LIM gasket change on 3800 II, what else?

[InvalidUserID]

On my '96 Camaro with the 3800 II engine, after changing out a leaking valve cover gasket, found that my LIM gaskets are very slightly leaking. Latest UOA shows no coolant and the oil doesn't have any coolant.

So far I have the metal LIM gaskets, upper intake gasket, throttle body gasket and the two coolant elbows to change out while I have it out for repair. Is there anything else, with 190K, that I should be looking at while I'm in there?

I plan on cleaning the throttle body and changing the oil afterwards and a friend seems to think I need to change the oil again after 500 miles. I don't see the need as I don't have any coolant in my oil though.

EDIT: Aluminum plenum, don't need a new intake.

 

[09_GXP]

Some coolant may get places that it's not supposed to be when you have the engine apart for repair. The safest thing would be just to change it rather soon after the repair.

 

[beechcraftted]

Well, you have it back together now. But the other thing to check when you have the intake off a GM 3.8 is the EGR tube that runs through the intake and sometimes burns through. On the wifes' old Bonneville, it was burned through, and I purchased a "Dorman" replacement manifold kit that has a stainless steel sleeve inserted in place.

Lots of info on the web re this repair. Certain GM manifolds (the aluminum ones) are immune to this, however the plastic intakes are questionable.Otherwise, these engines are bulletproof, many going over 300 k miles and are very easy on oil.

EDIT: Just saw your edit..you have the aluminum...disregard.

 

[edwardh1]

you do wonder if when they thought about changing to plastic that someone would have said lets test it first.
wonder how much the plastic manifold save in $ per vehicle

moms buick had the problem like $1500 at the dealer to fix

 

[PhillyJoe]

Since you plan on taking the top half off, remember that the head gaskets have the same miles as LIM gaskets. Also check the water pump.

 

[InvalidUserID]

I haven't replaced a head gasket before though I'll have my buddy with me to help who has...how much more work is it to do it?

If it isn't that much more to get to, I'll just need the head gasket and some new bolts, yes?

 

[mechanicx]

With an intake gasket change just before reassembly I like to dump some new motor oil down the lifter valley to flush it and then drain the oil. If you drained the coolant good ahead of time and are careful with catching any debris, you should be OK to run a little longer OCI, maybe 3k miles.

Since you have no issues with the headgaskets and they are not a problem area. I wouldn't bother with them. I think it is a quite a bit more work replacing the headgasket even after the manifold is off. I think with the 60 degree V6 it makes more sense to replace the head gaskets once you have the intake manifold off. edit I just realized you have 190k that's a tough call to make, but it appears you do some highway driving. It seems short trip heat cycles and lots of cold starts take a toll on HGs. You should change belts, hoses, PCV, T-stat, plugs and wires as need if you haven't. but I'm sure you know that.

 

[InvalidUserID]

I'll play it safe and change the oil out at 500 miles or so then. I have a bunch of Microguard filters...I'm comfortable with them at that OCI. Haha.

I'm still undecided on the head gasket though.

 

[sciphi]

Originally Posted By: PhillyJoe
Since you plan on taking the top half off, remember that the head gaskets have the same miles as LIM gaskets. Also check the water pump.


The 3800's almost never need head gaskets. Almost nobody on the 3800 forums replaces head gaskets when doing LIM gaskets. I wouldn't bother, even with 190k miles.

 

[artificialist]

Originally Posted By: sciphi
Originally Posted By: PhillyJoe
Since you plan on taking the top half off, remember that the head gaskets have the same miles as LIM gaskets. Also check the water pump.


The 3800's almost never need head gaskets. Almost nobody on the 3800 forums replaces head gaskets when doing LIM gaskets. I wouldn't bother, even with 190k miles.

Right.

It was the 2800, 3100, and 3400 V6 engines that needed head gaskets almost as often as they needed manifold gaskets.

 

[InvalidUserID]

OK, thanks guys. I'll stick with just the LIM gaskets, upper intake gaskets and the coolant elbows.

I'll cross the head gasket bridge if it ever comes to it.

 

[cchase]

Originally Posted By: artificialist
Originally Posted By: sciphi
Originally Posted By: PhillyJoe
Since you plan on taking the top half off, remember that the head gaskets have the same miles as LIM gaskets. Also check the water pump.


The 3800's almost never need head gaskets. Almost nobody on the 3800 forums replaces head gaskets when doing LIM gaskets. I wouldn't bother, even with 190k miles.

Right.

It was the 2800, 3100, and 3400 V6 engines that needed head gaskets almost as often as they needed manifold gaskets.


My understanding was that the HG issue on the 60 degree was more related to the fact the cars overheated when they ran out of coolant from the LIM gasket, not an actual HG issue.