Thread: Advice on gasket replacement

Hey all-

I have a 2002 Grand Prix GT with 121,000 miles. Just had the car in to replace trans fluid and filter and was going to do a coolant flush while I was there. Tech came back and indicated the Upper Intake Gasket was leaking coolant. In addition, he said the Valve Cover Gaskets were leaking. I have not had an issue with coolant in the oil yet and I haven't been leaking much coolant that I'm aware of (no puddling on the ground and it's been at least 6 months since I've had to add any coolant). I honestly am not familiar with the intakes so I don't even know where to look to take a picture - i am taking the shops word that they saw the leak.

I've spent quite a bit of time searching these forums and reading up on coolant leaks. Sounds like this is well known issue, especially with the plastic gaskets that were used before 2003. I want to get the gaskets replaced but I also want to make sure I do everything I need to do while they have it open. Most, if not all of the threads, typically refer to the UIM (upper intake manifold) and LIM (lower intake manifold). When the tech talks about the Upper Intake Gasket, I assume he is referring to the UIM gasket? Also, the write up refers to the Upper Intake Gasket but the hand written note on the vehicle inspection refers to a Plenum leak. Again, are we talking about the same thing here? They are quoting me about $600 to do both the Upper Intake Gaskets and the Valve Cover Gaskets. From what I've read, these seems fairly reasonable. I am good with doing smaller things on my engine but I'm not ready (nor do I have the time) to tackle this type of job so I will let the dealer do it.

At any rate, I guess I'm just looking for advice and/or prior experience with the same issue. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

Do it yourself. Honestly, it isn't hard.

Thanks for the replies. Honestly, I would probably give it a try but I just don't have the time right now. Unfortunately, I'd rather pay the $600 then let it go until I have the time to screw around with it.

What about the LIM gasket? Should I have them replace that while they are in there? They didn't mention anything about it during the initial inspection.

Originally Posted by ajnelson4

Thanks for the replies. Honestly, I would probably give it a try but I just don't have the time right now. Unfortunately, I'd rather pay the $600 then let it go until I have the time to screw around with it.

What about the LIM gasket? Should I have them replace that while they are in there? They didn't mention anything about it during the initial inspection.

The valve cover gaskets take like 5 minutes each. The UIM gasket maybe likes like 45 minutes. You can do it. Don't waste $600 bro!

If your LIM gaskets aren't leaking, I wouldn't worry about it. Plus, a mechanic will charge you out the ASS for that too.

Naturally aspriated and at 82K ish they were worse than the pictures above.

GOOOOO DEX!

stupid plastic...

and FYI, 2004 cars had plastic LIM gaskets as well.

AFAIK it was 2005 and later.

Thats what im saying...

2004 L26's were L36's with aluminum UIM's.