Coolant Leak - Intake Manifold? Procedures?

[alabass]

A search shows that this is a common problem. My '96 Silverado Z71 is leaking coolant from the rear top of the engine so I'm assuming it's the intake manifold gasket. It's only got 196k miles on it - you'd think them things would last longer than that . Anyway, I'm looking for some illustrated procedures to help me do the job myself. I don't have alot of spare time so if I can't find something straightforward I'll probably just pay to have it done. I'm sure I can do it as I've turned a wrench on many vehicles, I just don't have much time to get it going. Thanks.

[DofD]

Hi there and welcome to GM Trucks!

 

I had this done recently on my 97. Mine was leaking from the same spot. I didn't do the job myself as I didn't have the time or the right tools. But it doesn't appear to be too hard of a job to do. There are a few people on here that probably could give you some good pointers. One thing to check when you get the upper intake manifold off is to see if there is any corrosion around the coolant ports. If there is, you'll probably need a new intake manifold (is what I had to have done). Also check to see if any of your injectors are leaking (ie: discolourations around them), mine were.

[pennzoil29]

It's really not that hard, just a pita. I had to do it twice on my '99. I didn't use a torque wrench when I did it the first time, and the new gasket took the shape of a banana. I paid someone to do it the second time around because I didn't have the time. Get a good Chiltons or Haynes manual, and they will give you step by step instructions and illistrations. I paid about $400.00 to have a local garage do it. I dropped it off around 9 A.M. and he called me at 3 P.M. and said come and get it. Anyhow, good luck. Oh yeah, welcome to the forum

[HawkScot]

When my 98 Yukon needed that done, I searched the internet and found an illustrated step by step that was pretty well done. (can't find it now, might have the bookmark on another computer and will post it if I find it).

 

2 things, the distributor on my 98 is set by camshaft offset, not by ignition timing. I marked it before I took it out and also purchased an OBDII tool that would read it the values. Was dead on after reinstalling.

 

I replaced the distributor gear while I had it out and also the heater hose fitting into the front right side of intake where heater hose connects (not sure if you have the same). This is a known issue since the connector is pot metal (replaced it with a Dorman part) and corrodes away.

 

Good luck and welcome to the forum!

[HawkScot]

I found it.

 

http://www.market-place.com/intake/intake.htm

[bubba33]

You can thank dexcool for that going bad.If you still have that in there get it all flushed out. The heater hose quick disconnect will most likely break when you try to get it out. Oreilys has a easy out tool for about 10 bucks that will take it right out. Just went through this on my sons 96 about a month ago. Oh it didnt really help that gm wanted to save some money and only use 4 bolts for the intake.

[alabass]

Hey, thanks guys for all the help. Great site!

[2018GMC]

so that's why the parents 97 Chev mysteriously uses coolant.

 

Sounds like a fun weekend job.

 

Anyone vote for taking it in vs doing it yourself?

 

What would a dealer charge and what kind of warranty.

 

Truck currently has 136,000 miles

 

97 Chevy Silverado Extended cab standard bed 5.7 Stock.

[Draenor]

so that's why the parents 97 Chev mysteriously uses coolant.

 

Sounds like a fun weekend job.

 

Anyone vote for taking it in vs doing it yourself?

 

What would a dealer charge and what kind of warranty.

 

Truck currently has 136,000 miles

 

97 Chevy Silverado Extended cab standard bed 5.7 Stock.

Dont' know about a warranty. That would be up to the shop. As for cost, plan to spend $400-$500.

[compulynx]

Start here

 

 

http://www.autozone.com/addVehicleId,23350...900c1528008ee85

 

 

Scroll down to your engine

 

 

C