Thread: So I replaced upper intake manifold gasket

Ok stupid question but I did search and can't find an answer and I know someone on here has to know this. My stepson's car 1997 Grand Prix GT 3.8 na lost the upper intake gasket. I replaced upper and lower but he did run the car long enough to get some coolant in the cylinders. I pulled the plugs and turned it over to blow out what we could. How long will the car run til white smoke goes away. I have only run it for a few minutes at a time because it starts right up and there is no knock of any kind but I'm nervous to run it too long as we don't have the money for a new motor and replacing gaskets is a much better deal.

Fill your reservoir and watch it's level.

Put a cardboard box under your engine bay.

Did you change the oil afterwards?

If you're concerned about coolant still in your chambers, pull one plug at a time and blow it out with compressed air.

The white smoke is mostly water vapor.

I did change the oil and don't see any leaks just second guessing my work I guess. I will let it run and watch the coolant level then. Thank you

No I didn't replace the uim. Just a new gasket set. Ran the car and it still didn't seem right so i took it apart again and the lower was filled with coolant again. If I am thinking this through correctly then either the composite upper has a crack somewhere and I didnt see it or else it would be warped because if I didnt do the lower properly it would just go into the motor and not flood the manifold right?

I live in palmer and can help you. PM me

Thanks for the offers but I got the car running Monday nite. I didn't have a chance to get back on here til this morning. Employee issues at work. Always a great time. It was cracked at the egr opening. Could barely even see it until I really cleaned it up. I put a new upper on it and the car is running great. Thank you guys again.