Intake Gasket leak.. how to fix

[JBMark33]

Lower intake gasket is leaking...3.8L

I have to replace it, i know everything on top has to come off, its the gasket just above the level of the waterpump.

does anyone have any tips on the procedure to replacing this gasket, i have does this before on the 3.1L lumina, also I have the walk through from autozone.com

Thanks

[brian_k24]

Hopefully I do this right.
Check this thread.

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...anifold+gasket

[hornet38]

Originally Posted by JBMark33

Lower intake gasket is leaking...3.8L

I have to replace it, i know everything on top has to come off, its the gasket just above the level of the waterpump.

does anyone have any tips on the procedure to replacing this gasket, i have does this before on the 3.1L lumina, also I have the walk through from autozone.com

Thanks

pay attention with that because there is a coolant plastic elbow tube that goes into the intake just above the water pump maybe it's that tube that's leaking and not your gasket, that tube gets old and hard and brakes cause of vibrations.actually there is two tubes , the other one is under coolant manifold just behind the water pump and it brakes too.i tell you that because 3.8l is not known to brake intake gasket

[LittleHoov]

No offense hornet, but what world are you living in where the 3.8 doesnt have gasket troubles? Theyre downright notorious for it, aside from that relatively bulletproof, but if the engine had a flaw, its the upper and lower manifold gaskets.

Personally I would replace not only the lower gaskets, but the upper gaskets as well as the upper intake manifold itself.

I would get the kit from APN that comes with a metal sleeved upper intake manifold. You can also get aluminum-framed gaskets from GM. Im not sure about part numbers, because I havent had to research this topic personally in a while, I just know whats out there.

If you search for intake gaskets, and manifolds and other keywords like that with me as the author, you should find several links to some information on ***Edited Out by Moderator***, I believe these threads contain the most recent knowledge about what parts to get. If you need more direction Ill be happy to help, but for now Im going to go watch a movie.

[BNaylor]

LittleHoov,

Is there something wrong with your memory? This was a prior issue with you in the past. No url or .com address to another automotive forum is allowed. If you have the complete link to the specific thread(s) mentioned at that other auto forum I may allow it as long as it is relevant and helps the member. Therefore, your post has been edited.

Also, we have plenty of resources right here on AF at various GM W and H Body forums concerning the issue without the necessity of referring our members to other auto forums.

[LittleHoov]

I didnt link to another forum, I said the name of a website in referring to posts that WERE informative that Ive made previously.

So now, not only linking to helpful information is prohibited, but even mentioning the name of the website is as well?

Also during a quick search of AF, the only thing I could find was a link to e-mail you about information regarding the UIM/LIM failures? What if someone wants some information now? Not too mention the fact that these failures didnt stop effecting cars in '98 as your articles would seem to imply, Ive seen failures in model year cars after that, even though GM supposedly fixed it.

Im sorry for trying to provide another source of information, isnt that what the internet and forums are supposed to be about? Information sharing?

So for the sake of this thread http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...e=article&k=38

That should contain information regarding all the various parts available, including the updated gaskets, and the sleeved UIM.

You mentioned in another post that the date on the UIM was the build date of the car, not the UIM, if so why do the new UIMs you order have the exact same dating system on them?

Sorry if I seem like Im ranting, its mostly because I am, I hate being nitpicked on for simply trying to help out someone. Ive been in the same position of not knowing what the hell is going on with my car, and I know if it werent for the resources I linked him too I wouldve spent about 3-4 times the amount of money fixing my car when my UIM went.

End Rant

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by LittleHoov

I didnt link to another forum, I said the name of a website in referring to posts that WERE informative that Ive made previously.

So now, not only linking to helpful information is prohibited, but even mentioning the name of the website is as well?

If you refer to my prior post had you posted a link directly to the tech article and/or thread instead of taking the time out to watch a movie we would not be having this discussion. The rule about advertising or promoting other auto forums is contained in our Community Rules. Broad in nature but enforced. See below. What we don't allow is a general reference including a link or without to the other auto forum by url or the domain name - XXXXXXX.com where it can be easily copied and pasted and subsequently takes the AF member to a registration page. I normally allow direct links to the specific thread or tech article at another auto forum as long as the information is relevant to the discussion, beneficial and helps the AF member providing the circumstances favor having to do that.

Originally Posted by LittleHoov

Also during a quick search of AF, the only thing I could find was a link to e-mail you about information regarding the UIM/LIM failures? What if someone wants some information now? Not too mention the fact that these failures didnt stop effecting cars in '98 as your articles would seem to imply, Ive seen failures in model year cars after that, even though GM supposedly fixed it.

Well, you didn't search hard enough. With the proper keywords dozens of hits would have shown up at Grand Prix, LeSabre, Bonneville, Impala, Park Avenue. Next time try our advanced search capability.

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/search.php

Originally Posted by LittleHoov

Im sorry for trying to provide another source of information, isnt that what the internet and forums are supposed to be about? Information sharing?

There is nothing wrong with sharing information or providing another source of information outside of AF as long as it is done properly and complies with AF Community Rules. However, in your case more than infrequent or constantly promoting other auto forums is a different story. You have a history of doing this more than any other member that frequents this forum.

Originally Posted by LittleHoov

Sorry if I seem like Im ranting, its mostly because I am, I hate being nitpicked on for simply trying to help out someone. Ive been in the same position of not knowing what the hell is going on with my car, and I know if it werent for the resources I linked him too I wouldve spent about 3-4 times the amount of money fixing my car when my UIM went.

End Rant

No one is picking on you. Ranting is OK at times but when your rant openly challenges the decision or warning of a Moderator that is another issue. Also, in the context of the OP's problem I don't see any relevance in your argument. Why go off on a tangent or into a diatribe. He mentioned he had a leak at a specific area of the LIM possibly the end seal and was seeking information on replacement. And then further down in the thread you decide to take on hornet38's advice which seemed reasonable and then go into a needless presentation which leads us here.

Originally Posted by JBMark33

Lower intake gasket is leaking...3.8L

I have to replace it, i know everything on top has to come off, its the gasket just above the level of the waterpump.

does anyone have any tips on the procedure to replacing this gasket, i have does this before on the 3.1L lumina, also I have the walk through from autozone.com

Thanks

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[Jrs3800]

I don't care what year the 3800 Series II is Now what Platform its in.. The problems did not stop in or around 98... The issues continue with the 3800 II through the line of GM products.... Thats from 95-05, all of these cars will suffer from the failed lower gaskets and failed upper intake as well.. Its not a matter of if, its simply a matter of when...

We highly recommend that you replace the lower gaskets with the GM aluminum Lower gaskets, on the end seals you will have a couple of set pins, this was a mid year change at GM but the gaskets will work on the engines with or without the bosses for the set pins... we also recommend a new upper intake such as the APN.. But if you get a Dorman open the box and make sure you receive the newer kit as it will have 2 EGR stove pipes that will be a smaller diameter and one of these will pertain to your car..

The Largest raeaons for coolant consumption on these cars is either the Upper intake rupturing at the EGR port or failure of the lower intake gaskets.. On ocassion we have seen an Elbow split, while doing the lower gaskets and upper intake spend the extra few bucks and get replacement Elbow/s..


Now if you have been consuming coolant, and this coolant has been burned in the combustion process for a lengthy period of time you may have done more harm than good.... The oil will become acidic and start to pit and eat at the bearings.... Most that have let it go long enough will either end up with a rod knock due to a spun bearing... Or end up putting a rod through the block..

If you have noticed that you suddenly started using coolant, Fix the problem ASAP, and change the oil... Then drive a couple hundred and change the oil again...

The Exploding intake is another story and is caused by An intake valve being open while fuel is being sprayed and all of the sudden a spark and BOOM we have ignition.. Most all of the cars were recalled and reflashed to prevent that issue..

The Other issue was a leaky fuel pressure Regulator, If there was a Backfire of any kind BOOM... Most were also recalled for this and usually these too were reflashed...

All of the 3800 series II engines all suffer from lower gasket and upper intake failure... Even the Series II SC will suffer from a Lower Intake Gasket failure..


So again, its not a matter of if, its a matter of when.. And its a sad day when you see 00-04 38900's in the shop for the same issue others suffered in 98-99... From a 4-5 year old car..

The Time date stamp on the intake for us is used to give us a general idea of how old it is and wetaher or not its been replaced when purchasing an older GM 3800 powered car... When you see a GM W , C or H body with a 95 Build date and an 00 Date stamped intake it becomes very evident that it was replaced along the line, and the replacement was due to a failure.. Thats what we use the date for.. And on a side note... My original was stamped 12/94 same month as the car... My replacement was a 99 and again replaced in 05 along with the gaskets.. I have since Updated to the Aluminum Lower gaskets which is a massive improvement over the plastic junk..


Good Day..

[LittleHoov]

Originally Posted by bnaylor

If you refer to my prior post had you posted a link directly to the tech article and/or thread instead of taking the time out to watch a movie we would not be having this discussion

If you refer to this thread, the link posted by brian contains the very information I was referring too, which is the main reason I didnt post it again, people typcially visit links in the order they appear, so the user wouldve went to brians link, which wouldve taken him to posts made by myself and others which contained the information he was looking for. I simply made reference to BC so he would know which information I was talking about. Furthermore, I never told the user to visit BC, I told him/her to search THIS forum for posts by me that would contain the information he was looking for.

Originally Posted by bnaylor

Well, you didn't search hard enough. With the proper keywords dozens of hits would have shown up at Grand Prix, LeSabre, Bonneville, Impala, Park Avenue. Next time try our advanced search capability.

Tried the key words "intake manifold" under the Grand Prix forum and didnt find anything that wouldve been overly helpful. I find it almost humorous that you keep talking about all the resources concerning this extremely common problem, but I cant seem to find any articles that lay it all out for you, and no one has yet to link me to a thread yet that contains all the info a person needs to fix that LIM/UIM. You would have to combine 4-5 different threads, and have some knowledge to begin with to figure it out. THAT is why I link people to other forums at times, this forum does not have the wealth of prepared information that others have.

Originally Posted by bnaylor

There is nothing wrong with sharing information or providing another source of information outside of AF as long as it is done properly and complies with AF Community Rules. However, in your case more than infrequent or constantly promoting other auto forums is a different story. You have a history of doing this more than any other member that frequents this forum.

Well thats because I like to see my fellow Intrigue owners getting the help they need, even if it doesnt come from this place, which there are times when it DOES NOT. Im ok with that, are you? I link to other forums at times because there are times when I find the knowledge and depth of this forum to be sub-par when compared to others. Its nice to know Ive made an impression I guess.

Originally Posted by bnaylor

No one is picking on you. Ranting is OK at times but when your rant openly challenges the decision or warning of a Moderator that is another issue. Also, in the context of the OP's problem I don't see any relevance in your argument. Why go off on a tangent or into a diatribe. He mentioned he had a leak at a specific area of the LIM possibly the end seal and was seeking information on replacement. And then further down in the thread you decide to take on hornet38's advice which seemed reasonable and then go into a needless presentation which leads us here.

The OP says that his manifold gasket IS leaking, talks about changing them on the 3100, I assume the guy knows a little about what hes talking. Should I start questioning every single poster now? Are you sure the manifold is leaking? Are you sure your brakes are squealing? Are you sure you have a flat tire? The information that I in a roundabout way this time, provided is entirely relevant, if he is replacing the LIM gaskets, they need to be replaced right, and you might as well replace the UIM and its gaskets properly as well, because its only a matter of time before they fail too. I think thats more than relevant.
Yes the coolant elbows do leak and break as well, but once again I went out on a limb and assumed the OP knew the difference between the LIM gaskets and a coolant elbow, so I overlooked that portion of the post. The only thing I had a problem with was the phrase "i tell you that because 3.8l is not known to brake intake gasket" because thats just not true, youve surely been around enough forums to know that. If not just ask your fellow staff member GTP_Dad, because I know hes aware of the prevelance of the problems.

Originally Posted by bnaylor

4. Criticizing a moderator's decision openly in the forum.
14. Advertising other forums when asked not too.

Guilty as charged your honor, but if you recall, you criticized me openly to begin with instead of taking it private when you had the chance. If you want to publicly repremand me, then Im going to publicly defend myself, isnt that how it works?

Yes this thread has gone wildly off topic, as seems to be a problem around here that I have noticed, but Ive never said much because the staff doesnt seem to mind. Except with you threaten the superiority of this forum that is.

EDIT: I would like to add that I did edit my post in the thread concerning the exploding intake to keep future uses from replacing their gaskets due to that problem, edited my post to contain the proper information at the beginning.

[MoNsTeR`ImPaLa]

Wow thankfully I stepped out of the 3800 world and into the world of V8's But as my fellow Bonneville Club members stated this problem did not just up and stop in 1998. I have had several Impala's 00+ and even an 04ss that have all had upper and lower problems.

[BNaylor]

Sorry guys this thread has been closed for obvious reasons.