PontiacBonnevilleClub.com

Is Dexcool/intake gasket an issue on 2005 models or did it get fixed before that?

Nope, still an issue. Only the L26 (used in Grand Prix's from 2004-2008) got any improvements, AFAIK. The L36 in 2004-05 is still the same as the previous models.

Take a look at the edges of the gasket between the LIM and the heads. Is it black plastic or does it look like aluminum? You want aluminum.

We just did my 04 SLE with 72K on the clock and they were starting to go. They were in good shape but you could see them heading south.

take it for what it's worth, but the dealer told me that the current incarnation of Dexcool is a different formula than the original stuff. Also mentioned that, at least in his opinion, most of the problems people had with it is because they didn't change it at whatever the recommended mileage was - 100k I think. As I said, take it for what it's worth.

The current stuff is reformulated. There's conflicting info as to when, though. My theory is 03-04. 03 Grand Ams were included in the class action lawsuit, 04's (like my wife's) were not.

This is a picture of the LIM gaskets that I took a few years back. They were from a meticulously cared for, easily driven, '99 Olds 88 that had 47,000 miles at the time.