Plenum leaking

[RRS]

I found out that my intake plenumis leaking at the throttle body. The mechanic said that it is a very common problem on these 3800 series 2 engine. What I need to know what parts do I need to replace it. All I could find is intake gaskets maybe thats what I'm looking for just not sure.

And if possible I thought I heard of a performance plenum somewhere is this true? Where? How much?

My engine is non-supercharged.

Thanks,
Don

[98slab88]

My car had the same problem. You can get a replacement kit for about $150. You should probably replace both the coolant and the oil because you dont know if the coolant had a slight leak into the oil, replace both just to be safe. I was planning on installing a new one in my car, but my mechanic offered $300 for him to do it, so I went with that, it was too cold outside anyway. One thing to be real careful about is the torque and sequence you install the bolts for the plenum. The plenum is plastic and can warp fairly easy, and that would make it leak. If you do the job yourself make sure you invest in a good quality torque wrench and find out the torque and sequence specs.

Never heard of a performance plenum though...

-Steve

[auto trainy]

Also if you get a new one make sure it is the new desighn which is manufactured by Delfi and is made of a new composit material,I beleave it will be a little more dependable,I can't say what the aftermarkets will do.

[maxwedge]

Napa has a replacement that is reinforced in the problem area.

[RRS]

I found what I am looking for. It is a Dorman reienforced plenum it comes highly recomened on the other 3800 sites. This was the one that I was thinking of for the performance one. Not a performance plenum but a reienforced plenum.

thanks for the help,
Don

[chubbygoatboy]

If it is just leaking under the throttlebody, it is a quick fix with a $3 gasket/seal. No need to replace the plenum if it is just this gasket!! It is fairly common for these gaskets to leak. I have done quite a few.