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. I was able to put a socket on the nearest intake bolts and found that they were loose. This temporarily stopped the leak. Serviced all the fluids. I assumed this problem was fixed. I did not notice any engine noises, no other problems, nothing else. Two weeks ago, the van and it lost power momentarily, then a service engine soon light came on. No other problems, van resumed performance. When I inspected the van and its components. It had a code of 300 which meant "random misfire" in the engine. This is a code that could be given by numerous reasons. I allowed the van to idle to operating temperatures. When suddenly the engine shuts down. I immediately start it back up. Now it has no oil pressure and the valves are rattling. I contacted my local Pontiac dealer to see if they were aware of any recalls or service bulletins relating to this model. They did not know of any. I began to research this problem. I was alarmed at what I had found. Apparently, this is a problem that is repeated over and over with this particular engine and coolant combination. Specifically dexcool, the orange coolant. It is showing possible incompatibilities between the coolant and the gaskets used on the intake manifolds, heads and other vital engine components. One of the web-sites I researched was www.GM-V6lemons.com. I would like for GM to radify this into a recall( service bulletin) because so many of us has suffered from this possible defect.

- Williamston, SC, USA

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). We have learned via a plethora of internet sources that the incidence of this problem occurs regardless of mileage, as some consumers endured this problem while still under warranty. The manufacturer response to this serious and costly mechanical problem has been to redesign the gasket for newer model vehicles. In the mean time, customer after customer has forked out the cost of these repairs. While we sadly refer to ourselves as one of the lucky ones in that our repair bill totaled a mere $850 (see attached) and we caught the problem prior to our vacation, and that we were not injured as a result of this problem, others have had to replace their engine at the cost of $4000 or more. This is a major consumer concern due to safety. For example, any GM owner could experience sudden and unexplained stalling of their vehicle in the midst of traffic, as a result of a leaky intake manifold gasket. The traffic experience could be on a country road or on a major interstate going 70+ mph... engine seizing up and tractor trailers behind you"!?!" the disastrous possibilities are endless.

- Rochester, MN, USA

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. This repair was neither covered under the original warranty or the service bulletin issued to the dealer identifying the problem. GM has been unresponsive to my complaint. I believe that I should be reimbursed for the cost of this repair, which exceeded $800.

- Rochester, MN, USA