LIM gems among junk

GTP Version 2.0 · #1 12-05-2009, 06:29 PM

So I replaceed the LIM but they are leaking again. I bought them from ZZP and once again, their gaskets are crap. I want to do the job right but what company do I go with?

doctorhrdware · #2 12-05-2009, 08:42 PM

What about felpro gaskets, I have always had good luck with them.

wafrederick · #3 12-05-2009, 08:58 PM

The Dorman kit and their kit is cheaper than Fel pro which the gaskets are made out metal.Plus Dorman's kit come with new intake bolts which GM says to replace also.

tblake · #4 12-05-2009, 09:38 PM

I did not know doorman made gaskets for the 3800LIM, I know they made metal ones for the 3100, but thats a moot point on a GTP.

To the OP, you installed the metal framed GM ones from ZZP? What are you leaking? Coolant or oil?

CrazyHorst · #5 12-05-2009, 09:39 PM

Seems like the new, never used lower intake bolts have a loctite patch on them.

I'm inclined to use a tap and red loctite (simply due to the temperature) when I get to this job.

tblake · #6 12-05-2009, 09:48 PM

Yep, I wire brushed my bolts and used red locktite on all them. No issues yet with the GM Metal framed gaskets......

GTP Version 2.0 · #7 12-05-2009, 10:51 PM

Its leaking coolant on the passenger side of the engine, right below the top coolant elbow (but not the elbow itself). I don't believe I replaced the intake bolts. I have a ported SC coming in the mail this week, so next weekend I will be doing the whole job. So should I go with FelPro?

GTP Version 2.0 · #8 12-06-2009, 05:45 AM

Now that I remember it. I bought the Aluminum ones from ZZP. I thought they were the best on the market. I think the side strips might be the culprits. Is it possible to reuse the gaskets and just add Permatex gasket maker to the side strips?

BNaylor · #9 12-06-2009, 08:02 AM

If true then the aluminum framed LIM gaskets you purchased from ZZP are the OEM GM ones therefore not necessarily crap.

The LIM end seal gaskets should not cause any coolant leaks. Mainly oil related. Regardless a good bead of hi-temp RTV sealant should be used at the 4 corners where the port and end seal gaskets meet.

tblake · #10 12-06-2009, 10:49 AM

I agree Bob, coolant should not be leaking from the sides of the LIM. Due to where the coolant passages are, Judging from the molding and layout of the metal GM gaskets, if coolant does start leaking, more than likely it will first end up in the crankcase (great) or else upwards and out near the fuel injectors. Just doesn't make since that it would leak out the sides unless the crankcase is FULL of coolant and spurting out the end seals....

Maybe he should look into a waterpump or its gasket thats leaking???

CrazyHorst · #11 12-06-2009, 10:55 AM

A possibility (remote) is that one of the tapped holes into the head either has a crack or porosity in the casting and so one of the bolt threads is "wet" instead of dry. There is no seal for that other than any thread locker used and even thread locker isn't a proper seal material.

In regards to reusing gaskets, my personal opinion is they would probably work again as long as there was no adhesion of the molded gaskets. At the same time, its a lot of work involved to bet on them being perfect a 2nd time. Any (effective) use of RTV has to be on squeaky-clean and dry surfaces.

GTP Dad · #12 12-06-2009, 11:25 AM

Spend the extra money for another set of gaskets. Even though the gaskets were only torqued down once there is a possibility that they are crushed and may not seal properly. It is cheap insurance against having to do this job again because the gaskets crap out. Just my two cents!

BNaylor · #13 12-06-2009, 11:32 AM

Regardless of applying threadlocker to the LIM bolts if old (new GM come with threadlocker) on either the L67 or L36 engines use hi-temp RTV silicone sealant on the LIM bolts on top of that. Many coolant leaks from what appears to be the port gaskets is actually coolant coming up through the LIM bolts even if properly torqued down. I've seen this a few of these engines. The LIM port gaskets were OK upon close inspection.

GTP Version 2.0 · #14 12-06-2009, 04:04 PM

I replaced the water pump and gasket last week. I cleaned the engine yesterday and went for a long drive. I then swabbed the area with a q-tip and apparently its oil. It was coolant two weeks ago but I guess thats fixed now. But as for the oil what can I do to fix the leak? Its not pouring out oil or anything. I just hate oil spots on my driveway.

BNaylor · #15 12-06-2009, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTP Version 2.0

But as for the oil what can I do to fix the leak? Its not pouring out oil or anything. I just hate oil spots on my driveway.

Long term fix is to replace the complete LIM gasket set. But this time use the Felpro brand. There are two FelPro LIM pinned gasket kits available for the L67 engine. This is the only brand I use.

MS95977-1 or
MS98014T

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