How to tell that the gaskets have been changed?

Series I L27 (1992-1994 SE,SLE, SSE) & Series II L36 (1995-1999 SE, SSE, SLE) and common problems for the Series I and II L67 (all supercharged models 92-99) Including Olds 88's, Olds LSS's, Olds 98 91-96, Buick Lesabres and Park Avenue 91-96. Please use General Chat for non-mechanical issues, and Performance and Brainstorming for improvements.
Post Reply
zirconx
SLE Member
SLE Member
Posts: 46
Joined: Tue May 27, 2008 2:04 pm
Year and Trim: 1992 SE

How to tell that the gaskets have been changed?

Post by zirconx »

Is there anyway to tell that the intake gaskets have been changed by just looking at the engine? I was hoping you could look at the edge of the gasket, and the new aluminum ones might look different than the stock ones??

If you could look at the "edge" of the gasket, where exactly is this intake gasket? Is it between the plenum and the head?? Anyone have a pic of exactly where the new intake gaskets go?

If it hasn't been done, is this something I can do myself? I do brakes, alternators, radiators, stuff like that, but never any heavy engine work.
Maymybonneliveforevr
Posts like a Northstar
Posts like a Northstar
Posts: 2250
Joined: Wed May 21, 2008 8:40 pm
Year and Trim: 01 Buick Century Limited
10 Toyota Avalon XLS
Location: Brampton Canada

Re: How to tell that the gaskets have been changed?

Post by Maymybonneliveforevr »

I would imagine if it's been changed recently then you may be able to see gasket sealer residue, and no oil leaks. If not then look for some slight to heavy oil/antifreeze leaks. But then again they may have shampoo'd the engine to give it that clean look.

Hopefully others will chime in with more coments soon.
User avatar
azu
Posts like an L27
Posts like an L27
Posts: 614
Joined: Wed May 21, 2008 10:00 pm
Year and Trim: 03 SE
Location: Sellersville, PA

Re: How to tell that the gaskets have been changed?

Post by azu »

13 Chevy Malibu LS 73K

The only dumb question is the one you didn't ask.
wjcollier07
Certified Bonneville Nut
Certified Bonneville Nut
Posts: 5647
Joined: Thu May 22, 2008 7:08 pm
Year and Trim: ____

Re: How to tell that the gaskets have been changed?

Post by wjcollier07 »

Uhh...guys, rememeber that we're talking about a '92 L27 here.

You can change them yourself.

The aluminum gaskets are only for Series II engines.

How many miles are on it..and which gaskets are you referring to specifically besides the LIM gaskets?

The LIM gaskets are between the LIM and the heads. The UIM gasket is between the UIM (plenum) and the LIM.
John
Now: '15 Toyota Prius III | 134 hp 2ZR-FXE | Silver | 36k
Now: '03 Honda CR-V AWD | Slow 4-Cylinder | Dirt | 180k

Then: '07 Ford Fusion SEL | 221hp Gen I VVT Duratec 3.0 V6 | Tungsten Silver | 150k
Then: '99 Toyota Avalon XL | 200hp 1MZ-FE 3.0 V6 | Diamond White | 189k | Sold: July 2015
Then: '11 Ford Fusion SEL | 240hp Gen II VVT Duratec 3.0 V6 | Ingot Silver | 84k | Totaled: Oct 23 '14 (Rear-Ended)
Then: '96 Buick Park Avenue Ultra | 240hp Series II L67 | Medium Dark Lichen | Bought: JAN 11 @ 135k | Accident: FEB 3 '12 | Crushed: MAR 1 '13 @ 153K
Then: '98 Pontiac Bonneville SSE | 205hp Series II 3800 L36 | Topaz Firemist | Bought: NOV '09 @ 74k | Accident: MAY 28 '10 | Crushed: MAR 15 '11 @ 84k
Then: '93 Pontiac Bonneville SE | 170hp Series I 3800 L27 | Dark Yellow Green | Bought: JULY '07 @ 92k | Sold: JULY '12 @ 118k
Then: '89 Pontiac Bonneville LE | 165hp 3800 LN3 | Medium Garnet Red | Bought: JAN '05 @ 117k | Sold: SEP 30 '07 @ 152k
User avatar
azu
Posts like an L27
Posts like an L27
Posts: 614
Joined: Wed May 21, 2008 10:00 pm
Year and Trim: 03 SE
Location: Sellersville, PA

Re: How to tell that the gaskets have been changed?

Post by azu »

wjcollier07 wrote:Uhh...guys, rememeber that we're talking about a '92 L27 here.

Boy I missed that! #-o
13 Chevy Malibu LS 73K

The only dumb question is the one you didn't ask.
zirconx
SLE Member
SLE Member
Posts: 46
Joined: Tue May 27, 2008 2:04 pm
Year and Trim: 1992 SE

Re: How to tell that the gaskets have been changed?

Post by zirconx »

wjcollier07 wrote:Uhh...guys, rememeber that we're talking about a '92 L27 here.

You can change them yourself.

The aluminum gaskets are only for Series II engines.

How many miles are on it..and which gaskets are you referring to specifically besides the LIM gaskets?

The LIM gaskets are between the LIM and the heads. The UIM gasket is between the UIM (plenum) and the LIM.
Uh, sorry I should have been more clear, this isn't about my 92 Bonne, its regarding a 2001 Aztek I'm looking at buying, with the 3.4L engine. I believe these took aluminum gaskets as replacements?

My 92 has over 200,000 miles on it, and I've never had a problem with the intake gaskets. I don't think the gasket problems really started popping up until 93 or a little later.
User avatar
Archon
Resident Gearhead
Resident Gearhead
Posts: 8781
Joined: Mon May 19, 2008 10:30 pm
Year and Trim: 2014 Cadillac XTS Vsport.
Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan

Re: How to tell that the gaskets have been changed?

Post by Archon »

Um, yeah. You should have been clearer, as there is a huge difference between the 3400 and 3800 engines.

Only recently has Felpro come out with an aluminum framed gasket. Gm's is still plastic. This is one purchased a little less than 6 months ago.

[The extension jpg has been deactivated and can no longer be displayed.]

The way the LIM and valve covers attach, very little of it can be easily seen. You can try what "maymybonne...." suggested, or wrench marks on the bolts.

It's doable by yourself, and the Aztek gives you a bit more room to work as compared to other vans. One of the main differences from the 3800 is that the rockers have to be at least loosened to remove the pushrods, which are over the gaskets. This will give you an idea on that.

[The extension jpg has been deactivated and can no longer be displayed.]

*Gone, but not forgotten* - Black 2000 SSEi, HIR Headlights, Angel Eyes fogs, 3rd brake light overlay, hi-flo cat, 180 degree thermostat, HS 1.9 rockers, LSx yellow springs, Intense FWI, PCM, shift kit, push rods, and 3.4 Pulley. ZZP Power Log.
Post Reply