At just over 68000 miles, the timing chain slipped as we were driving down the road and caused major damage to the valves. So much damage that it requires a new engine.
The mechanic said he had never seen that happen on a vehicle with such low miles, so they went searching for answers as to why.
The mechanics found that there was coolant mixed with the oil and that the gasket was leaking. At times we did notice that the heating/cooling gage would go higher than the operating temperature of 190.
Often times we could not figure out where the coolant was going as we had to add it often. We had it serviced and they said that GM is known to get air in there cooling systems and that once it "burped" it out so to speak it would be fine, to just keep adding it, until it was done with this process. Apparently this was not the case.
Also the Traction Control system is not working along with the anti-lock Brake system, along with the traction control system, and brake light will not go off. The Van will not run, and the repair shop says repair will cost approx. 5200.00 US.
Would you like to owe money on a vehicle that has no intention on moving again without major repairs, if so, consider purchasing a Pontiac Transport, or better yet, let me know, I have one like that and I also know of a bridge I can sell you too. Ha ha.
Seriously though, is it worth fixing this lemon? That is still to be determined.
I would say it is NOT WORTH FIXING. My review of my 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport will be posted on this site shortly. There may be similar transmission and head gasket trouble awaiting you if you keep your vehicle. I strongly recommend cutting your losses and moving on to another vehicle.
I too have a 1998 Pontiac Transport and just had to have the intake manifold gasket replaced due to its failure. This vehicle has 115,000 miles and runs strong. I also have a 1998 Chevrolet Silverado and had to replace the intake manifold gasket on it. Several other people I know have had similar problems. I wonder if it doesn't have something to due with the type of coolant they are using. Have owned other GM products that used the old style coolant and never had any of these types of problems. Any thoughts?
Coolant could be the answer. Extended life has lower pH, green is more like acid. I had the tranny fixed 2 times and blown head gasket. Now main shaft bearing turned (garbage engine) Bad car!
I realize this comment is coming on about four years after your post, but as I too have a 1998 Trans Sport Montana, I can tell you, from educating myself from these posts, that the problem with the coolant leaking into the oil results from the coolant Dex-cool, which should be changed far more often than what the owner's manual indicates.
My Pontiac's temperature gauge constantly goes into the red and beyond now, and no heat comes from the heater, and I expect it to blow any day. A fitting end for a delightful van with a multitude of problems!
Today, Mar 5, 2009, My Transport just jumped timing. Six months ago we replaced the head and new intake gaskets etc, two years ago it was the water pump, intake gasket, & transmission. Now this, so now I am to the point where I have more invested in it than it is worth!
I also have a 98 Pontiac Transport. To this day my husband hates this vehicle. It has been a pain from every angle. In Jan 2008 I had the intake manifold gasket replaced. And now in July of 2009 I am being told that air is leaking in the engine causing it to overheat. What a joke, I would not recommend fixing a Transport at all. Replace it and find something worthwhile to drive.
Apparently there are service bulletins out from GM that warn of intake manifold and head gasket failures. There are new gaskets out that compensate for the issues.
I too had the problem of "air getting into the system" and was told it just needs to work out.. be bled.. etc.. What the wonderful mechanics didn't know is that the air comes from head gasket failure.. typically on cylinders 3 and 6. Just refilling the coolant will result in engine failure, over heating and severe damage to the aluminum heads and bearings.
Trade it in for something better, or be willing to pay a couple of grand for them to be fixed.
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