About a year and a half ago, the “low coolant” light went on in my 97 Buick Skylark POS. Turns out the head gasket (or intake valve, are they the same?) needed replacing. So I had that done. About 5 months ago the thermostat and radiator needed replacing. Then this morning the “check engine” light comes on and stays on. So I take it in. The shop just called and said it seems like the head gasket (or intake valve) is cracked again! They are checking their records to see what was done the first time. If this is true, WTF is going on? Why would it crack again? Should I dump this car? (I think I know the answer).
I had the same problems with my 96 Pontiac Sunfire, however they actually extended the original warrenty on the cylinder head gasket. The extended warrenty explanation said that they had identified a problem with some 96 and 97 GM engines. You should check to see if your warrenty has been extended. I’ll check the warrenty extention when I get home.