Plenum leak

[wlkjr]

Originally Posted by troy1

are you going to take it to a machine shop?

I'm still debating that as I'm not familiar with a good machine shop. How much did it cost you for that service? Did they do both sides and shouldn't the head be checked too. I don't think mine ran very hot but who knows.

[troy1]

It ran me $70 tax included. The heads are such a big chunk of cast I wouldn't bother. If your intake is junk they you might consider checking the heads in a worse case situation

[wlkjr]

Update Day 4:
Installed LIM, UIM, throttle body, and assorted brackets. Cleaned injectors and replaced half the O-rings. Hopefully tomorrow I can get the injectors, tensioner, new hoses, repaired radiator, fans, and the rest of the story.
I've pretty much been taking my time and replacing everything that might be a trouble spot. I have some before and after cleanup pictures too.

[richtazz]

Keep soldiering Wally, you're getting there, and taking you time is the best way to do it.

[wlkjr]

Originally Posted by richtazz

Keep soldiering Wally, you're getting there, and taking you time is the best way to do it.

Six of my injector o-rings were the wrong size though. Everything else is fine. I hope these extra o-rings don't go somewhere.

[wlkjr]

Worked until 2:00am and got everything back together. Dang thing actually cranked and runs with no apparent codes set. Amazing. I do have a leak around the thermostat as I didn't find the new gasket until I had put the old one back on. So I"ll have to lick that calf over. My daughter came over about 9:30 for moral support and ended up reinstalling some brackets and hooked up some of the connectors and hoses. She's a real trooper and pretty knowledgable about car engines. She was about as greasy as I was. Thanks to all who helped especially Bob and Rich. I have a few pics I'd like to share later and will give a rundown on everything replaced and cost for the entire project.

[BNaylor]

You are welcome. Good job and I am proud of you.

[wlkjr]

I pronounce my repair job successful. After replacing the leaky thermostat gasket about an hour ago and driving about 15 miles, I can find no leaks. It's up on the ramps now for an oil change after a brief cooling period. Seems to be running cooler than it has in the last year, even though the temps are in the 90's here. Later tonight I'm going to tally up the total cost and parts and post that. But after the oil change I'm going to take a well deserved relaxing time in the pool.

[troy1]

NICE!

[richtazz]

Wally, congratulations on getting it done, and you are welcome. Give me a call at work on Monday, and I'll either send you the proper o-ring kit or give you a credit for the o-rings you had to buy due to the wrong ones being in the intake kit. I apologize for your inconvenience on that one, but I want to make it right.

[wlkjr]

Originally Posted by richtazz

Wally, congratulations on getting it done, and you are welcome. Give me a call at work on Monday, and I'll either send you the proper o-ring kit or give you a credit for the o-rings you had to buy due to the wrong ones being in the intake kit. I apologize for your inconvenience on that one, but I want to make it right.

No problem on the o-rings Rich. I know it was just one of those things and it wasn't your fault. Besides, you have already saved me a bunch of money on the wheel hubs and this job too. I really appreciate all the help. I'm sure I'll be calling you again for more parts. I might try to tackle my mother's 3.1 problem later on. Her oil analysis showed some traces of coolant in her 2001 Century last oil change. She has about 52,000 miles on it and just recently made the last payment.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by wlkjr

I might try to tackle my mother's 3.1 problem later on. Her oil analysis showed some traces of coolant in her 2001 Century last oil change. She has about 52,000 miles on it and just recently made the last payment.

You are in luck again. We have a bunch of expertise on the GM 3.1/3.4 platforms too regardless of the GM make. BTDT. You'll need the revised LIM gaskets. This job is much easier than the 3800. I did an Alero with 3.4L in well under 5 hours from start to finish and that was taking my time. I used only GM/AC Delco repair parts.

BTW - Since you have signs of coolant in the engine do not wait too long. Otherwise possible bearing and piston ring damage and who knows what else.

Here is the applicable GM TSB. In addition to the gaskets, take note that GM revised the torque figures and torqueing sequence of the LIM bolts.

Engine Oil or Coolant Leak (Install New Intake
Manifold Gasket) # 03-06-01-010B - (10/24/2003)


Engine Oil or Coolant Leak (Install New Intake Manifold Gasket)

2000-2003 Buick Century

2002-2003 Buick Rendezvous

1996 Chevrolet Lumina APV

1997-2003 Chevrolet Venture

1999-2001 Chevrolet Lumina

1999-2003 Chevrolet Malibu, Monte Carlo

2000-2003 Chevrolet Impala

1996-2003 Oldsmobile Silhouette

1999 Oldsmobile Cutlass

1999-2003 Oldsmobile Alero

1996-1999 Pontiac Trans Sport

1999-2003 Pontiac Grand Am, Montana

2000-2003 Pontiac Grand Prix

2001-2003 Pontiac Aztek

with 3.1L or 3.4L V-6 Engine (VINs J, E - RPOs LG8, LA1)

This bulletin is being revised to change the model Information. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 03-06-01-O10A (Section 06 - Engine).


Condition

Some owners may comment on an apparent oil or coolant leak. Additionally, the comments may range from spots on the driveway to having to add fluids.

Cause

Intake manifold may be leaking allowing coolant, oil or both to leak from the engine.

Correction

Install a new design intake manifold gasket. The material used in the gasket has been changed in order to improve the sealing qualities of the gasket. When replacing the gasket, the intake manifold bolts must also be replaced and torqued to a revised specification. The new bolts will come with a pre-applied threadlocker on them.

Notice

An oil leak may result if the vertical bolts are not tightened before the diagonal bolts.


Diagonal bolts may require a crows foot to tighten.

Tighten

1. Tighten the vertical lower intake manifold bolts (1) to 7 N.m (62 lb in).

2. Tighten the diagonal lower intake manifold bolts (2) to 7 N.m (62 lb in).

3. Tighten the vertical lower intake manifold bolts (1) to 13 N.m (115 lb in).

4. Tighten the diagonal lower intake manifold bolts (2) to 25 N.m (18 lb ft).

Parts Information

Parts are currently available from GMSPO.

[wlkjr]

I'm going to check the Buick soon and probably attempt to repair this one too.
Thanks Bob.