The information I have read in confusing. Some say to use med strength thread lock on the intake bolts,some say to use thread sealant, what is right. There is a lot of difference between what each product does. I am doing the intake repair for my son 250 miles from home, any tips on getting the job done right would really help. This is a great sight.Please reply soon I have 2 days to get this done.

 

On my 89 GMC Jimmy the factory service manual says to use thread sealant on intake manifold bolts. (Due to the water jackets in the head)

 

thats what I thought. Any other tips to make the job go smother?

 

What kind of cleaner can be used on the upper intake? I read some where that carb cleaner is bad on some sensors.

 

i would think any gasket cleaner would work, there is no sensors cleaning the top of the engine where the lower intake is or the intake itself, i have used Mr.Gasket gel type with some good results, also the old lower intake gaskets will just come right out, its the front and rear areas that need attention and that is usually a silicon type sealant, no paper type gaskets are used in the procedure..take some pics, this is the one repair that seems to be a must do..

 

How long should the rtv on the lower intake cure before running the motor?

 

this is the how to i used.

How To Replace Intake Manifold Gaskets On A GMC Jimmy 4.3 Liter V6 To Fix A Coolant Leak - GM Truck Engine Repairs

very good info
that should help ya out.

 

1996 & newer lower intake bolts need a couple of drops of medium strength thread locker. The main reason for using it is due to the low torque on the bolts. It keeps them from walking out. Make sure you chase the threads on the bolts, and in the heads, before installing the bolts.

 

^^^ captain is the man.

 

I did the job before I read all the replys. I didn't put thread lock on the lower intake bolts. Is this going to be a problem? All so I still smell antifreeze when we started it up, is this normall? The post by Hanleymanlyness.com is really a great help. Thanks for all your help.