Lower and upper intake manifold gasket, help!

[The Unknown 7]

I have a 97 GT, and I recently had a shop look at my car because it was leaking coolant and they found I have bad LIM and UIM gaskets. They want to charge me over 1k for the job, and since I have no job, I don't got money. SO, how could I go about doing this myself? I can most likely get what I'll need but I just have really no idea how to do it, but I need to. So could any one give me some advice? Thanks

[Fortune50]

Here's a video of some guys working on an L67 supercharged version of your engine. You wouldn't have a supercharger, but an upper intake manifold though:
http://www.cpaclubgp.com/misc/lim-gasket.html

Here's my experience with replacing my gaskets about 3 1/2 years ago:
http://www.clubgp.com/newforum/tm.as...de=&s=#2714720

Here's a link to a how-to:
http://www.autozone.com/shopping/rep...00c15280217c80

Before blaming the gaskets, take a look inside the UIM thru the throttlebody and see if you see any coolant inside there, if so, the UIM is probably leaking coolant around the EGR, kind've a common issue, with aftermarket manifolds available to replace the entire UIM. You can even find 'em on eBay for not too much $$ (vs GM prices).

Here's a link to available UIMs:
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=701325

If you decide to replace the LIM gaskets, here's a link to the GM aluminum LIM gaskets which are superior to the old plastic ones:
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=700914

Let us know how it goes or if you need further help .

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by Fortune50

Here's a link to a how-to:
http://www.autozone.com/shopping/rep...00c15280217c80

Good post. However, on the Autozone repair guides suggestion be careful because the UIM and LIM bolt torque figures are erroneous.

To the OP. Just send me a PM message with your email address and I'll provide a UIM/LIM PDF file that many members use or find helpful.

I'm working on a tech procedure for our Tips & Maintenance subforum and will have plenty of pics. Just hard to find time and it is tedious.

[wlkjr]

With Bob's procedure and less than $200, you should be back on the road in a couple of days. Be sure to have all your parts together, especially that nasty black plastic elbow. I labeled all my connectors and hoses with a Silver Sharpie and that made it easier for me since I'm not a real mechanic; although I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express once.

[The Unknown 7]

Ha I had the same idea about labeling everything. But thanks guys for the info, and >$200 beats $1300 at a shop. I'm kinda nervous though cause I haven't done anything like taking apart the engine, but it seems pretty simple. Wish me luck I guess, I'll let you guys know

[BNaylor]

56K WARNING



Some pics to give you an idea of the work. I've done so many of these job I don't even mark the connectors anymore. ..... But for the first timer it is a good idea to do so.












UIM removed



FelPro UIM gasket kit with throttle body gasket



Felpro UIM gasket installed



New Felpro LIM port and end seal gaskets. Use hi-temp RTV silicone sealant at 4 corners. Pinned gaskets.

[tblake]

Bob, your not going to be in the MN area anytime soon are you?

I'd pay you to help me out replace my LIM gasket and the g/f's 3100 LIM gasket. I've done enough of them, I'm just so sick of the work. (when it rains it pours)

I'm also considering a new set of radiator hoses and a new waterpump on my car at the same time I put new gaskets in. Probably a good idea isnt it?

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by tblake

Bob, your not going to be in the MN area anytime soon are you?

I'd pay you to help me out replace my LIM gasket and the g/f's 3100 LIM gasket. I've done enough of them, I'm just so sick of the work. (when it rains it pours)

I'm also considering a new set of radiator hoses and a new waterpump on my car at the same time I put new gaskets in. Probably a good idea isnt it?

Hi Tim,

No sorry. I wish I could though. However, I will be in New York for a few weeks in May but I guess that is not close enough. To be honest with you so am I. Still a PITA of a job.

We had a member about 3 years ago (nice looking female) asked me to help mod her GTP and pay me but I had to refuse due to the job, wife, etc. .....

New radiator hoses is a good idea. Other than an obvious leak way to tell when to replace is when you remove look inside and see if any crud is built up. Also, stay with the OE GM/Delco hoses. The aftermarket brands like Goodyear is cheaper but the preform is not right and the hoses appear to be smaller in diameter. I wasted some money on them but wound up going with the GM ones. Same is applicable to the heater hoses.

BTW - I would only replace the water pump if proven bad.

[19jettadad97]

Originally Posted by The Unknown 7

SO, how could I go about doing this myself? I can most likely get what I'll need but I just have really no idea how to do it, but I need to. So could any one give me some advice?

Best advise is take your time. Whenever I do a job for the first time I either use a video camera or I write everything down in the order I take it off. That way you will know exactly how it goes back together in the right order. Something I've been doing for 25 yrs now. You can never be to careful. read up on it as much as you can from different manuals, not just one. Everyone says a six-pack helps but NOT on the first time doing it yourself. Good luck, you can do it.

[76vette]

Your car didn't overheat did it? You have to make sure the plastic plenum runners didn't warp or it will still leak.

[BNaylor]

Anyone with a '95-'98 GM car with the NA SII 3800 engine should replace the OE UIM by default. The replacement UIMs whether GM or aftermarket like Dorman or APN have the better design and are less prone to the EGR stovepipe meltdown issue. Also, the kits come with a modified EGR stovepipe which is easy to install and all gaskets. GM modified the UIM and LIM/EGR stovepipe in '99 and up models.

[tblake]

Originally Posted by BNaylor

Hi Tim,

No sorry. I wish I could though. However, I will be in New York for a few weeks in May but I guess that is not close enough. To be honest with you so am I. Still a PITA of a job.

We had a member about 3 years ago (nice looking female) asked me to help mod her GTP and pay me but I had to refuse due to the job, wife, etc. .....

New radiator hoses is a good idea. Other than an obvious leak way to tell when to replace is when you remove look inside and see if any crud is built up. Also, stay with the OE GM/Delco hoses. The aftermarket brands like Goodyear is cheaper but the preform is not right and the hoses appear to be smaller in diameter. I wasted some money on them but wound up going with the GM ones. Same is applicable to the heater hoses.

BTW - I would only replace the water pump if proven bad.

Very good to know about the hoses!

Just wondering, why not replace the waterpump at the same time? There is nothing worse than finishing up an engine teardown only to mysteriously be losing coolant.

[doctorhrdware]

If it were me and did all that work, I would replace the water pump at the same time. There are not that expensive.

[19jettadad97]

Originally Posted by doctorhrdware

If it were me and did all that work, I would replace the water pump at the same time. There are not that expensive.

I would defanetly change the water pump. When I tear apart something like this I ALWAYS change everything I can, as long as I can afford it. You said your money is tight but, it would REALLY suck if you get this all done and the water pump goes a week later. Take it from experience, it's alot cheaper and easier to replace it now, it's already gonna be off.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by tblake

Just wondering, why not replace the waterpump at the same time? There is nothing worse than finishing up an engine teardown only to mysteriously be losing coolant.

It is up to you Tim. It is your car. I do not replace parts just for the hell of it unless I see an obvious issue with it or proven bad. Bad waterpumps give off a noise or leak so if none of the above why replace it? Unless it is broken why fix it? Under that theory why not just replace everything?

BTW - All my GM cars still have the original water pumps so I do not see the component as a high failure item. How old is my GTP waterpump? Almost 12 years old now? You see what I am getting at.