UIM and LIM replacement...take 2

[jtippett10]

OK, i am still fighting this manifold replacement, and have some questions. 2001 impala 3.8 160,000 miles. Tried this once already, and the car was leaking like hell, and running very rough. I have the UIM and the LIM off again, and tore the gaskets. I have bought the new replacements, but need to clean the LIM mating surfaces again before putting them back on. The first time I just washed them off with water and used some brake cleaner to get off the gunk. What "should" I use to clean the mating surfaces, and should I clean out the area where the rods are in the engine? Do I need to buy new bolts for the UIM and LIM? What should I be looking for under the LIM after I get it off? Are there any common problem areas I should be looking at? I just dont want to get this thing back on, and then have to take it all apart again. Any parts I should replace automatically while doing this job? I got some coolant elbows for the belt tensioner, as I broke them taking the tensioner off. I broke the PCV taking it off, so I replaced that as well. Any insight to my problems is appreciated greatly. Thanks

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by jtippett10

OK, i am still fighting this manifold replacement, and have some questions. 2001 impala 3.8 160,000 miles. Tried this once already, and the car was leaking like hell, and running very rough. I have the UIM and the LIM off again, and tore the gaskets. I have bought the new replacements, but need to clean the LIM mating surfaces again before putting them back on. The first time I just washed them off with water and used some brake cleaner to get off the gunk. What "should" I use to clean the mating surfaces, and should I clean out the area where the rods are in the engine? Do I need to buy new bolts for the UIM and LIM? What should I be looking for under the LIM after I get it off? Are there any common problem areas I should be looking at? I just dont want to get this thing back on, and then have to take it all apart again. Any parts I should replace automatically while doing this job? I got some coolant elbows for the belt tensioner, as I broke them taking the tensioner off. I broke the PCV taking it off, so I replaced that as well. Any insight to my problems is appreciated greatly. Thanks

all gasket mating surfaces should be cleaned with paint thinner/mineral spirits...I use the low odor one gallon size ..any metal pits defects need be repaired with 2 part epoxy....after the componets are mounted and torqued do not fill ,,,allow 8hrs or more for all this to properly set up 24hrs is best ...then go for it..


I would clean all fastener threads, and apply thread sealant,,,also clean and carefully retap the engine thread holes..

these bolts should be good to reuse ,,the torque is very low and these bolts aren't stretched...the engine heads would be an area to replace the bolts as heat and torque causes these to get damaged..