UIM/LIM assembly

[GPope]

I just put new aluminum GM gasket on lower and Dorman LIM kit on upper.
Put it all together and poured new antifreeze in the radiator and it started to leak with a steady stream out the back of the engine. I will strip it down again, but was wondering if someone had the PDF that DNaylor said he would send by email on the UIM/LIM assembly. I have written him several times over the last week and no response. I have a haynes manual but it is not that great. I could swear that I assembled it right. I will tear it down today and look at it again.
Any insight?

Thanks
Gary

[GPope]

I applied a bead of red RTV hitemp siicone to the red front and rear gaskets (along the entire top and bottom) that come with the GM lower intake manifold gasket kit. Then immediately put in place and mounted the lower manifold on it and tightened to spec.
One part that no one talks of that should be replaced also is the 90° plastic elbow that comes from the alternator mount and goes into the upper manifold. I carries the antifreeze into the manifold. It is a four dollar part, and is in the Help! section of most auto parts stores. Mine was cracked off where it was inserted into the manifold.
Waited overnight to let the silicone cure, flushed and replaced antifreeze with green 5 year antifreeze. Drained oil, had antifreeze in it, replaced oil and filter. Started it up and ran rough. Check oil light was blinking, so I turned it off. Waited half hour and started up again. Rough for 30 seconds than pure silk. Went around block a couple of times and watched temp. Slowly rose to well over 200° and started to get a little worried as I headed back home. The thermostat must have kicked open, because it suddenly dropped to way less than 200°. When cool, opened radiator and filled up to top and made sure the overflow was to the cold mark. Looked for leaks on found none. Headed out to the freeway and drove for half and hour and came home. Checked out beautiful. All in all, cost about $275 with anti, oil, anti seize, RTV, Dorman kit, Epoxy, GM lower gasket, Mechanix work gloves.
Not an enjoyable job, because I think GM should be liable for this. This is the second time that this manifold is being replaced. The first time was 3 years ago. I had no idea what the problem was, only that engine died on a freeway up north. The GM dealer there said the engine was blown and wanted to replace the engine for over 5 grand ( and accused me of not taking care of the engine, said the oil looked like it had never been changed and I said it had less than 1000 miles on it, he all but called me a liar). That was not an option. Took it to a shop who then did the repair, but used the same GM parts to repair it and the shop charged $1500. 75000 miles later and Im doing the job again. Hopefully this will cure it. This time I knew what to look for, thanks to this forum.