It is currently Fri Mar 29, 2024 12:58 am

All times are UTC - 5 hours [ DST ]




Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 7 posts ] 
Author Message
PostPosted: Wed May 21, 2008 6:05 pm 
Offline
Retired Gearhead
Retired Gearhead
User avatar

Joined: Mon May 19, 2008 12:35 pm
Posts: 3989
Location: Ames, Iowa
Year and Trim: 98 Caravan is the daily driver 215K
My recommendations for UIM/LIM repairs for the 95-05 L36.

Please note that if you cannot wait for parts in the mail, you will not get the best fix.

The best fix for the LIM - GM aluminum frame gaskets......$59
The best fix for the coolant elbow(s) Dorman Help.........$6
The best fix for the UIM - APN upper intake manifold kit......$115 including shipping

In addition, I recommend the following steps to keep engine operating temperatures down, to ensure that coolant flows around the hot stovepipe area in the plastic UIM, and to eliminate any possible harm from the use of Dex-cool - all factors that protect and extend the life of the UIM and LIM gaskets.

Flush coolant and re-fill with "mixes with any color"
Drill a 1/16" hole in a 180F thermostat flange and refill according to: Techinfo Coolant Fill Procedure
Install an after-market transmission cooler.

I use only a scraper and degreaser to clean gasket surfaces on the cylinder heads to avoid introducing abrasives into the engine. I use blue loctite on the LIM and UIM bolts.
I remove the exhaust crossover for better access to the throttle body bolts and easier removal of the LIM.

Regarding the UIM, the longest-lasting fix will come from an upper intake manifold protected by a heat shield and the use of a reduced diameter stovepipe to provide an insulating gap between the hot stovepipe and the metal heat shield. The only commercially available kit that provides those features is from APN. Dorman UIMs have NO heat shield protection for the plastic EGR bore, but rely solely on the insulating gap provided by a reduced diameter stovepipe.

UIMs can be sleeved, plugged, and otherwise repaired for re-use, and these repairs can be made at low cost. But, unless the UIM is fairly new, most will typically exhibit warpage at the throttle body sealing surface and at the coolant passage sealing surfaces around the EGR bore. When considering repair of your old UIM instead of buying a new kit, don't forget to add the costs of a new UIM-LIM gasket and throttle body gasket, typically about $45.

From Sears, a smaller 3/8" drive deflecting beam type torque wrench does just fine for UIM/LIM work. It costs about $30

_________________
Image



1998 3.8 Dodge Caravan 214K
2000 3.3 Dodge Caravan 175K
1949 Plymouth Special Deluxe 4-dr sedan 25K (needs some work!)


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Wed May 21, 2008 8:22 pm 
Offline
Certified Bonneville Nut
Certified Bonneville Nut
User avatar

Joined: Mon May 19, 2008 10:01 pm
Posts: 4343
Location: ............ Granville, Ohio/Erie, PA *WCBF '08 SURVIVOR* *NEBF '07 SURVIVOR*
Year and Trim: .
2013 Audi A4 6MT
Hey Bill, I'm gonna add to your post here...

Here's some links relative to this post...
Aluminum LIM gasket: http://www.gmpartsdirect.com/results.cf ... r=89017816
APN Upper Intake (includes all gaskets needed): http://www.automotivepartsnetwork.com/s ... uct=229679

I'd like to know about this Dorman product that you talked about which solves the elbow issue... I've never heard of it. Also, when was the last time anyone's ordered something from APN? Are they reliable/quick?

_________________
2013 A4 P+ ------------------ Glacier White Metallic
6MT, Sport Pkg, JHM Stage 1 Clutch/LWFW, JHM Short Shifter, JHM HFC, USP SS Clutch Line, CR-15 Strut Bar, Alu Kreuz, BFI Shift Knob, EC Trans Mount Insert, VCDS tweaks.


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Wed May 21, 2008 10:33 pm 
Offline
Retired Gearhead
Retired Gearhead
User avatar

Joined: Mon May 19, 2008 12:35 pm
Posts: 3989
Location: Ames, Iowa
Year and Trim: 98 Caravan is the daily driver 215K
Thanks for the links. :wink:

The coolant elbows are sold in the Help line by Dorman in many parts stores. They don't solve the problem, (metal elbow would do that) but they are a good replacement for the original. I'll try to find a pic for you...

APN kits have been purchased by many. Service and quality have been reported to be good. Most recent purchase I remember was about a month ago, iirc, by 57chevythunder.

_________________
Image



1998 3.8 Dodge Caravan 214K
2000 3.3 Dodge Caravan 175K
1949 Plymouth Special Deluxe 4-dr sedan 25K (needs some work!)


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Wed May 21, 2008 10:41 pm 
Offline
Posts like an LG3
Posts like an LG3
User avatar

Joined: Wed May 21, 2008 9:26 pm
Posts: 303
Location: SF Bay Area
Year and Trim: 1996 Bonneville SSEi
- Stock Is A Bad Word -
Are metal coolant elbows only available through 95?

_________________
1996 Bonneville SSEi
- Stock Is A Bad Word -
3.6, FWI, 1 Range Cooler, and Energy Endlinks couldn't prevent a spun bearing.


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Wed May 21, 2008 11:09 pm 
Offline
Retired Gearhead
Retired Gearhead
User avatar

Joined: Mon May 19, 2008 12:35 pm
Posts: 3989
Location: Ames, Iowa
Year and Trim: 98 Caravan is the daily driver 215K
I know of no metal elbows available. I have heard them referenced on BC, but I have never found a source when I have asked: where can I get one? I don't think there are any commercially available. If you find them, please post the info here!

_________________
Image



1998 3.8 Dodge Caravan 214K
2000 3.3 Dodge Caravan 175K
1949 Plymouth Special Deluxe 4-dr sedan 25K (needs some work!)


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Thu May 22, 2008 1:58 pm 
Offline
Retired Gearhead
Retired Gearhead
User avatar

Joined: Thu May 22, 2008 11:28 am
Posts: 1808
Location: San Diego, CA
Year and Trim: 04 Lesabre, Stock
98 Lesabre, Retired
petraman wrote:
I'd like to know about this Dorman product that you talked about which solves the elbow issue... I've never heard of it...


The elbow set is Dorman "Help!" product part number 47065:

https://www.dormanproducts.com/cgi-bin/ ... 1398:746:0

Although Dorman's website only shows the upper, the set includes both upper and lower elbows.
95 to 99 requires only the upper elbow; 00+ requires both upper and lower.

This can be found in most local auto parts stores for around $5. Or you can get it at Rock Auto for about $2 (if you search for p/n "47065")

I also strongly recommend to anyone doing a LIM gasket job: remove the tensioner assembly for replacing the plastic elbow(s). This will add maybe 30 to 60 minutes to the job, but is the surest way to seat the elbows to the proper depths and not stress break the plastic elbow and/or pinch its o-rings.

_________________
2004 Buick Lesabre Limited, Gran Touring
Bone Stock

1998 Buick Lesabre Limited, Gran Touring
Retired


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Fri May 23, 2008 10:32 am 
Offline
Resident Gearhead
Resident Gearhead
User avatar

Joined: Mon May 19, 2008 10:30 pm
Posts: 8781
Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Year and Trim: 2014 Cadillac XTS Vsport.
I believe the lower elbow is needed on the '99s, also.

_________________
*Gone, but not forgotten* - Black 2000 SSEi, HIR Headlights, Angel Eyes fogs, 3rd brake light overlay, hi-flo cat, 180 degree thermostat, HS 1.9 rockers, LSx yellow springs, Intense FWI, PCM, shift kit, push rods, and 3.4 Pulley. ZZP Power Log.


Top
 Profile  
 
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 7 posts ] 

All times are UTC - 5 hours [ DST ]


Related topics
 Topics   Author   Replies   Views   Last post 
There are no new unread posts for this topic. UIM EGR stovepipe repair kit

enslow

17

5180

Sun Jul 18, 2010 12:24 pm

Bob Dillon View the latest post

There are no new unread posts for this topic. fuel line repair kit?

Troyport

3

1517

Fri Jul 29, 2011 4:05 pm

LeSabre in Buffalo View the latest post

There are no new unread posts for this topic. Okay trivia question to help repair...

mstrwolfgang

1

1263

Fri Nov 12, 2010 10:29 pm

renchjeep View the latest post

There are no new unread posts for this topic. Should I repair '94 SLE or sadly say good-bye?

'TilWheelsFallOff

6

1730

Tue Jul 23, 2019 3:53 pm

gk35 View the latest post

There are no new unread posts for this topic. Sun Visor repair/replace?

uuyankee

3

1393

Wed Jun 28, 2017 11:34 pm

Roadrunner View the latest post

 


Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 8 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot post attachments in this forum

Search for:
Jump to:  
Powered by phpBB® Forum Software © phpBB Group


phpBB SEO