Great how to section

[primem]

Did my lim gaskets, s/c gasket & o-rings, valve cover gaskets, thermostat, coolant elbows and spark plugs today.

Just bought the car and the old plastic gaskets had a small weep. When I opened it up, it was much worse; the gaskets crumbled in places and the lim was covered in crud.
Had a few surprizes. the rear valve cover had a hole in it from someone putting the wrong length bolt in the alternator bracket. Couldn't source a replacement on a Saturday so I had to put a plug and rtv in for now. Not looking forward to taking it apart again to fix it.

the plastic coolant elbows broke coming out so new aluminum ones went back in. The vacuum tee located under the supercharger broke. Ain't paying $35 for a new one so will try to find one somewhere.

Went to vacuum fill the cooling system and could not maintain a vacuum. Luckily, it was a weak upper rad hose spring clamp, not from the lim gaskets...pheww!

Before, the car was taking 15 minutes to come up to temp and then was running from 80 to 100 degrees. It was also setting p0128. Now its up to temp fast... and steady at 90 to 95 degrees.

thanks to the knowledgeable members of this forum for the great how to section.

Next common problems are the oil pan and engine mount...then I'm done.

[02NavyBlue]

..Are you asking or telling about motor mounts and the oil pan? It's relatively simple for mounts, never did the oil pan. I just know the mount needs to be off and out of the way, and the engine needs to be supported from somewhere. Usually its the pan but that's obviously coming off, so many use an engine hoist or crossbar support to hold it.

I'm glad to see that the forum and members involved have helped you out like it has helped me.

[primem]

[QUOTE=02NavyBlue;1133935]..Are you asking or telling about motor mounts and the oil pan?

the leaking pan gasket has kept the steel oil pan rust free. I'm surprized to see a steel oil pan. All the newer stuff is cast. I hope the fuel tank is plastic not steel...I've been under the car 2 times but can't remember.

[Scottydoggs]

at your local parts store look for small t's then buy a few inches of vac tubing. cut the vac line in 3 pieces and put one on each port of the T. cut the old vac line off the plastic tubes and push the plastic line into the new vac line on the new T, do the same for the other two sides.

[primem]

at your local parts store look for small t's then buy a few inches of vac tubing. cut the vac line in 3 pieces and put one on each port of the T. cut the old vac line off the plastic tubes and push the plastic line into the new vac line on the new T, do the same for the other two sides.

I will do that. Thank you.

[02NavyBlue]

The gas tank is plastic. My oil pan gasket is leaking and the pan is rusted. The oil seems to keep the pan from rusting much further, and I haven't sen any drips on the driveway, so it's not too bad. The pan is always wet with oil though. I'll wait until I get drips before I go in and replace it. The 04+ 3800 with the series III came with cast pans I believe.