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Doing LIM/Valve Cover Gaskets... what else?

A

apok

New member
2004 Pontiac Grand Prix GT2 190,000 km (118,000 mi)

Over my Christmas break, I'm going to take a stab at doing my lower intake manifold gaskets and valve cover gaskets (I've got coolant slowly pooling on my block, and drip lines from the valve covers, pics to come). I've got the following parts on hand already:

3x Fuel Injector O-Ring FEL-PRO Part # ES70599 4 Per Pack
FEL-PRO Part # MS98014T Intake Manifold Gasket Set PermaDryPlus®


I need to order:


** Engine : Valve Cover Grommet FEL-PRO Part # ES72833 Set
** Engine : Valve Cover Gasket FEL-PRO Part # VS50080R PermaDry®

While I'm in there, what else should I replace? If I recall correctly, the UIM is aluminum and can be reused, so this shouldn't be an issue. What other things should get replaced while I'm on my way to the LIM?

EGR? PCV? Other acronyms? :th_laugh-lol3:
 


The EGR should just unbolt at the LIM and shouldn't require a gasket.

If you plan to remove the Throttle Body for any reason, you'd need a gasket for that.

Otherwise, I think on 04+ there is a coolant elbow that you could replace while it's off, most are going for the aluminum ones but the OEM replacement would work. After time they get brittle, crack, and you have a heck of a coolant leak. Consider it.

http://www.grandprixforums.net/tips-tricks-list-upper-lower-intake-manifold-gasket-job-70236.html
Read ^^^ :th_thumbsup-wink:
 
Been there, done the coolant elbow a few times. Not planning on removing the throttle body, but maybe not a bad idea to pick up as well.
 
Depending on what other service has been done....I replaced the plastic UIM, which comes with gasket, pcv and FI orings. I also did the water pump, heater hoses, elbows, plugs and wires while I was in there.
 


If I'm replacing the valve cover gaskets, should I also pull out the rockers/pushrods/springs and clean that area out too?

Are rocker bolts only available through a stealership?
 
All of the UIM/LIM bolts are resuable, right?

And as far as sealants go, something with PTFE should work fine for them?
 


Yes on ptfe, aka I like a plumbing paste I found at home depot with ptfe. Basically it's liquid teflon.

You have a black plastic upper intake? If yes.. search on me and L36 UIM failure, then How to mod a LIM. Both are important if you are L36 and not L26.

On the TB, always remove it and clean it with a can of TB cleaner. It's well worth the effort while things are apart.

Your gasket kit will come with some black rtv for the corners of the LIM, beyond that you shouldn't need any. I do like to have a case or two of brake cleaner on hand (I nearly drink the stuff), it's great for taking any oil etc off the gasket surfaces for the new gaskets.
 
The manifold itself is not plastic... thankfully I have an L26 :)

AHmdal.jpg


I did buy a TB gasket so no problem cleaning it out. I'll pick up some TB cleaner along with a bunch of brake cleaner, only have one can of it on hand.

You should consider switching from brake cleaner to scotch or whisky... might not be cheaper, but damn it's tastier :th_laugh-lol3:
 
On the 04 gp u shouldn't have to replace the tb gasket. If I remember correctly its a runner ring type thing. It won't hurt to do it though. I had an 04 and took tb off multiple times and never replaced that.

Sent from my pager using Morse code. ... .. ... ....
 
My brain isn't working right now...


"Thread lock compound GM P/N 12345382 (Canadian P/N 10953489)" - a quick search revealed this is Loctite 242 Blue. I have a tube of Oatey Pipe Joint Compound with PTFE (Withstands up to 3,000 PSI on gases from -50° to +400°F, and 10,000 PSI on liquids from -50° to +500°F). Can I use this in place of the thread locker, or should I go buy a tube of Loctite for the torque spec?
 


Being that I didn't say thread locker, yes. Being that it's the same goop I use, you bet!

You don't actually need to lock the threads, you need to seal them.
 
Well I'm off to the races. About to disconnect the evap purge solenoid. My rear spark plugs were being a bit of a bastard, so I disconnected them at the coil and fed them backwards. Draped across my windshield now.
 
Lots of flushes with water once the car is back together.

Don't forget to dump oil down the valley to wash anything away and do oil changes right after you are done.
 
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