• The site migration is complete! Hopefully everything transferred properly from the multiple decades old software we were using before. If you notice any issues please let me know, thanks! Also, I'm still working on things like chatbox, etc so hopefully those will be working in the next week or two.

Questions as I work through LIM job...

OK the reason I asked is because I seen a lot of threads from various forums saying that they replaced the o rings with ac delcos because the dormant ones leaked over time or they applied rtv to the o rings
 


I've heard that too, but never done it. As long as the o-ring is lubricated and the holes are cleaned out, I haven't had a problem yet (knock on wood).
 
Well, if the elbow o-rings give out on me, I will be sure to post back in this thread to update yall.

Nobody mentioned if the trans seal is a must-replace item when doing cv axles?
 
Don't use rtv.. It's unnecessary and makes for a hassle if you have to remove them. Just use a little oil or whatever you have easily available to lube them up a bit and slide them in.

My originals lasted awhile only reason I ever replaced them was when I did the lim.. The replacement dorman plastic ones lasted years and again no leaks but went ahead and replaced them when I was swapping the tensioner.


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Does anyone know if the stock plastic lim gaskets had rtv bulging from the corners. I'm asking because I'm not really sure if I have to change my lim gaskets or not. Maybe they have been changed already.
 


if you see a black gasket, just take the top off and replace them, it dont matter if they have been done already, plastic is not good.

and yes, the factory used a dab of rtv too.
 
Ok folks... both CV axles done. Thanks for that write-up, Bill.

Another question now: as I'm keeping an eye on coolant level since the LIM gasket job, I'm noticing some residue build-up on the radiator cap.



The dex was flushed about 12K miles ago and also came out very clean when I drained it for the LIM gasket replacement. I opted to keep it dex and given that I replaced so much of it, I was expecting it to be pretty clean throughout the system. Any ideas on why the buildup at the cap? Is that just normal for a car with 115K that I should see some residue whenever I check the cap? Is it possibly residual from when the LIM gaskets were bad? Or, is this the nature of the beast with a dex car?
 
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Wipe cap and repeat, there's still a little goop in there and it'll clean up over time. Try not to be OCD about it and you'll live a longer happier life. :th_thumbsup-wink:
 
Actually that's for the FTP on the fuel pump sending unit
It looks like the seal for the MAP sensor.

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And at least on the newer 3800's, they just use the rubber thermostat gasket. Won't hurt to use both I suppose. It will only leak with just the rubber one if you don't get all the corrosion out of the groove.
 


My personal preference is to stick with the hottest possible thermostat. If you are modifying the engine to be racier, or maybe you have some temperature-related detonation/knock (and are using sufficient octane), then maybe go with a cooler thermostat. But a 195 degree thermostat will give you better MPG

Since I did this work, I've been keeping an eye on mpg and wanted to follow up with an update. I recently took a long road trip with my family and the car was LOADED to the brim with stuff and people. Pure highway driving I was seeing average 26-27gpm. Given that factory estimated highway mpg is 28 and that my 14 year old motor pulling a completely full car was getting that kind of efficiency, I think that the MPG concern may not be very pertinent in this case. I can't speak to the burning off of volatiles, however, as you pointed out.

I did get to add a new item to my to-do list. The light to the odometer and gear indicator area of the dash seems to have a connection loosened or perhaps getting weak/burned up. It was going in-out for some time during and after the trip, but now is completely out. With some convincing tapping on the dash, it can sometimes flutter back on, but it doesn't stay on. Anyone tackled one of these before?
 
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