Ignition Control Module? Help?

[BNaylor]

I recall some of us that know better made mention in the Recall Thread that the recall notice was going to be disregarded since the primary issue which is the front valve cover gasket and bolt grommets were already replaced way before GM decided it was an issue. This is a prime example of why I do all my work DIY and do not depend on any of the local GM dealers for service or parts. The recall notices are in the trash bin.

BTW - Just my two cents worth but I don't see where this was a good deal.

[tblake]

00GTP4ME, how easy would it have been for the dealership to have just switched around a couple spark plug wires, just to make your car run bad, and claim its the ICM? Now you go on and "pay" for a "new" one, and all they do to "install" a new one is to switch the wires back the right way?

just thinking out loud... I'd be curious

I watched a documentary one time about (Goodyear?) I think it was. They were pushing their mechanics to sell parts to the consumer that werent really needed, then not replacing anything and pocketing the cash.

Wish I had a copy of that video, it was quite interesting.

[tblake]

Originally Posted by BNaylor

I recall some of us that know better made mention in the Recall Thread that the recall notice was going to be disregarded since the primary issue which is the front valve cover gasket and bolt grommets were already replaced way before GM decided it was an issue. This is a prime example of why I do all my work DIY and do not depend on any of the local GM dealers for service or parts. The recall notices are in the trash bin.

BTW - Just my two cents worth but I don't see where this was a good deal.

Yeah, how stupid is that? Both valve cover gaskets are made of the same material, and there's an exhaust manifold back there too...Idiots

I think I'm gonna have them replace it for me just cause I'm an A$$hole and want to see what the "redesigned" spark plug wire clip looks like.

My valve cover gaskets dont appear to be leaking, but I think I will replace them both again this summer anyways.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by tblake

Yeah, how stupid is that? Both valve cover gaskets are made of the same material, and there's an exhaust manifold back there too...Idiots

No doubt in my mind Tim the GM valve cover gaskets are crappy. None of my L67s or L36 have the original valve cover gaskets and I switched over to the FelPro brand.

I would definitely ask for the old ICM module and at least run it over to Autozone and get a bench test run on it. May not reveal anything but you never know for sure. Plus out of curiosity I'd probably test it in one of my other cars since the ICM modules are the same.

[tblake]

Bob, how hard is it to change the rear valve cover gasket? Lot of stuff have to come out of the way? I guess I never really looked. It cant be that bad

[grandprixgtx00]

Originally Posted by tblake

Bob, how hard is it to change the rear valve cover gasket? Lot of stuff have to come out of the way? I guess I never really looked. It cant be that bad

its easy if you have the tool that connects to the front motor mounts and pulls the motor forward. if you dont have that tool, its a pretty big bi*ch cuz you dont have much room to work with. other than the working room issue, its pretty much the same difficulty as the front

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by tblake

Bob, how hard is it to change the rear valve cover gasket? Lot of stuff have to come out of the way? I guess I never really looked. It cant be that bad

Not really Tim. IMO it is easier than the front cover gasket since you don't have to mess with the engine mounts or the coil packs/ICM module. The biggest item to get out of the way would be the alternator and mounting bracket which is an easy job.

[00GTP4ME]

PART IV - FINALE

I made it to the dealership and went to the service office. I paid the agreed amount and decided that if my car ran any less than acceptable I was going to raise hades and demand to see the old part. They brought the car around and it seemed to be running rather smoothly. I sat it there and felt for vibrations, sputters, or anything else and I was relieved when there weren't any.
After driving it around for about an hour I would say it's now running a little better than when I brought it in. If on a scale of 1-10, 10 being running perfectly, I would say that when I brought it in, it was at an 9.0 and now it's probably a 9.2 - 9.3. Good enough for me.

Thank you everyone for your advice and input, it was VERY helpful!

[tblake]

Bob, today I had a look at my "leaking oil pan gasket", not sure if your aware, but I'm down about a half a quart of oil between changes.

I just assumed it was my pan gasket since every time I fill up, it always seems covered in oil. Today I had a look and noticed its coovering my firewall, and rack and pinion, and realized its coming from my back valve cover gasket. HA

Hows that for irony? Just recieve the stupid recall notice in the mail for the front valve cover gasket, and it turns out, that my back one is leaking. Just my luck!

So, I bought a set of valve cover gaskets (fel-pro) and I'm gonna change the rear gasket, maybe tomorrow or saturday after work if its not raining outside. I am going to leave the front one alone, and have the dealer change it, and get the updated spark plug wire retainer, then after they are done, come home and replace the one they just put in with the fel-pro one.

How long do you think it will take the dealership to change the gasket? I really hate having anyone other than myself working on my car. Especially the punk teens that work for the dealership that think they know how everything goes.

Gosh thats stupid,.... (replace one valve cover gasket) Still pisses me off.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by tblake

Bob, today I had a look at my "leaking oil pan gasket", not sure if your aware, but I'm down about a half a quart of oil between changes.

I just assumed it was my pan gasket since every time I fill up, it always seems covered in oil. Today I had a look and noticed its coovering my firewall, and rack and pinion, and realized its coming from my back valve cover gasket. HA

Good thing you found the source of the leak Tim. Could have been a real fire hazard. Also, don't forget to replace the bolt grommets which should come with the FelPro kit. Whatever you do, do not over torque. 89 in-lbs only. Crosshatch pattern from the inside to outside bolts. I use strictly 1/4" drive tools only on valve cover gaskets and a 2-200 in-lb 1/4" drive clicking off torque wrench.

If you have the Mitchell's guide it should list the hours. IMO with a good auto tech around 1.0 hrs with cleaning. The problem I hate about taking it to the dealer is drop it off at 8 am and pick it up sometime in the afternoon routine.