Info on tool for IMG replacement

Here is an tool which you can get from GM so you don't have to take rear tapit cover off...
Its an Utube link,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUScanpZIDI&feature=related

Take an look at it you could make one if you have an welder and metal..

if i'm gonna have to pull the front one off then i'm gonna pull the rear one just to say i did........

I just finished replacing the LIM gasket on my 1999 Montana and the tool saved me a bunch of time. It allowed me to leave the alt, coil pack, and rear valve cover on. I estimate it saved me atleast an hour or two. It was well worth the $20 I spent on the tool.

Thanks,

Dave

I wish I knew about this tool sooner. Anyone tackling this job should get this tool. What a time saver. I will definitely buy one prior to the next LIM gasket RR.

Cut the gasket and you don't have to use tool to remove pushrods either.

I beg to differ on cutting the gasket. I called Fel-Pro tech support, and they stated "DO NOT CUT THE GASKET". They stated if the support pieces were cut the gasket can flex too much when the maniford is torqued down and when the motor thermo cycles; it could cause a leak. They said if the were not needed, they would have been left off when it was designed. Cutting the gasket to save $20 on a tool with the potential for future problems isn't a risk worth taking in my book.

Thanks,

Dave

Good point Dave. Thanks for checking with Felpro.

I remember reading something several years ago about a guy who claimed to not have to take the rear valve cover off. But he was never clear on how to do it. Now we know.

Don't you still have to loosen the top 2 bolts on the valve cover?

Does the LIM just kinda slide in and out for the gasket replacement?

Yes, you have to remove the top two valve cover bolts on the rear cover. To remove the intake, raise the front(radiator) side of the intake first and then left straight up. To reinstall, set the rear side of the intake against the rear valve cover first and then lower the front side of the intake.

The only time I think the rear cover would need to be removed is if the gasket is dried out and needs replacing. You can look at the gasket once the intake is off. Mine was still pliable since this is the third time in 9 years the LIM gasket has been replaced.

The van is a 99 Montana with 203,000 miles. The first time is was replaced was at 75K-100% paid by GM. Second time was at 150K-done by a local shop. Both times were pre 04, so the new design gasket & bolts were not available. This time I did it myself with the updated FelPro set and new GM bolts. Not a hard job just time consuming.

Thanks,

Dave

That's what I thought.

I did not use the Felpro premiun. GM just released a new kit with
bolts and their newest gasket.

19169127 new kit - I got it cheap at GMPARTS Direct around $48 shipped.

I did use Felpro for the head gasket.

Head Gasket Felpro HS9071PT
HG Bolts - Felpro ES72892

I did find it interesting that the GM kit did not include valve cover gaskets.

The only other note would be to make sure you put a small dab of RTV at the head, LIM, valve cover joint/corner.

I agree, my gasket was not cut. I also did remove my rear cover too.