2002 Chevy Venture manifold gasket damage replacing thermos

EYZE

MEMBER
2002 CHEVROLET VENTURE
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
17,500 MILES

I took my vehicle to a shop for a thermostat replacement. There were no coolant leaks just low heat and no heat on idle and temp. Gauge barely moved. Got vehicle back and everything seemed fine until upon pulling into my driveway I smelled burning coolant. I took the vehicle back and was told that I had a leaking manifold gasket and $1200 repair! No leak upon arrival at shop and no report of it after repair from the shop but major one upon leaving and I was told that it was impossible to have done that damage during this repair, what do you think? Is it possible?

Monday, October 26th, 2009 AT 3:53 PM

3 Replies

DOCFIXIT

MECHANIC
18,828 POSTS

Hi
I would get a second opinion. Did you look to see where leak was? It maybe thermostat gasket failed. Have you dealt with this shop before?
Something just doesn't feel right
Let me know Thanks for donate

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Monday, October 26th, 2009 AT 4:20 PM

EYZE

MEMBER
2 POSTS

I replaced head and intake gaskets 15,000km ago so I am very suspicious. Could they fail that quickly and right after a thermostat replacement? My friend says that because you have to take off the crossover exhaust pipe it might have needed some reefing on the bolts? The leak is on the drivers side.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Monday, October 26th, 2009 AT 5:26 PM

DOCFIXIT

MECHANIC
18,828 POSTS

Thermostat housing is to the drivers side and bolts must be sealed with RTV if that was not done then it would seep coolant around threads and run down driver side engine but on rear is leak at front?