Thread: The LIM on my 2000 regal LS goes bad again

Hi 3800 gurus,

I really need some input. I replaced the LIM gasket and upper intake manifold with updated GM parts about three years ago. I never noticed any apparent coolant ever since. However, recently I noticed a seepage right on the passenger side seal of lower intake manifold. It looks like coolant with orange color. I marked the position of leakage in the pic.


My question is, is it possible for coolant to leak from that spot, I didn't see coolant passenge in that area? Thanks for any inputs.

Originally Posted by regalls

Hi 3800 gurus,

I really need some input. I replaced the LIM gasket and upper intake manifold with updated GM parts about three years ago. I never noticed any apparent coolant ever since. However, recently I noticed a seepage right on the passenger side seal of lower intake manifold. It looks like coolant with orange color. I marked the position of leakage in the pic.


My question is, is it possible for coolant to leak from that spot, I didn't see coolant passenge in that area? Thanks for any inputs.

Can't see the picture, but did you use RTV on the corners of the LIM when you put the new gasket on?

Did you use plastic gaskets or aluminum?

Sorry, I don't know why the pic does not display.

Here is the pic url

GM3800.jpg - ImageHost.org


I used the aluminum gasket which I bielieve the lasted version at that time (2007)

its probably not the LIM but the coolant elbow.

Thanks for the reply. So there is no coolant passenge on that spot, am I correct?
If it is just elbow. I think it will only cause minor external coolant leak and I should be able to live with it?

Thanks.

that should be case.

Its too far away from the heads which is where the coolant flows.

the lifter valley only sees oil.

Can I do any band aid fix on the coolant elbow instead of tearing the whole intake apart again? Could silicone sealer work in this case? Anyone ever tired this?

Originally Posted by regalls

Thanks for the reply. So there is no coolant passenge on that spot, am I correct?
If it is just elbow. I think it will only cause minor external coolant leak and I should be able to live with it?

Thanks.

I disagree with living with it. Mine went out without any warning. And when it did i lost all coolant on the highway.

Originally Posted by regalls

Can I do any band aid fix on the coolant elbow instead of tearing the whole intake apart again? Could silicone sealer work in this case? Anyone ever tired this?

You dont have to take the intake off. The bracket that holds the alternator on is where the coolant flows through. You must remove that and replace both elbows. Its not hard to do and the parts can be had at any autoparts store.

Originally Posted by Seagya

You dont have to take the intake off. The bracket that holds the alternator on is where the coolant flows through. You must remove that and replace both elbows. Its not hard to do and the parts can be had at any autoparts store.

I can't find it here at advanceauto, could you please tell me which part store you found these parts? Even better if you can provide me the parts number?

Thanks.

Ok. I replaced my LIM today and had to replace the elbows again. They didnt have the elbows out in the help section this time. It was behind the counter but was in a "Help" package.

Thanks for the parts no. Only $4 for two elbows at advanceauto, stealership want $15 for that crap.

o-rings are supposed to be better on the GM part.

Note I say supposed to be.