Thread: Dreaded LIM job done wrong?

Hello Everyone,

One month ago, my 2001 pontiac grandprix ( i own it for 10 years) had some coolant pooling near the LIM bolts close to the front injectors, so I thought my LIM is bad, so I changed my UIM with dorman kit and LIM gasket with Felpro Aluminum gasket. To my suprise, the previous owner already changed the LIM gasket to AC delco aluminium gasket. I was so disappointed with myself for opening up my engine. It took me two days to complete the job. Few days after the change, again i found coolant pooling near the LIM bolts. I didnt put thread sealants on the bolts. I havent took the car for a highway ride since I work from home. I still have to change my oil. This got be the most unlucky LIM job ever. It really shook my confidence probably I should have taken to a mechanic. Any suggestions on how to move forward will be greatly appreciated.

Part of the LIM gasket change is to pour a quart of oil down the valley of the motor once you remove the LIM. This washes any traces of coolant that was spilled during removal (which always happens) and puts it in the pan. Before even starting the car change the oil with some cheap oil/filter in it. Then once you get it running again for a minute or so shut it down and change the oil again with a quality filter/oil. This ensures that any coolant is out of the oiling system so you don't risk spinning a bearing and trashing the engine.

If it was my car I'd change the oil now and go from there. If you've had it for 10 years then you obviously care enough to maintain it and I'd hate to see it lunch the engine. I might just be paranoid but I've done this on every 3.8 LIM change I've done and no issues.

Beyond that, we need to know where the coolant is pooling up at. Pics would be helpful. It could be from the UIM, the throttle body or the thermostat housing. The UIM bolts only wick up oil usually.

IIRC your supposed to apply a dab of high temp silicone around the corners of the lim or at least thats what I've heard of people doing