Replacing Intake Gaskets (2000 3.8L) questions

[ccr-fubar]

This weekend replacing UIM & LIM gaskets for my 125K, 2000 3.8L Camaro. I've read a lot here and am fairly confident on the procedure, but wanted to confirm:

Can I leave the valve covers on?
and
Any concerns/tips on removing the fuel rails?
and
Is Carb Cleaner + new ShopPaperTowels adequate to clean everything needed to be clean?

Not looking to do anything other than this job. Last summer replaced water pump. Last month replaced the (2) plastic elbow heater hose bypass with the aluminum Dormans. Following weakest link issues and now have oil in water (but luckily not water in oil).

Thank you for any help.

[salvador]

Re: Replacing Intake Gaskets (2000 3.8L) questions

You don't need to remove the valve covers.

Buy a fuel line disconnect tool

[salvador]

Re: Replacing Intake Gaskets (2000 3.8L) questions

If you can buy a new thermostat.

You have to change the oil as well, I did mine twice, by the second time the oil was clean.

Instructions from Autozone:





You can download the rest of the instructions at Autozone.com

[FirebirdGT]

Re: Replacing Intake Gaskets (2000 3.8L) questions

And replace the heater water plastic elbows with the aluminum ones.

.

[ccr-fubar]

Re: Replacing Intake Gaskets (2000 3.8L) questions

Thanks for the replies. Appreciate the pics & fuel rail tips.
Replaced the plastic elbows with the aluminum ones last month.
Will pick-up a thermostat also and follow-up if any issues.

fubar

[insidethreat07]

Re: Replacing Intake Gaskets (2000 3.8L) questions

I replaced the plastic elbows with the plastic ones. The aluminum ones weren't available when I did it. Also I would get new injector O-rings.

[ccr-fubar]

Re: Replacing Intake Gaskets (2000 3.8L) questions

Follow-up. All went well and the car's running great. Slow process because was paranoid about f'ing up. Other than time consuming, not a hard job actually. All bolts accessible and nothing tricky. Labeled everything as removed and was a breeze to reassemble. Pictures here and suggestions really helped.

A minor point:
In Southern Calif, NAPA doesn't loan torque wrenches. O'Reilly and Pep Boys do, but they only had the 25 lbs/ft and up. Since most of the LIM & UIM bolts torque at 11 lbs/ft, I ended up at Home Depot buying a $70 Husky (range 3 to 17 lbs/ft) that worked fine.

Thank you again all. This site rules.
f u b a r

[salvador]

Re: Replacing Intake Gaskets (2000 3.8L) questions

Don't forget to change the oil after ~100 miles (or less), do it when the car is little bit hot or full hot, be careful not to burn yourself. Then recheck the oil for coolant. Also make sure your coolant level is okay. :)

[insidethreat07]

Re: Replacing Intake Gaskets (2000 3.8L) questions

Don't forget to change the oil after ~100 miles (or less), do it when the car is little bit hot or full hot, be careful not to burn yourself. Then recheck the oil for coolant. Also make sure your coolant level is okay. :)

What he said. I think I went tank full of gas and changed the oil.:cool:

[PalmHarborBlkv6]

Re: Replacing Intake Gaskets (2000 3.8L) questions

I had the same problem last December....had the job done nicely for about $200.

[ccr-fubar]

Re: Replacing Intake Gaskets (2000 3.8L) questions

Checking dipstick regularly & no water. Also radiator is full always.

Will do another oil change this weekend & appreciate the follow-ups.