INTAKE GASKET MAIN PAGE, PLEASE POST Q'S&A'S HERE!

[Christophe Salvain]

Hi

Here some documents regarding the intake manifold gasket :
Service bulletin : http://aklr.free.fr/envrac/SB-10001282-8175(Intake_manifold_gasket).pdf
Technical Bulletin : http://aklr.free.fr/envrac/GM_3.1_3.4_TB.pdf
Service buletin GM : http://aklr.free.fr/envrac/gmservbull.pdf
Sealing solution : http://aklr.free.fr/envrac/gskms15704.pdf

Christophe SALVAING

Web site : http://christophe.salvaing.free.fr
Family, Cars (Ford Aerostar LPG, Chevy Suburban LPG, AMC Pacer, Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon, Pontiac Montana), Kitesurfing ...

['97ventureowner]

Originally Posted by Christophe Salvain

Hi


Christophe SALVAING

Web site : http://christophe.salvaing.free.fr
Family, Cars (Ford Aerostar LPG, Chevy Suburban LPG, AMC Pacer, Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon, Pontiac Montana), Kitesurfing ...

Wow, you own an AMC Pacer? I remember those. Don't see any around anymore, (at least in Central NY- they all rusted out like all the other cars LOL.)

[KJRich]

Well, mine's leaking too. Its been doing it forever, though. I think its started using more antifreeze lately. Its not getting into the oil though. I heard its going out the exhaust, I don't know, but its going somewhere. I guess I'm gonna try to do it myself, does anyone have a copy of the Haynes manual, I'm having a hard time finding it, might have to order it. Or just go in and start pulling stuff out of the way on my own. It's my wife's '99 Venture.

[Christophe Salvain]

Hello

Here is the part list for my mechanic I found within http://www.gm-v6lemons.com/gmservbull.pdf :

- short bolt 11588915
- long bolt 11588914
- threadlocker 12345382
- Fuel system - Fuel induction - Intake - Manifold gasket 3.4L 1997 - 2002 89017279

Do you thing a part is missing ?

Thank you.

[djphix]

Originally Posted by ChoochCharlie

Did it myself. Followed the Haines Manual directions pretty much verbatum. My advice.
Have oil and filter for an oil change when finished. Coolant too.
Change the spark plugs with the manifolds off. Very easy job at that time.
Label ALL hoses and wires. I almost forgot one.

Charlie

Charlie,

I just found out that my venture has this same problem. How long did it take you to replace the gasket and re-assemble everything?

And, if you don't mind my asking, how much experience did you have in auto maintenance prior to replacing this gasket?

I have been troubleshooting/repairing CNC machines for over 10 years, so I tend to think it wouldn't be too big a deal for me to perform this, but I certainly do not want to bite off more than I can chew.

Also, if anyone would be kind enough to email the instructions mentioned earlier to me, I'd greatly appreciate it. dnbphix@hotmail.com

I plan on picking up a copy of the haynes manual as well.

Thanks,
phix

[KJRich]

I'm taking mine to a local private garage with a good reputation, they quoted me $436 (you know how that goes, it'll probably be closer to $500 actual). My local Chevy dealer told me $650 which isn't as bad as some places.

[djphix]

I had one garage quote me $1800. My usual mechanic quoted me $600-$800 USD. I'm still opting to do the job myself. My usual mechanic said it's not that difficult to do, just time consuming. He also recommended switching to standard coolant (the green stuff).

I'm planning on doing the job this Saturday (assuming I can get all the parts by then). I'll let you all know how it goes. I'm planning on taking digital pictures and documenting everything. I'll try to stick it all on my site for future do-it-yourself-ers, because we all know there will be plenty of them.

[KJRich]

$1800?!? They just didn't want to do it. LOL But anyway, I'm looking forward to your pics and descriptions, I haven't fixed mine yet. Its not leaking into the oil, at least not in mass quantities, and I'm waiting for my tax refund. The wife is also looking for something to trade it in on, so if we find something before we get our refund check, it will be gone.

[ChoochCharlie]

Hey Phix.
Took me and a friend the better part of a Saturday.
In the past I have done complete engine rebuilds but that was years ago. The experience I needed was knowing that the parts need to be PERFECTLY cleaned of old gasket prior to re-assembly. (mistake made on a Jeep head gasket years ago)
Figure on it taking all day and maybe two. Dont rush the job.
And a trick. The injector array is difficult to come off. Try to pop each injector separately then lift the entire unit. To re-install, allign all injectors and gently tap with a mallet on each injector. They pop back in. Go slow and stop if in doubt.

[Christophe Salvain]

Hi all

A compilation of my own informations and Bengt Storberg advices(storberg@privat.utfors.se, thank you Bengt )

Complete part list : http://aklr.free.fr/envrac/Intake_Ma..._Part_List.xls

Instructions : http://aklr.free.fr/envrac/Intake_Ma...ket_How_To.doc

Christophe

[mchristo63]

Christophe...

Great information. But you listed a lot of parts I wasn't even thinking of prior to tackling this job. Are all necessary, ie 8 bolts?

Complete part list : http://aklr.free.fr/envrac/Intake_Ma..._Part_List.xls

Anyway, this is the most comprehensive reply and I'm sure I'm not alone saying thanks for this information. I'm a former mechanic and I look forward to getting my hand dirty again.

mchristo63

[KJRich]

By the way, are the rear spark plugs easy to get to when you have the intake and everything off?

[mchristo63]

I forgot to add an additional questions.... special tools? We all know how tight it is in there, what special tools if any are needed.

Also, Christophe offered a detailed explination of how to perform this task. But, it was mentioned in his commentary that you need to rotate the engine. Rotate the engine? Is the necessary? And if so... how hard is this to do?

A lot of you mentioned the Haynes manual and was wondering if what Christophe provided as instructions are also mentioned in the manual.

Thanks

[Christophe Salvain]

Originally Posted by mchristo63

I forgot to add an additional questions.... special tools? We all know how tight it is in there, what special tools if any are needed.

BEWARE OF THE NEW SEQUENCE AND TIGHTEN TORQUE ! !
http://aklr.free.fr/envrac/SB-10001282-8175(Intake_manifold_gasket).pdf
A lot of operation are provided in the Haynes manual but not easy to read because sequantial process is not in the same chapter.
New bolts are coated with threadlocker and not expansive
Change sparks is easy when all the stuff is open

Anyway, if regarding your own experience something is missing or incorrect please let me know

Have a good week-end ...

JAS
ps : good new for french owner : GM is finally developping a Chevy network here ...

['97ventureowner]

Originally Posted by Christophe Salvain

BEWARE OF THE NEW SEQUENCE AND TIGHTEN TORQUE ! !
http://aklr.free.fr/envrac/SB-10001282-8175(Intake_manifold_gasket).pdf
A lot of operation are provided in the Haynes manual but not easy to read because sequantial process is not in the same chapter.
New bolts are coated with threadlocker and not expansive
Change sparks is easy when all the stuff is open

Anyway, if regarding your own experience something is missing or incorrect please let me know

Have a good week-end ...

JAS
ps : good new for french owner : GM is finally developping a Chevy network here ...

Yes that is great advice to change the spark plugs while you have easy access to them. One thing I'd like to add, and I've said before on some of these forums, is to use genuine AC Delco plugs, It's not worth saving a few bucks buying inferior plugs only to have problems a few days later and then finding out it is the plugs, and then having to go back in and replace them. The OEM Delco plugs are the best fit for operation in these vehicles and the other aftermarket ones are made for various vehicles with sometimes different specs.