2001 Lesabre leaky intake manifold

[Rasp]

Well my car got the damp wet manifold problem I've heard so much about. I gotta say that since I got this 2001 I've had to do alot of work on it.

I will also attempt this job as well since it would cost a fortune to get done at the garage. After looking at the job in the Haynes manual and autozone it looks like a fair amount of disassembly before I even get to unbolting the manifold.

1st question - Do I have the Vin K or Vin L engine? I assume Vin K???

2nd question - Should I change both the upper and lower manifold gaskets Since I'm down that far anyway?

3rd Question - Is there any other component that would be good to change since I have all the stuff off? Such as a sensor that might normally be very hard to change or should I just change what I need?

I've never done this job before but I'm fairly sure I could tackle it, with the help of this forum. I may need to check back as I work on it and let the community here know when I have problems along the way.

I'm not sure when I will attempt this project but it will be fairly soon.

[BNaylor]

You have the VIN 'K" Series II 3800 engine.

Where it it leaking or damp/wet? Is it oil or coolant? If leaking at the LIM area like the end seals or port gaskets at the cylinder heads I would replace the LIM gaskets in addition to the UIM and throttle body gaskets. On the LIM gaskets use the latest aluminum framed ones GM has out.

[HotZ28]

For some additional info to the above, Bob (BNaylor) posted a good thread last year on the aluminum framed gaskets located in our Buick - Tips and Maintenance Procedures.


Click Here for the thread link.

[BNaylor]

Thanks Bo. I'm getting ready to do another UIM plenum job in the next few weeks. If I have time I can document the procedure in detail and take pics for our Tips & Maintenance forum just as an addition to the good info we already have posted there.

[happydog500]

Originally Posted by Rasp

3rd Question - Is there any other component that would be good to change since I have all the stuff off?

I would use this question to answer the other one you asked. If you do an UIM, it "would be good to change since I have all the stuff off" is the lower.
Some don't but I wouldn't do the job without doing both, since you have all the stuff off.
The hardest part on mine was getting around to doing it. Once I started, it was easer then I thought.
Don't forget to get a new plastic elbow that will break off when you take it off.
Chris.

[Rasp]

Thanks for the replies. I have the wet coolant not oil. It is actually just damp not soaked but I don't like that so I'm going to change them out.

I would love to have an extra pictorial BNaylor. And I guess I'll do both the upper and lower since I'm already there.

I'll try to remember that elbow too.

[happydog500]

I did a search before I did mine and found a step by step pictures of someone who did it before.
Can't remember where it was. Lots of good information in the Bonneville forums (and club). Makes this one seem dead.
Chris.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by happydog500

I did a search before I did mine and found a step by step pictures of someone who did it before.
Can't remember where it was. Lots of good information in the Bonneville forums (and club). Makes this one seem dead.
Chris.

I would highly recommend not holding your breath on those other auto forums. BC was recently reorganized and the good links along with tech procedures are probably history from my knowledge. Supposedly a split among the founders and leadership to include certain members. Auto forums come and go but AF will probably still be around. That is why our members should make a positive contribution to make our forums better.

[happydog500]

Originally Posted by BNaylor

Auto forums come and go but AF will probably still be around.

Yes, AF is the best one. Thats what I was talking about. AF-under Bonneville.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by happydog500

Yes, AF is the best one. Thats what I was talking about. AF-under Bonneville.

We know you like it here Chris. .....

The other auto forums are typically model specific and classified as niche or specialty forums. Lots of good info though so personally I don't cut them short. I'm a member of other auto forums too but I feel more comfortable on AF. One problem with the other forums is they look down on the membership especially if you are a noob.

If we were to consolidate all the forums by platform the activity would be very high overall like at the other forums. But we like keeping our forums model specific for now. Also, anyone can contribute to the tech forums and our special forums like at Buick Tips & Maintenance.

Also, we have other Tips & Maintenance forums at other GM models like Pontiac Grand Prix that would be helpful to any Regal, LeSabre and Park Avenue owners with the L36 and L67 SII 3800 engines or even general maintenance info. We have been doing our homework and try to make AF a better place. See link below.

Click here