1997 GP GT TB gasket

Hi guys,

I'm planning to remove the throttle body from the engine to give it a good clean. Previously I had done it with the TB in place and just used a rag.

My question is if I'll need a new TB gasket or is the rubber gasket reusable? I asked at autozone and they sell the entire set for the upper intake; I searched online and found part number 61093 at advance autoparts for the TB gasket but autozone's website says it won't fit my car. Any ideas?

Thanks in advance.

Oscar.

GM should have one....the original was orange.....the replacement black.....

I would not reuse it......just torque it evenly......with the gaps on the sides it always looked like it would leak, but didn't.....

Yeah while off, get the plate and bore cleaned real good......also check the IAC and passageway.....

Ever check out the upper plenum at the EGR opening?

Thanks Tech II.

So no reusing then, that sucks! I went to the dealer and they want $15 just for the gasket and have to wait until it arrives.
I guess I'll end up giving it a quick clean while still mounted to the manifold.

I've cleaned the IAC and opening before but will take another look at it.

I've read about the upper intake manifold warping due to heat from the EGR stove pipe but mine seems to be OK. What are the symptoms of it? Just coolant leaking from the TB? Is the warping noticeable at a quick glance?

Oscar.

Warping, not really......the orange throttle body gasket has been known to leak.....the upper plenum, where the EGR tube passes through it, is known to degrade enough so that a hole is created at that point, which is also a coolant passage, thus creating a coolant leak.....

What I have run into is, people continuing to drive their vehicles, with blocked/partially blocked cats......the back pressure causes the EGR pintle to open up, and hot exhaust gases are forced up through the pipe.....this unmetered hot gas, can actually burn hole in the plenum over time, directly over the pipe.....seen two cases like this, come in as a no start....

Thanks Tech II,

I just finished cleaning the TB, didn't remove it and just cleaned as best as I could with a rag and cleaner. It wasn't that bad and I guess I might post some pics of the process in case somebody else needs it.

The first start was very smooth compared to yesterday, even when it wasn't that bad before the cleaning. I'll test drive it and comment about it.

I'll just keep an eye on the gasket, I may replace it later just for peace of mind. Since the TB was very dirty, I can almost say that it hasn't been taken apart ever and the original gasket should still be in place.

Oscar.

That must be an original upper plenum? Keep a constant eye on your coolant level....

That must be an original upper plenum? Keep a constant eye on your coolant level....

In deed! It's the original. A shop took the engine apart a few years ago to adress a problem with a hair line cracked head and replace the LIM and UIM gaskets as well. Knowing how crappy of a job they did I'm pretty sure they did not remove the TB form the plenum since it had A LOT of soot.

I'll keep a look at it. Is there an specific condition in which the coolant starts leaking? I guess I'll put a piece of paper sheet under the TB when the car is at normal operating temperature to see if there's any steam coming out.

Thanks man,

Oscar.

Well performance has improved, unfortunately I still get this occasional sulphur smell at idle which I thought would be gone after cleaning the TB; I don't know what else can be wrong.

I know the cat rattles a little, but if that was 100% the problem, wouldn't the smell be constant?.

I know fuel pressure is within spec, air filter is clean, fuel filter was replaced and fuel pressure regulator is operating... I'll have to keep tracking this problem!

Oscar.