Need help with 1996 GMC Jimmy/S-10

[GNICETRY]

I have a slow antifreeze leak. I believe that it is the intake gasket, but was told that there is no way to check until the intake was pulled off. Under pressure it blows sweet smelling white smoke. I got a price of $1400 and $400 from 2 different people (intake only). If it is the head gasket the prices jump up to $2500 and $1400 respectively (this includes the intake gasket also). What do you guys think?

 

[zeus87gn]

Under pressure it blows sweet smelling white smoke.

Explain this a little better. Do you mean it only blows smoke when you are accelerating? No smoke while idiling? Strange if so. V6 right? I would guess a head gasket about to really let go. I may be wrong.

The prices you have been quoted are mostly for labor. There is a lot of stuff under those hoods. A fellow I work with has one.

 

[Little6pack]

What are the milage on your motor? Because if it is over 130k $2500 around my parts you can have a complete crate 6 cyl rebuild swapped in with a warrenty. At least you will start fresh.

 

[zeus87gn]

What are the milage on your motor? Because if it is over 130k $2500 around my parts you can have a complete crate 6 cyl rebuild swapped in with a warrenty. At least you will start fresh.

Excellent point. After looking at it this way, it sounds more like whomever gave you those prices were trying to drive you away.

 

[67turboCamaro]

Leaking intake gaskets are a very common problem on the 4.3 around that year. Its not very hard to replace them, it only took me a couple hours to do mine.

 

[GNICETRY]

67turboCamaro Leaking intake gaskets are a very common problem on the 4.3 around that year. Its not very hard to replace them, it only took me a couple hours to do mine.

That is what I have heard, which is why I was questioning $1400. The engine is a rebuilt around 60,000 miles ago. At idle it has a faint white smoke coming out of the tailpipes. When he pressurized the system, it became really thick when he started and ran it. Otherwise the truck is top notch.

 

[Little6pack]

67turboCamaro Leaking intake gaskets are a very common problem on the 4.3 around that year. Its not very hard to replace them, it only took me a couple hours to do mine.

That is what I have heard, which is why I was questioning $1400. The engine is a rebuilt around 60,000 miles ago. At idle it has a faint white smoke coming out of the tailpipes. When he pressurized the system, it became really thick when he started and ran it. Otherwise the truck is top notch.

Sounds like they did not want the JOB at $1400 or just checking if you are a sucker to pay it. Lots of places do the high quote thing Just like contractors do with home remodel prices.

My 89 4x4 s-10 has a 4.3 with 133k on the clock always runs well & we beat the crap out of it. We all fight to use it because it is decent on gas & since it is a shetbox we can park it anyplace.
She too belches out a Puff of white smoke at start up. My fix is found at WalMart's discount section, STP Thick Goop for $1.99

I have heard the later 4.3's had your problem.