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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.

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.

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.

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

Boy I missed that!

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.

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 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.