Chevy Malibu Coolant Leak Repair Cost

Question:
What is the Cost to repair 2000 Chevrolet Malibu coolant leak? What would the average cost be to repair on labor, oil and antifreeze intake leak - 2000 Chevy Malibu?

Answer:
This is quite a common problem on the 3.1L and 3.4L engine. The gaskets have been redesigned from GM. There is now a kit with gaskets, bolts, and all seals to complete the repair job. This kit costs approximately $85. Non-GM gaskets are about $50-$60. Labor for this job is about 6 hours. Multiplied by the shop labor rate, lets say $75. So an estimate with GM gasket kit, plus labor, plus oil change, plug antifreeze- Total cost around $600. Of course less expensive at a local auto repair shop.

Read More Below Or See These Related Articles:


Question:
What does the GM repair Manuel show on time to replace the water pump and thermostat on a 2003 Chevy Malibu? I have replaced the radiator cap 3 times, flushed and cleaned the system and everything was great up until today when it started over heating again after I had the harmonic balancer and belt replaced on Friday.

Car was running ok this morning and then went to lunch and it overheated and the light came on. Water came out of overflow tube and I had it filled back up with water and am letting it sit for a while. Have had this problem on and off for a couple of years now. Need to figure out what is happening. Getting ready to trade it in for a new vehicle and do not need it over heating when I take it in to trade. Any quick fixes?

Answer:
As for time, are you meaning the labor time to complete the repairs? The water pump is a fairly easy job and takes only about 1 hour to complete. The thermostat is a bit harder and can take up to two hours to replace. If you're having overheating problems, do you see a leak? I wouldn't replace the pump or t-stat for no good reason. If you can see it leaking, then fine. You could have a leaking intake manifold gasket, or even cylinder head gaskets. You mention adding water to it, but are you adding coolant as well? If you're just running water, you will overheat for sure! Probably needs to be checked out good before you trade it in.

Visitor Update:
When I had the radiator flushed and cleaned it was filled with coolant and the overflow ran over yesterday and it only require a bit of water. I noticed first thing this morning that the radiator light came on right a way and no heat was coming out of the vents, as I turned the heat on to cool down the temperature issue, but no heat came out period.

I also heard noises coming from under the hood in the area of the new belt and harmonic balancer were installed. It may be just a sensor, but am going to have it checked out this morning. I do not see any leaking what so ever and neither did the shop yesterday when I ran by real quick.

Got it resolved. The overflow tank had a crack and the heat sensor inside was shot. I got lucky that it was not worse. Thank you for all your help !

Answer:
Great. You see that how you almost guessed at more parts to replace and that would not have fixed your problem. Proper diagnosis is essential to any vehicle repairs.


Help Keep Us Free-
Tip / Donation To the Mechanics


Q and A Main


How Things Work


Electrical