropping off car for a SES light on, oil leak (origin unknown), and
possible coolant leak (smell of antifreeze after driving) on my 2000 GTP
with 37,000 miles. The car has just turned 4 years old. The tech has
determined the source of the engine oil leak is the rear valve cover gasket.
He showed me and I agreed there is evidence of a leaking valve cover gasket.
The rear of the engine is also coated with oil. He also believes that the
antifreeze smell was probably actually engine oil burning off. That I am
not sure about and still suspect a small coolant leak, although I rarely
have to add coolant during oil changes.

I have (2) questions. Are the 3.8 supercharged models prone to intake
manifold gasket leaks? My brother's 2001 naturally aspirated 3.8 was
recalled for this. If I recall correctly the intakes on the two different
models are actually made of different materials and hence may not suffer
from the same problems. There are no recalls in effect for my car.

Also, the tech this morning said the supercharged models are relatively
prone to valve cover gasket leaks due to the inherent higher temperature
conditions under the hood created by the supercharger. I kind of took that
to mean that I may be looking at this repair again in the future.

As I really don't need the supercharger (the car is my wife's daily driver),
I'm now wishing I would have purchased a GT instead of the GTP, if in fact
the techs statements are true. I was looking forward to having an easy time
with the 3.8 as it always seemed to have good reviews. Of course, not
everything is trouble free.

Can anyone confirm what I have mentioned? Looking forward to a reply.

Gary Picha

P.S. The SES is the result of an EVAP system problem, later traced to a
small leak in the purge valve.

I agree with what's been posted so far, and would add that if in fact a
valve cover leak is more likely on that particular engine, jump for joy.
Leaking a little oil is one billion times less detrimental than sucking
coolant!
GW

Harry Face wrote: