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2003 Impala 3.4 intake manifold bolts

D

Dadillac

New member
Bought my son a 2003 Base model 6 weeks ago to replace the '04 GP that got totaled. So far I have changed the radiator, water pump, hoses, thermostat, cap, reservoir, temp sensor. The anti freeze still ends up looking dirty and smelling awful. So I ordered from Rock Auto, Fel Pro intake gasket kit (metal gaskets), AC Delco thermostat, AC Delco temp sensor, new air bleeder since one is broken. Noticed today that the intake manifold bolts did not come with the kit. Went to Advance and picked them up and noticed that the new bolts have lock tite on them. The long bolts have blue and the short ones have red.

So now to my question. I assume that since the new bolts have lock tite that the originals have it also. So how does this affect removing the bolts from the heads? Do I need to use a torch and heat them up first? How about damaging the threads? Any info will be greatly appreciated.

Don
 


No need to heat anything up, they should come out without any issues. And you replaced all of those things because the coolant keeps getting dirty? You need to completely flush it with water like from a garden hose until it comes completely clear and free of particles. What coolant are you using and have you mixed any types? Also don't forget that the overflow tank usually gets pretty dirty and will end up in the system, flush that out as well.
 
After buying the car I noticed it losing coolant. The radiator looked like it had mud in it. Same with the reservoir. Flushed the system with Prestone flush as well as a metric sh!tton of water. Didn't trust the radiator so I replaced it as well as a new reservoir. After this the coolant seemed to be doing very well. But after a few weeks it seems like the same issue is happening again. Searching the web points to oil in the coolant which would mostly be from the intake gaskets. And I am using dex-cool so no mixing is involved.

Don
 
Well oil would appear as, well oil. Floating on the top and dark colored. I think the mud is a result of dex mixing with other coolants or simply air in the system. I'm not sure if oil makes dex cool sludge or not, but it would be obvious if you drained it if oil was in it.
 
Well I goterdun today. Took me 9 hours. Had the intake out in about 2 1/2. Made two store runs and a lot of gasket cleaning. Holy crap I have never seen such stubborn gaskets to clean of the manifold. Upon start up the engine was tapping like there was no tomorrow. Took about 20-30 seconds to quiet down. I guess I should have preoiled the push rods. Anyway I hope that the oil and coolant disappearing is over. Also hope that the coolant stays fresh

Don
 


I did change the oil after doing the gaskets. It looked fine so I don't think another change in short order will be necessary. But I will be keeping an eye on it nonetheless

Don
 
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