Thread: GP Upper and Lower Intake Manifold Coolant Leaks

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  1. #1 GP Upper and Lower Intake Manifold Coolant Leaks 
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    How many have done the done the retrofit of the Upper Intake Manifold along with replacing the Lower Intake Manifold gaskets and replacing the plastic bypass elbows with aluminum ones?
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  2. #2 Re: GP Upper and Lower Intake Manifold Coolant Leaks 
    The Blue One blueguy's Avatar
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    Many have.

    It's a stock replacement, just buy the revised manifold from whoever.

    Or are you talking about swapping on the aluminum L26 intake manifold? Because you can do that too.

    Also; aluminum elbows are just as simple as replacing the stock plastic units.

    If you're in there, might as well replace the lower intake gaskets too...and put in the metal ones instead of the plastic ones there to boot.
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  3. #3 Re: GP Upper and Lower Intake Manifold Coolant Leaks 
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    Just asking for any tips that may help the job go more smoothly. I'm getting ready to do mine. Thanks!
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  4. #4 Re: GP Upper and Lower Intake Manifold Coolant Leaks 
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    Thanks Bluguy, I've ordered the metal lower intake manifold gaskets. I only want to do this one time. Just looking for any tips from those that have experience doing this so it goes smoothly with no issues.
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  5. #5 Re: GP Upper and Lower Intake Manifold Coolant Leaks 
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  6. #6 Re: GP Upper and Lower Intake Manifold Coolant Leaks 
    GTP Level Member 99GT2dr's Avatar
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    Before I start pulling anything apart when doing lim gaskets, I flush out the coolant first, so there's only water in there. Then pull the tstat housing/tstat, disconnect lower rad hose, stick my shop vac set to blow over the tstat housing and blow all the water that's left in the intake out. Didn't even change the oil afterward on the regal, not a drop of anything got into the valley. Good time to get the dex**** out if it's still in there and replace with real coolant.
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  7. #7 Re: GP Upper and Lower Intake Manifold Coolant Leaks 
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    Excellent tip. I will do this. Thanks!
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  8. #8 Re: GP Upper and Lower Intake Manifold Coolant Leaks 
    Killa Bee Scottydoggs's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by 99GT2dr View Post
    Before I start pulling anything apart when doing lim gaskets, I flush out the coolant first, so there's only water in there. Then pull the tstat housing/tstat, disconnect lower rad hose, stick my shop vac set to blow over the tstat housing and blow all the water that's left in the intake out. Didn't even change the oil afterward on the regal, not a drop of anything got into the valley. Good time to get the dex**** out if it's still in there and replace with real coolant.

    i had no shop vac, i pretty much did the same but pulled the dog bones, and pushed the engine back and fourth to drain the lim, i also had nothing leak out when i pulled the lim off and also did not do a a oil change after the fact.

    i broke the plastic coolant elbow before un bolting the lim too, then you pop it free and then lift it up as level as you can. theres a small lip that will hold back the small amount left in the lim. but if you tip it one way or the other it can leak out easy.

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  9. #9 Re: GP Upper and Lower Intake Manifold Coolant Leaks 
    GTX Level Member nos4blood70's Avatar
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    A turkey baster can come in handy if you have no way to blow or vacuum the coolant out of the LIM.

    If you do break the plastic elbows upon removal, make sure to peep in the holes and get rid of any bits that may have been left in there.

    The original stovepipe in the LIM might be quite stubborn. Might need to give it a couple of taps, or just grab with pliers and go to town.
    -Carl
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  10. #10 Re: GP Upper and Lower Intake Manifold Coolant Leaks 
    Turbo is the way to go. BillBoost37's Avatar
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    As long as you lift the manifold fairly straight.. you won't drop coolant in the motor.

    Would you like to save money on a new manifold and fix the potential issue instead?

    Here's the issue
    http://www.grandprixforums.net/threa...highlight=easy

    Plugging the coolant ports from this thread fixes that issue from ever possibly happening.
    http://www.grandprixforums.net/threa...highlight=easy
    I drink..so consider that when reading my posts.

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  11. #11 Re: GP Upper and Lower Intake Manifold Coolant Leaks 
    GTX Level Member nos4blood70's Avatar
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    I did the Billboost method, and am a happy camper.
    -Carl
    "Penelope" - 145k Miles 2003 Bonneville SLE


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  12. #12 Re: GP Upper and Lower Intake Manifold Coolant Leaks 
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    Okay, so now I need two of the 1/4 pipe plugs and need to check my tap set for the 1/4-18 NPT tap. Otherwise go and buy one of those too. What did you use on the threads of the plugs before you put them in the newly tapped holes?
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