Hello,

Our 2001 DeVille just returned from the mechanics after the service engine soon light came on. The auto has 66,000 miles on it with the Northstar engine. The codes said the plenum between the engine intake manifold and throttle body was leaking. They replaced 8 seals, the plenum and installed a new gasket. Total cost was $360.00 About 8-10 months ago we had to replace the starter at a cost of $874.00 The shop foreman told me today that the plenum failure was not uncommon for my engine with this amount of miles on it. I have a couple of questions. Is he correct about the plenum failure and could this have been caused by the starter replacement? Thank you for your time.


Chattycat

 

The lenght of time between starter and plenum replacements, I would say it is unlikely that one caused the other.However , I don't how many miles are between the two.The plenum which is a rubber boot that mounts between water pump housing and intake manifold,and tend to rot away at the bottom just above the starter.I believe oil vapors condense on the rubber causing it to deteriate over time.Most of the time if these codes are set because of starter or intake removal ses light is on within a week or less.

 

Thanks for the reply slowroll. There wasn't many miles between the 2, maybe a couple thousand or so. My wife babys this car and the last time I drove it to the doctor I got it out on the highway and put my foot into it. When I got to the doctors and turned it off I noticed a small cloud of light blue smoke. This was a couple months back. Maybe that has something to do with it. Thanks again.

Chattycat