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Folks, I am tearing apart my LIM to fix a previously menioned minor coolant leak
around passenger side LIM. (previous thread:viewtopic.php?f=18&t=22219)

Today, I took out the LIM and really can't see what is the wrong with LIM and gasket. The LIM is not warped and the gasket is in pretty decent shape. Below is the picture:


In the case the image is not displayed, here is the
URL: http://i54.tinypic.com/2ykc1z7.jpg


Could any 3800 guru point out to me what may go wrong with my LIM?

Thanks.

Does it appear that there was sealant on both sides? I can see in the picture it looks like some on the LIM surface, but was there any on the block or head surface? When I do them, I always put a dab of sealant on before the gaskets and then another on right after.

Other than that, the bolts could have been over / under torqued or the rubber end gaskets moved when being installed

myfirstbonnie wrote:Does it appear that there was sealant on both sides? I can see in the picture it looks like some on the LIM surface, but was there any on the block or head surface? When I do them, I always put a dab of sealant on before the gaskets and then another on right after.

Other than that, the bolts could have been over / under torqued or the rubber end gaskets moved when being installed

Honestly, I didn't pay attention to the sealant. Actually I guess I need reseat the LIM gasket since I didn't apply sealant as you suggest. So I have a dumb question now, may I reuse my "new" LIM gasket. I only applied some black RTV on it and put the LIM on it without botls. If I clean the residual RTV from gasket, it should be fine to reuse?

Yes, it should be fine.

Im going to be doing this soon also. Where would you put the dab of silicone at? Also the newer style aluminum gaskets...use those instead of the the plastic right? Im ordering the upper and lower gasket from here http://www.ineedparts.com/auto-parts/in ... 17806.html. At the bottom it says buy both so thats what im going to get. Let me know if this is the good stuff.

That is what you need. The LIM gaskets are the aftermarket ones that have not been out very long. Most of us have got the GM replacements from either Intense-racing or a local dealer. I am not sure if anyone here is running with the aftermarkets yet.

yea ill probably get the lower gaskets from my dealer then. Black rtv good for this job or is it some sort of special stuff?

This is what I use and recommend (usually available anywhere):

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detai ... &ppt=C0137

Make sure all the surfaces are clean, smooth and dry before assembling.

You want to put some sealant in each of the 4 corners where the arrows are. Put the gaskets in and then put another bead in the same place before installing the LIM:

Just out of curiosity, where did you get this Regal?

Jrs3800 wrote:Just out of curiosity, where did you get this Regal?

I got it from Nashville TN in 2007.

Thanks for the tips and that pic. I just want to get it right so i dont have to tear it back down.

Take a good look at the condition of the LIM where the silicone beads on the gasket are supposed to seal. Pitting of the aluminum can cause a leak even with new gaskets. Also, check the LIM and heads for flatness before you put it back together.