Throttle body gasket?

[Onthebrinc]

Hello,

97 grand prix just hit 75000. Bought the car (one owner older lady) about 6 months ago. Did a good look over when i bought it but for the price and the low miles it was a good deal even if i have this issue. I started smelling oil when i pull in my garage so i pulled the engine cover to find oil in the valleys on the top of the engine. I powerwashed it clean and drove another 100 to check again. Sure enough a small buildup again. I check my oil religously since then and maybe loose an 1/8'' on the dipstick every thousand miles.
I heard something about a reoccuring intake gasket problem with this engine and was hoping to get the scoop on it.

I'm a diesel tech for Kenworth so fixing it is in the works but i wanted to see if i could get some info from this information pool. Anyone have a similar issue with this low of miles. My friends got a 99 with 125000 and never had this problem and since the previous owner was not likely to be ragging on this car im curious why it went so quick.

Thanks

[Sabrewings]

The throttle body gasket does not have oil going through it. The gaskets you're looking for are the lower intake manifold gaskets (go between the heads and lower intake). Mine started going (leaking a little coolant) at ~50k miles.

Here's a picture of new gaskets and what you're looking at for the repair:



I made a write up on how to do the repair over at NAIOA, but you have to register to be able to view it (free). Let me know if you're interested.

[Onthebrinc]

I would definetly like to see that post.

[Sabrewings]

Register at North American Impala Owners Association - .

Once you are logged in, click this link:

North American Impala Owners Association - Articles

Or, go to the "Articles" button up top, select 2000-2005 Articles, then the gasket replacement.

Don't be afraid to stay around either.

[Onthebrinc]

Thanks a ton for the info.

I cant believe how helpful people are to strangers.

I have another question for you. I have a good understanding of mechanical efficiency and the principles of an engine but tell me this or what you think. I baby my car driving wise. Always have always will. I skydive for fun so raggin on my ride doesnt do it for me. If i take it real easy on it like i usually do(usually never above 2200 on excel and 75mph on the eway is only 2grand) can i extend the amount of time i can drive this vehicle safely? Im not cheap but i just cant afford it right now. Curious what you think. I found a class action lawsuit for the engine repair if i get it done at an ase location. 1100 dollars was the quote.

Thanks for the help

jef

[Sabrewings]

Depending on how bad the oil leak is, it can go for a while. But, how you drive it won't affect the failure too much. My main concern would be what else is leaking. Coolant also goes through those gaskets and can leak internally. It could leak into the oil, into the intake runners, it could leak externally, etc. These gaskets fail in a variety of ways.

Once you do the repair, you'll never have to look back. In the picture above are the updated gaskets from GM. They're made from aluminum and won't fail the same way as the factory plastic gaskets.

Doing the repair isn't hard. The updated LIM gaskets cost $50, plus another $50 in miscellaneous parts, UIM gasket, and fluids. Maybe another $20 on top of that. As long as you have the required tools I listed, you'll be fine. It's just your time that's taken up, and I promise it isn't hard. We're here to help if you hit a snag.