99 Bonne Manifold fix lasted less than 3 years. Is this normal, should I fix again?

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Asked by BonnBonn Aug 16, 2011 at 05:06 PM about the 1999 Pontiac Bonneville 4 Dr SLE Sedan

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Got 99 Bonne SLE in great condition at 80k in 2006. At 93,420 it needed the manifold fix as most do. Shop charged me total of around 550 for parts and labor. Now, less than 10,000 miles later it needs the manifold fix again. Found a local mechanic who charges only 40/hr rates has great references, quoted me 380.
Is the manifold repair failure less than 10,000 miles normal, and if not as I suppose, what most likely did they do wrong or not do at all? Do I have any recourse against the shop? How long should a typical manifold repair last. I already committed to new repair, just venting as I find the first fix should of lasted much longer than 2 years/10,000 miles.

1,895

John answered 13 years ago

There are 2 different manifold gaskets for the 3.8. The repair that was done probably used the OEM style gaskets. There is now a revised version of the gasket that is much better. It is available through GM dealers and by this time it is probably available from the aftermarket.

Mark helpful