Lower Intake Stuck

**green97** · 11-07-2011

Ii have a 97 SE with a 3.8 L. I am trying to replace the intake gaskets as i have a coolant leak. I ended up breaking the aluminum heater hose/belt tension-er housing separating it from the intake. I am positve I have all the bolts removed and the throttle body is off. What the hell is keeping this thing from budging? I have pried on the thing to the point I have chipped a bit of aluminum off.

Any ideas on what else I can try? I was trying to get ready for a 2k mile trip up until now.

**matt5112** · 11-07-2011

have puddles of coolant or oil in the LIM in two corners?

If so, theres a bolt underneath that fluid in those two corners.

**green97** · 11-07-2011

Ok I can't believe I missed the two bolts under the oil. I guess I am used to the bolts being on the outside of the intake. Thanks for the tip.

**BillBoost37** · 11-07-2011

If you got the alt off and then took off two or three more bolts then you got all the bolts. It should rock front to back (radiator to firewall) slightly. If so..the only thing holding you up is the metal lower coolant elbow. Be gentle..I've seen people break the timing cover by prying on it. This is why GM after 98 went to two plastic elbows.

**green97** · 11-08-2011

I had coolant leaking outside, nothing in the oil yet. Project complete.

I still have something leaking near the rear main oil seal. I can't tell if it is transmission fluid or oil so next project is the oil pan and timing cover gaskets and seals. I hate stains on my garage floor.

**BillBoost37** · 11-08-2011

Ohhhhh rereading your post. Is the problem the LIM or the alternator bracket?

If it's the LIM. Then soak up the oil in the front driverside corner and rear passenger side corner, inside of the LIM. You'll see the two bolts that need to come out once the oil is not covering them.