Is a failed LIM gasket common for turbo guys running a L36 top end? I started having a P0300 code and idle/cruising vacuum was low, checked some things then decided to pull the UIM and found oil puddled. Pulled the LIM next and it doesn't look obviously blown out (it is the dealer aluminum one). Could it be leaking but not obviously blown out like a plastic one? Is this common with higher boost?
Failed LIM gasket...common?
- Thread starter Swizzy
- Start date
Fivefingerdeathpunch
New member
Oil in the upper intake is going to happen on every single L36/L26 motor, it's just how the PCV is designed that does it.
A lower intake gasket failure normally means coolant in the oil and spun bearing or locked up motor.
I would have done a smoke test before tearing the whole thing down, also would have done ignition system tests to figure out what you had a misfire.
A lower intake gasket failure normally means coolant in the oil and spun bearing or locked up motor.
I would have done a smoke test before tearing the whole thing down, also would have done ignition system tests to figure out what you had a misfire.
When the P0300 code came up I checked all ignition items to make sure it all looked fine. Checked fueling, cleaned injectors, and found my FPR was bad.
Then I pulled the PCV valve and found it over fouled with oil, I figured it was just built up over time and replaced like normal. Problem did not go away and that is what led to pulling the top end. There was so much oil in the upper that I can see some sitting in the combustion chambers, so I am thinking that was causing the plugs to foul and miss.
I am just trying to brain storm before I clean everything and put it back together.
Then I pulled the PCV valve and found it over fouled with oil, I figured it was just built up over time and replaced like normal. Problem did not go away and that is what led to pulling the top end. There was so much oil in the upper that I can see some sitting in the combustion chambers, so I am thinking that was causing the plugs to foul and miss.
I am just trying to brain storm before I clean everything and put it back together.
nos4blood70
New member
Are you sure it's just oil? Could be a mix of coolant and other moisture crap if the UIM has failed.
It was dark last night when I was digging into it, it could be a mix but if it is it is mostly oil (didn't have a chocolate milk look)
I am wondering if my PCV valve was so bad before I replaced it that it caused a crap ton of blow by and it just took me this long to realize it? (the car has been sitting since I started having these small issues)
I am wondering if my PCV valve was so bad before I replaced it that it caused a crap ton of blow by and it just took me this long to realize it? (the car has been sitting since I started having these small issues)
Last edited: