GM 3800 series ii manifold leak info

[Mrfixit24]

Just found out my head gasket was not bad but the intake was leaking water inside and out anyone could tell me about this

Topic

[Jake Riesser]

I bought a Kobalt, I think it covers 10ft-lb (120in-lb) to about 120ft-lb or so. I think it all falls around the 10-100ft-lb range, could be wrong, been a while since I’ve done one of those, but that should do it if memory serves.

[joseph bullock]

bolt replacement is also recomended.

[Mrfixit24]

I know I have to torque down the lower intake bolts but what about the upper bolts

[Jake Riesser]

Okay, found the instructions me and my friend used (or, rather, the same person, instructions on the 3.8 vs. ours, which was the 3.4). It includes video, step-by-step, what to do if you have this or that additional problem, etc. etc.

http://www.autorepairinstructions.com/?p=37

All torque specs included, make sure you have the proper tools.

[Mrfixit24]

Thanks will do I know I will have to purchase a torque wrench I think I have all necessary tools for the job

[Mrfixit24]

Do I follow the tightening sequence in my repair manual it shows 1994 and later

[EricTheCarGuy]

It’s a very common problem and not that difficult a job. I’m hoping to make a video the next time I get one in. That said you should never assume it’s the head gasket, test for it first. The info in this video can help.

[Ted Tansley]

Yes,I did this job and used these,they also stock them at Autozone.better than the plastic ones, you don’t have the fear of them braking off.

[Trent “Teddy” Martin]

All I can tell you is this is a very common problem and if you’ve got some common sense and the basic tools its not that hard to do but my advice is to tighten the intake manifold back down in the correct order and right amount of torque as required by the manufacture otherwise 90% of the time you will get a vacuum/intake leak and the vehicle wont run to well. I’ve done a couple of these and you will also need both metric and imperial sockets/spanners. Also drain the coolant before your start the work unless you are planning to fill the sump with it. There will also be a vacuum hose around the back of the manifold that controls your heater valve MAKE SURE THIS VACUUM LINE GOES BACK or you will be unable to bleed the system and be wondering why you are losing coolant still.

[Ted Tansley]

That’s 10 inch lbs not 10 ft lbs

[Author]

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