Hey all. I have a 96 blazer, 4.3L. I was having all kinds of cooling issues. I had a bad radiator, replaced it. Then I replaced the thermostat, I had so much sealer in the radiator it had to be done. Then my water pump started leaking, replaced it. Two weeks later my lower intake manifold started leaking bad. I have read the replacement articles, good ones too. Do you HAVE to take the distributor out? I'm not a mechanic and just want to know why you would have to. Unless it's just because it's in the way... That's the only part I'm worried about, never removed one and don't want to if I don't have to. Also, I want to switch from the dex cool junk. Is it just a matter of giving it a good flushing? Thanks for any help.

 

yes must be removed. flush good w cleaner after repair and wash out heater core good then fill w green

 

As for the intake manifold gasket, Felpro makes a new design gasket, part #MS98002T. If installed and torqued properly, it will not leak. Avoid the OEM inferior design gasket.

The distributor goes through the intake manifold and must be removed. A very simple way to R&I and make sure it is installed correctly when you're done: Disconnect the battery negative terminal. Remove the distributor cap, have an assistant rotate the crankshaft clockwise with a socket & ratchet until the rotor points to the "6" in the distributor housing:



Remove the distributor hold down bolt and distributor. When reinstalling the distributor, the rotor must point to the "6" when fully seated against the intake manifold. DO NOT rotate the crankshaft, either by hand or with the starter, when the distributor is removed.

Your cooling system issues are most likely due to coolant neglect. The cooling system should be flushed and filled every 36,000 miles or 3 years using 50/50 Dexcool and distilled water only. The use of ethylene glycol, (green) coolant will cause other issues. Think you have problems now? Dump some ethylene glycol in it http://www.ricksfreeautorepairadvice...-wrong-coolant

 

nah green is fine, even dex is etheylene gylcol based. have run in our fleet of 4 s-10s for last 8 years fine and no gunk. ph gets too high with dexcool, read everyones advice and decide u will get your answer

 

yeah green may be bad for aluminum block engines (like it said in the article) but our blocks are cast iron, and the article said green works great for cast iron engines.

 

On-topic: For sure, if you dont want to ever do it again and you want to reward the company that fixed the LIM gasket problem, the brand is Fel-Pro.

Off topic: The probable cause of your ongoing problems; cooling system neglect and result of dexcool's properties.


"Rick's Free Auto Repair Advice!!!"

third freaking sentence:
So.. you get what you pay for. No it does not!! Glycols raise boiling point. Good thing because it absorbs LESS heat than straight water.
...
Most of rant D&C'd and written up here,
https://blazerforum.com/forum/articl...oolants-65831/
for those who care
......

And before you ask..old Rick is published and paid. I'm not. Am I smarter than he is?!!
yes.
Note the comments: He is called out on the point I made and said he would amend it. He didnt. He's a weasel.

 

lol pettyfog i like it this is a cool smiley! its me!!!!!

 

Let's not take this thread into an 'orange vs green' discussion.

 

here is a vid that may help a little with your issue https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVTFRgw57M0