manifold gaskets

[spoiledred94]

I take it the UIM and LIM gaskets go after awhile. I don't know if mine are bad but I don't think so. Should I tool up and get the materials and wait until it goes? Or just go out and do it ? How much does it cost? How long does it take and how do know if I can do it?
Kris

[nos4blood70]

There are a hundred write ups. You just need to search. The metal ones don't go bad and since you're supercharged you don't have an UIM to worry about.

[spoiledred94]

oh, thanks.

[xcbullet]

If you have 130000 miles just do it. There easy on 3800's but there is two hidden bolts in the ports on the series 2

[Arrowhead]

It's worth it to get the metal coolant elbows from Dorman.

http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A ... UTF8&psc=1

[haro1225]

It's better to do them now, before they give you problems. I've done them on 4 different cars. 2 L36, an L67, and the L32 in my GTP. It's really not a hard job if you know what a wrench is, and I'd say plan about $150 for gaskets, aluminum elbows, and coolant. Rockauto will be the better option for the parts.

[MrJiggy716]

I'd Do it sooner rather then later as its going to go at some point and cause trouble if you can preemptively avoid that, its a plus. Amazon has the cheapest prices Ive found thus far, (just bought the parts to do mine) and free 2 day shipping with prime. Id go with the metal Fel Pros


http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002LW ... PDKIKX0DER

[spoiledred94]

so I got to do it as soon as I can? OK. It will be next year. I hope that didn't need to be clear earlier. I have to buy 4 tires and am saving all my money now for an anniversary vacation. Then we have the holiday$

I already installed the metal elbows. It was nice to have a repair goes as planned. The other worry about doing this is I need our only car to go to work 5 days a week. If I can't finish it over the weekend rushing is at best a knuckle buster.

I'll read some of the threads maybe tomorrow. Is there anymore input as to the type of gasket I need to use? Fel Pro is a brand I respect.

K

[haro1225]

The Felpro ones are the best IMO. And as long as you aren't losing coolant or anything, it will be okay to not do them right away.

[nos4blood70]

Just keep an eye on fluids and stuff. Check up on them at least once a week or every time you fill up.

[spoiledred94]

I will. I read you can use carb spray all around the manifold while the car is running To check for leaks. It sounds like a good way to start a fire. Or is it fairly safe?

[xcbullet]

That will only check top side for air into ports. Usely it will run bad if that's the case, misfire due to lean fuel. It won't check the coolant ports where they usely go bad is on the bottom of port & on none supercharged cars at the throttle body.

[spoiledred94]

Thanks XCBULLET. If that's okay Ill check the intake regularly though I didn't even think to check today...or even the fluids...

[xcbullet]

Use a sharpie to mark overflow tank when cold. That's what I did would lose 1/4 inch in 3 months, so did the intake before it got worse.