That is a very COMMON PROBLEM WITH those engines. You need to replace the intake manifold gaskets to fix that problem.
You will need to replace the intake gaskets to fix your problem. The HEAD GASKETS will not be your problem.
Intake gaskets have failed.
yes
Its together with the mass airflow sensor(maf). On the top of the air intake tube.
The 3.8 GM V6 is prone to blown intake gaskets much more than blown head gaskets. The blown intake gasket causes a loss of coolant which in turn causes overheating and a blown head gasket. The problem exists with most 2000 to 2003 vehicles equipped with the 3.8 Liter V6. There were defects in the upper intake manifold gasket, throttle body nuts, and the throttle body gasket.
Cracked cylinder head, blown head gasket, engine block or intake gaskets.
yes it is
The 4.9 vortec means that it is a 4.9 liter v8 probably.
V8 6.0 liter Vortec
Most common are head gaskets & intake gasket leaks know there is an improvement they put a metal stripping in the rubber gaskets. That i bought at the dealership. Rumor has it was that the red and orange coolant was eating the gaskets.That was information from my friend a Chevy mechanic.
I had some minor work done to my 04 and it cost about 200.00 to replace them!