Replacing Chevrolet Lower Intake Manifold Gasket

New intake gaskets on a 1997 Malibu LS 3100 motor. This is a very common issue with these cars. In this video I take you though the whole process not in a professional shop but in a drive way so you can get a realistic look at whether or not this fix is for you.
Make sure you get the steel replacement gaskets as that will solve any future leaking issues.

[@ahrenreinhardt705]

I've done the intake gasket twice on my 99 Buick, once because it was leaking and the second time as part of the head gaskets. I just want to add that pulling the heads is extremely simple if you already have the intake off. It's the old, pushrods style motor so you don't have to mess with timing, since the cam is in the block. If you are losing coolant, don't assume it's an intake issue and don't assume it's a head gasket. Both are very common on the 3.1, 3.4 and 3.8.

[@emenem6131]

I ordered the cheap gaskets from China......lasted about 8 months. Now I’m going through health issues so about to pay a mechanic to do the job again. Don’t be cheap with the lower gaskets!!!! Like my dumb butt! I had great fuel mileage and zero loss of oil for 8 months- was so proud of myself for a 50 dollar kit and 8 months later......mad as a wet hen!!! Good video just wish I was a little healthier cause I hate spending that money!😁

[@dertrickwinn7982]

mad as a wet hen..!lol...I would be too..Hope everything worked out.

[@fjfairchild73]

Great video, I've done this job many times. One thing to note however is that you can leave the fuel rails in the upper intake and just disconnect the fuel lines and wire harness. Makes it much easier.

[@acme663ryo]

Thanks!

[@JulieAlexander9632]

Thank you... pretty sure I have the wire harness off already if that's the thing that goes to the spark plugs and the coil but what I didn't know and if this helps anyone else...mark what came off of where. :)

[@nsgibson]

I just did this job and have the same fuel leak out of the fitting on firewall side, but I was careful to put in the oring and it was intact but obviously a blind install. What could be root cause of the leak? I am about to take apart but what should I check for and I assume it does go in the ~0.2” groove near the tip? Should I apply any Vaseline to help it not bind up on install?

[@bobv8219]

Man you're the best one out there on this build very impressive very informative , you touched on some very important points and you're positive level of keeping going and not letting small things bother you is extremely key Well Done once again best KZbin video on this out there.

[@acme663ryo]

Thanks man. That car was still on the road up until a deer strike a few years ago. At least another 30,000 miles.

[@ahoorakia]

rocker arm are 14lb feet plus 30 degree after that,and suppose to be done on top dead center on compression stroke,where cam is at flat point

[@Ieatpeople2]

i am in the middle of doing my intake manifold gaskets right now (97 malibu, same as the vid). this video is great! i keep going back to it for reference. You mention how bad the front suspension is in that car, i just replaced the front struts, springs, strut mounts, wheel bearings and pads/rotors on mine. before all that it was a clunking groaning mess (175k miles on it), now it feels almost like a new car.

[@pedrodelaputa8669]

Nelson thats good news... I am going to do the same thing you did, leave the rear valve covers on and the alternator also. I just have to remember to "tip it and slip it" Thanks again

[@treblarefils]

Im about to do this on a 2002 century I notice coolant is going somewhere every 2 months or so I have to add maybe 1/4 gallon and im pretty sure this is the culprit. Trying to replace before it gets worse. Good video with good info thanks !

[@stevensapyak7971]

12.8.13. The head gaskets also go bad on the 3100/3400 engines! Use the Fel-Pro heavy duty type. Do not install Dexcool coolant to refill. These engines also have problems with the rocker arm stud threads stripping out of the aluminum heads! Lisle 48300 tool allows you to remove the push rods without loosening the rocker arm bolts. If the threads in the aluminum head strip out, use Time-Serts thread repair kit to repair them. Check the threads, they are either M8x1.25 or M10x1.5

[@lynee9485]

Follow this rocker arm bolt loosening and retorqueing procedure is a sure path towards the steel bolt pulling out of the aluminum head within the next10k miles. Then some stroke will helicoil and the rocker arm will be floating around again after another 10k miles, or less . Never loosen old rocker arm bolts on these engines. and never heli coil these heads. USE THE Lisle 48300 tool. That's why it was designed. This is especially true with the M8x1.25 bolts .. 8mm steel in aluminum for this application is a joke, GM cost cutting So Steven's reply is good except for the "don't use DexCool " ... unless you use Prestone , all purpose ethelyne glycol. Don,t mix old style Green with Dexcool orange.

[@TimSpaw1leg]

I have a 95 Cutlass and this is gonna be the 3rd time im changing the intake gaskets.. 1st the factory, then OEM gaskets from autozone (felpro didnt have metal gaskets at the time) and now the 2nd set has finally blown out (was dreading this day). Now i have the good metal felpro gaskets.. car is pushing 500,000 miles.. 490 something.. Cant wait till my LS4, 4t80 trans, Atek transfer case and C5 rear end with suframe is finished ..V8 AWD 95 Cutlass.. yes engine is modded.. might throw a turbo or supercharger on it not sure yet.. This little 3.1 liter is getting completely rebuilt and going in a mud buggy, an over sized go-kart... gonna be fun..

[@johnadams3152]

I agree with you about getting as much stuff out of the way and make the job as easy as possible.

[@badlands366]

Thanks a lot for great video, I just got through doing it on my 97 Lumina. Referenced your video a few times as I went along. Thanks again.

[@raphotopeck5536]

Thank you for the awesome video and narration, well done!

[@JulieAlexander9632]

THANK YOU Thank you Thank you thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! can't thank you enough. I've got the upper part off, but wasn't quite quite sure how to get to the lower ... now I know!

[@LightsNMore]

this video just helped me diagnose the problem with my wife's car and makes me consider taking on the job myself. Going to be saving this in my bookmarks and the same gasket kit you used (Felpro steel) in my area is only $75 before tax.

[@acme663ryo]

It wasn't all that hard even if you have never done it before. A Harbor Freight set of metrics would be up to the task and I tried to point out anything 'special' I used like the little tiny 8mm (I think) wrench. It is a great fix to do yourself because of just how much money you can save. There is another video of a guy who got one to leak less by just tightening the manifold some. You should check out his video too. This motor was simply to far gone for that to work. Still running fine as of this morning! Good luck!

[@LightsNMore]

I appreciate people out there that put up videos like this as it helps people like me (minor mechanical knowledge) with money saving repairs. From watching this video, I know that my wife's car is equivilant to that Malibu (1999 with the 3.1) and this gasket NEEDS to be done. her car is at about 170k miles and from what i understand, it is long overdue with the factory gaskets.

[@acme663ryo]

Don't drop stuff inside, don't force and bend stuff, stay safe when you lift the motor and don't try to rush it, otherwise there isn't much that can go wrong. Twist off some bolts maybe if you have a lot of corrosion. It is just a big greasy lego set and you can find all the instructions on line ;-)

[@LightsNMore]

NelsonStudios well, i am now a month into it, the car keeps coming up with more and more problems that need to be fixed. Still taking my time with it so i don't destroy it, but i have learned that with the California Emissions cars, there are a couple extra things to look out for. ALSO... for anyone taking this on, be ready for the lower heater coupling to break if you aren't extremely careful when removing it. mine had the plastic quick disconnect rotted to mush.

[@egilnp]

Thanks I just had this happen to my 2003 Malibu today it has 104,000 miles on it & I just got my first milkshake today. The temp shot up I stop to check the water notice it was ticking from the valve cover. And my baby has always runs pretty quiet so I check the oil & it was just starting to turn but there wasn't any white smoke out the back. And I was just 4 mile from home so I put some more water in it & rolled to the house. It was still running find just starting to tick from the mixture of water & oil. So I'm going to take out my lifter's if I can & give them a good cleaning & pumping in some fresh oil before putting it back together. So to make a long story short yeah I'll be doing this same job tomorrow. But with this video & some others I've watched tonight . I feel that I'm more than ready. Thanks NelsonStudios you were a big help I'll subscribe & keep checking you out Who know I mite even do a video myself but mite is a big word hahahahaha Thanks again!

[@acme663ryo]

+egilnp I hope it helps you. If it makes you feel better the car I did this too is still on the road and has over 200,000 miles on it now.

[@volrising1500]

@@acme663ryo do you have the part number for the fel pro gaskets? I know it's been two years but jw.

[@GP-zq5qj]

I always change the upper intake gasket as well when i did the lower because i felt the seal was no longer good

[@jmena214]

Man I feel your pain and frustration, life is hard

[@joshburleson7078]

I recommend using a pushrod removal tool 48300 . Those rocker bolts can strip the threads in the heads just by removing and re torque . Then you'll need the heli coil kit. Be safe

[@TheJuanaguirre00]

Sir. Nelson Thank you for your info video

[@nbowling10trio]

I got lucky, mine was leaking out on the transmission and not inside the engine in the oil. If you call that lucky. I'm just glad my engine wasn't hurt! If they would have just put the metal gaskets in on the lower intake to begin with these cars would've matched any other for reliability. Makes no sense to me why gm would be ok with receiving the stigma surrounding these engines. If you buy something with an engine in this family of engines, guarantee your gonna have an intake leak eventually

[@jb6574]

This can be done by a diyer..you just have to be careful and organized..also make sure everything especially rocker arms and intake bolts are torqued to spec

[@Yo-lq1ni]

I’m at 255k and this happened. Not as bad but since your video is great I’ll be able to do it!

[@187onasimp]

A few simple mistakes but you went in there and got the job done that's what it's all about. Sad part is that coolant leak seems to be a long and ongoing one. Once that happens on a 3.1 it's a crap shoot.

[@RocketFast321]

That happened on our 97 with the gas gauge, the battery was going bad and did it at start up. With the car off, I ran a coat hanger thru trip button hole and flipped it around.

[@edward2868]

Great Vid!!

[@kathleenlairscey5934]

You are the man!

[@awhite89012090909]

makes it a point to tell you to take the time to get everything out of the way it makes life easier but refuses to take off a valve cover and in doing so breaks a wrench and has to put the intake in a special way lol but with that said the vid helped me out thanks

[@acme663ryo]

ant man That IS getting everything out of the way and the point is to show it can be done without pulling that second valve cover but thanks for the backhanded complement on a free video that helped you out. DFTBA

[@awhite89012090909]

i didnt mean it in a disrespectful way i just thought it was funny and didnt mean for it to be a "backhanded complement" and i have no idea what dftba is?

[@ahrenreinhardt705]

ant man, you're right in your initial comment. Don't worry about the reply. The valve cover should come off. There are lots of issues in the video. The oil pump drive shaft should have also been pulled, which you can see on the right of the intake. It's a single bolt that holds it down and it's very common to leak. That's what one of those o-rings were in his kit. The pushrods DO matter in regards to their order. Getting them mixed between cylinders isn't always the end of the world, but assigning them to different cylinders can cause undue and premature wear. The rocker arms shouldn't be tightened until he grunts and comments on how tight they are. 18 foot pounds. And so on....

[@momma960511909]

Thanks for the great video i really really hope it doesnt take me 8 hours lol

[@ahoorakia]

the big o ring is for distributor plug ,it is round plug in side the valley behind the power steering pump where used to distributor you pull it out there is O ring around it ,you need to change it,there is one for fuel regulator ,another one for the metal pipe above the water pump where bleeder screw is

[@2515crazyace]

I watched this video awesome job. I got it back together and now the engine is revving in park at about 3200 rpms. Any suggestions? I looked back over everything. Everything seems to be in place.

[@Megabean]

Nice Vid!

[@azraelakkad8064]

they make torque adapters that are similar to a crows foot but with a box end. that would have helped you torque those rockers

[@pedrodelaputa8669]

Great Video, can you give us an update on this GM (General Mistake) car

[@acme663ryo]

Still holding and still on the road. It has lots of other issues but not this.

[@bobv8219]

@ Pedro Delaputa I like what you said GM General mistake absolutely correct there buddy you know this upper head gasket excuse me lower gasket failure GM sucks ass

[@leelockwood6542]

At 16:45 you said the pushrods are "two distinct sizes,and i really don't remember how they went but it REALLY DOESNT MATTER" I HOPE you didnt ruin your motor because it ABSOLUTELY DOES MATTER! Long push rod for exhaust and short for intake. It its extremely crucial to get that right. Other than thst great video thank you

[@acme663ryo]

Sarcasm, it's a thing.

[@Mike__james]

You can't put them in wrong do job and you will see.

[@bobv8219]

Hey dawg !!!! How's she running ?

[@DaquanHowell]

Could you put in the comments tools you used?

[@40weight]

Looks Great but those rocker arms was to be rest with torghe wrench and I see You did have to take off last valve cover since the gasket did roll under

[@philwhipple4557]

The only people who use a torque wrench are those who have a torque wrench.

[@187onasimp]

@@philwhipple4557 Your rocker arms aren't something to play guessing games with. Unless you want to end up fully rebuilding your motor.

[@curlyjoe6585]

Do the push rods need gapped so oil flows smoothly... and would you recommend a engine flush ?

[@acme663ryo]

Hydraulic lifters so they take care of that on their own. I would argue on an old motor the chance of stirring up crap and causing issues with junk floating around and plugging passages is very real. A high quality motor oil and regular changes will dissolve and flush safely. We had a big caddy 500ci V8 and the junk all broke loose at once and plugged oil passages.

[@madeinmadein1824]

Great video I notice there is some antifreeze leak from the outside of the engine on my 2000 chevy lumina Do you think the problem is from the head-gasket any help is highly appreciated.

[@acme663ryo]

It is possible for sure. Is it coming from between the block and head?

[@madeinmadein1824]

Yes but the antifreeze is leaking from outside of the motor no antifreeze is mixed with oil So what do you think what i need to do.

[@acme663ryo]

@@madeinmadein1824 Sounds like a head leak. What is the car worth? Antifreeze is cheap, you could go a long time just adding a 50/50 mix to top it off. You could also try just a retorque of the head to see if it stops but that is unlikely

[@mrbabs1594]

You have to help the hobbit all the way into mordor and get in there lol hahahah

[@brandonrader8019]

You seem to did a good job but one thing you didn't know is the pushrods are different sizes and you will bend the valves if they are misplaced

[@acme663ryo]

Why would you think I wouldn't know that, they are different sizes after all? Anyway that was 20,000 miles ago so all good.

[@carlosb1]

hard to hear

[@luisguindazola687]

I have a 2000 Chevy Malibu V6 with a cracked intake manifold where the sensor is will the intake manifold fit off of a 98 V6

[@acme663ryo]

Call a parts wrecking yard, they might know

[@anthonyarguello5545]

I was wondering firestone told me I need new intake manifold gasket, thermostat, a water pump, and serpentine belt. Due to coolant leaking. Will this video help? Or is there anything else that could be wrong with it? They are charging me 1000 for labor and then $250 for parts. What do you suggest?

[@acme663ryo]

I am sorry there are lots of things that could be wrong and I can't say. The video deals with several of those things, others are not very complicated, I am always in favor of doing it yourself if the individual is up to the task. Lots of how to info on that sort of stuff.

[@stevensapyak7971]

8.23.14. The head gaskets are very prone to fail also on this engine. If the Dexcool coolant has not been changed every 2yrs/30k miles then the head gaskets should be changed with Fel-Pro SD type! Also when the pushrods are pulled out to change the L.I.M. Gaskets, you must make sure that the camshaft lobes are not actuating the valves, because that will put a high tension load on the aluminum threads in the head! Just rotate the engine to place each lifter down on the camshaft base.You can avoid this problem by using the Lisle 48300 pushrod removal tool. $18.One last TIP, remove each block drain plug, found in the front & back of the block,(9/16 wrench).this will COMPLETELY drain the engine. Preventing coolant down the lifter valley & oil pan.

[@gconley12345]

Great video, what's up with that lifter noise that went away? I have the same noise at 122k on my 2003 malibu and I'm not sure if it's gonna cause a bigger problem if its not taken care of?

[@700kotchi]

gary conley It's not lifter noise. It's piston slap. Normal for these engines. Usually pretty much disappears when the engine warms up.

[@700kotchi]

***** 20,000 km on mine since I bought it. I bought it from my mechanic. He told me that's what it was when I bought it. Goes away within five minutes. No problems with the engine. 28 mpg and lots of power. Google piston slap. Or KZbin it.

[@700kotchi]

***** My intake gasket was fucked 2 weeks after I bought it. My mechanic fixed it for free.2 weeks later it was leaking oil. I took it back and he said the O ring on the distributor was fucked and it was probably caused when they put the new intake gasket on.That was also fixed for free. I have the best mechanic on the planet. About $1,100 saved by his honesty.

[@700kotchi]

***** Get rid of it.

[@emenem6131]

Can bad intake gasket show air bubbles in radiator? I had no head gasket problems till I over torqued my lower intake (brand new) Gaskets I just put in. I was socializing while working trying to hurry and torqued foot lbs instead of inch pounds. 😉 O h I was not happy I was told by a local mechanic air bubbles in radiator spout was blown head gasket

[@acme663ryo]

Wow, I am amazed they didn't snap. Yes they can some but normally a leaking intake means water in the block not pressure in the rad. You might try carefully torqueing the heads to speck and see if that helps.

[@emenem6131]

@@acme663ryo Okie doke I will do just that thank you

[@jaysonburns4423]

At this point there are only 2 boots holding on the back valuve cover that are holding it on..just replace both of them..lol...you should have left the drain plug out and poured some gas or or diesel threw the motor or were the cam is to rinse the cam let it drain then you would have been good

[@realitycognizant7142]

Cant get the alternator to budge he says lol as the belt has it strapped down 😂

[@acme663ryo]

I believe it was a reference to the adjustment bolt thus directly related to the ability to loosen the belt but I don't remember.

[@stevowoody5632]

good video should have showed everything

[@arryjassal]

Mine just got a crack and it's need to be replaced. All the mechanics are asking over a 1000 bucks to fix it if I'm lucky enough to find one, 1999 malibu. 😔 😭

[@acme663ryo]

That sucks. So a full on crack not a gasket failure?

[@arryjassal]

@@acme663ryo just a crack near the sensor it's pushing the the coolant out 😔 😭. Thinking to get a new car so it will last 20 years atleast.

[@acme663ryo]

@@arryjassal wire brush and lacquer thinner to clean it then reassemble with jb weld and just keep sending it.

[@arryjassal]

@@acme663ryo thank you bro .. Will do It first thing in the morning. Someone else also suggested it today.

[@georgiadronefootage4136]

@@arryjassal did you fix it?🙂

[@philwhipple4557]

Reading these comments are kinda funny. The only people who use a torque wrench are those who have a torque wrench. I've never used one in my life and never had a problem and i'm 64 years old.

[@acme663ryo]

The car put another 20,000 miles on it just as you see it here and then was sold so I guess it worked here too. Just don't break them off or squirt out the gasket, other than that tight is torqued am I right?

[@philwhipple4557]

@@acme663ryo I learned from my Father many many years ago. Two things stuck in my head. 1. Never force anything. 2. Throw away all adjustable wrenches.

[@jeremymacdonald2073]

lol. funny. I'm having problems with mine right now. excess pressure in the coolant. overheating and a hole in the rad. i changed the water pump and thermostat. coolant reservoir new cap. probably the same problem as yours. i did the, wheel bearing in the summer. that was a bitch. its _12 below here. not looking forward to doing in the driveway.

[@acme663ryo]

You can try leaving the cap loose so it will not develop pressure, I can't imagine unless you are powering up mountain passes it could get hot on you. Just check it isn't pushing water out.

[@jeremymacdonald2073]

@@acme663ryo its pushing water out and developed a hole in the rad. i am taking it in tomorrow to see if exhaust gasses are in the coolant. then ill know if its the gasket.

[@jessieclark7049]

What this did is tell me to look for the good price to have someone else do it. I am about to turn 60 and I'm not sure I want to tackle it. Even though I have been a mechanic on aircraft all my life. I f****** hate working on cars.!!!!!!!!?

[@ronmckay9037]

I'm surprised they don't make us buy new intake bolts too..."they stretch" uh huh

[@blackiechong4344]

It knocks like a hail storm hitting the roof of your car. Just junke it as it has very little life in it.

[@acme663ryo]

It's thrashed for sure but racked up another 30,000 miles before giving up forever.

[@velvet_veneer87]

hey thanks, also ... probably should disconnect the battery if you are doing that much electrical disconnecting..