LIM gasket replaced!

I replaced the LIM gasket myself over the last few days. About 14.5 hours and six stitches. Damn nut holding the gas lines to the block went from 50 ft lb's to 0 and I slit my nuckle on the sharp corner under the brake master cylinder.

Did it all by myself and know I could do one probably 8 hours now that I know all the steps, tricks etc.

When I was done and ready to flush the coolant I found out you are supposed to have the thermostat removed to properly flush the coolant. This was a problem because I couldn't get one of the bolts to the thermostat off until I had completely remove the LIM from the engine. The antifreeze I drained was pretty clean so I decided to just drain and refill. I removed the block plug in the front of the engine, but I could not find the one in the back. I know where it is at, but could not even get close enough to see it, let alone remove it.

I refilled with a Prestone that is supposed to be compatible and mixable with all coolants, and good for 5 years or 150,000 miles. I followed the filling/bleeding instructions, but still had air in the system as the temp went up and down and the heater would blow hot, then cold air etc.
I was also blowing coolant out the overflow. I thought I may have a bad reservoir cap and replace it. Did some more beelding and filling and it seems to be working good now. No leaks anywhere and I am not blowing it out the overflow anymore.

The only thing I notice is that the temperature is topping out directly aty the middle of the guage now? I used to top out at less than half of the gauge. I changed the thermostat and type of antifreeze. Could this be causing it or do I have more air in the system yet?

Or does it even matter? Is this an acceptable temperature? Will it get hotter in the summer? Thanks for any advice.

That's awesome that you did that all on your own. I wouldn't have the balls to even try a task like that...

As for the coolant temp: after I wrecked my car they replaced the A/C condenser and radiator, so they also flushed the coolant. For about 3 weeks afterwards, the temp of my car sat at exactly 1/2 of the gauge....it went back down and now its always where it was before the accident. I think the coolant just needs to be broken in, if that makes sense.

- Jeremy

On i side note, do not get the stiches wet at all and/or get soap in there, it could get infected, and then you have to get an antibiotic I.V. Im a pharmacist and i have an extencive background in E.R. Med. But great job on that repair.

On i side note, do not get the stiches wet at all and/or get soap in there, it could get infected, and then you have to get an antibiotic I.V. Im a pharmacist and i have an extencive background in E.R. Med. But great job on that repair.


Thanks, the stiches are almost ready to come out and it looks pretty good. It was fun finishing the job with them though. I had it bandaged and covered with a glove the whole time. The job isn't too bad if you prepare by reading all of the posts about the problem, take your time, take notes so you can reverse the process, and label anything you can.
I had the advantage of it being a third vehicle and a having a week off work in case I ran into problems.

I am glad to see that you weren't afraid to get your hands dirty and even shed a little blood over the whole experience! Welcome to the ranks of the Shade Tree Mechanic! Before your next job you may want to purchase a pair of mechanics gloves. They have saved my hands on countless occasions.

As for the temp guage this is probably related to the fact that the thermostat is new. The temp should revert to where it was prior to the manifold gasket change in the near future.

Welcome to the brotherhood!!!!

Good Job on the LIM gasket, it's a b*tch isn't it? Now that you learned so much, dump the car before you encounter any more problems. As for the temp gauge, when I had mine I noticed (typically in Michigan spring weather) that the temp gauge would run about midway between half and 3/4 all the way upto 3/4. I had it checked out a couple times and everytime I was told everything was okay. For some reason during that time of the year it decided to run a little hotter, before kicking on the fan. Of course it is an Alero

Hello,

I am trying to get the nerve up to do my LIM gasket, any tips on directions would be appreciated.

Thank you