Need help w/ maintenance 97 SLE
#1
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Need help w/ maintenance 97 SLE
Okay...I'm very uneducated about this specific car but I'm slightly mechanically inclined and have a few friends who are car smart (but I'd rather rely on specific info than their general knowledge) so here'* my query...I have several things that need to be done, apparently, and would like to know how to do them all at once, if possible.
According to a couple places I took my car to, it needs:
Lower intake manifold gaskets
Valve Cover gaskets
Oil pan gaskets
I also would like to replace the UIM, for insurance purposes...
Now, I fig'd I would have to dump the oil for the oil pan gaskets and raise the car...I'd rather not do that myself, so I might get that done at the dealership w/ an oil change unless you guys think it'* pretty easy...
However, I don't really know how to go about doin the rest of the stuff or what parts I need.
PS: sorry if this has been posted before, I'm really bad at using advice not directed at my specific situation...
According to a couple places I took my car to, it needs:
Lower intake manifold gaskets
Valve Cover gaskets
Oil pan gaskets
I also would like to replace the UIM, for insurance purposes...
Now, I fig'd I would have to dump the oil for the oil pan gaskets and raise the car...I'd rather not do that myself, so I might get that done at the dealership w/ an oil change unless you guys think it'* pretty easy...
However, I don't really know how to go about doin the rest of the stuff or what parts I need.
PS: sorry if this has been posted before, I'm really bad at using advice not directed at my specific situation...
#2
DINOSAURUS BOOSTUS
Expert Gearhead
Ok.. let me start off generally here instead of giving you step by step procedure (a service manual is needed for that)
When your lower intake is off, it will be super easy to change the valve cover gaskets.
Part of disassembling/reassembly will be to pull the upper intake off. Therefore changing it is simply picking up the new part instead of the old from the workbench.
Upper, lower and valve cover gaskets don't require any specialized tools. Only specialized thing would be fuel lines...but you can leave them attached.
Also..I suggest thoroughly cleaning the engine before you start. Degrease it very well. This will keep dirt etc from falling in when you are changing the gaskets.
When your lower intake is off, it will be super easy to change the valve cover gaskets.
Part of disassembling/reassembly will be to pull the upper intake off. Therefore changing it is simply picking up the new part instead of the old from the workbench.
Upper, lower and valve cover gaskets don't require any specialized tools. Only specialized thing would be fuel lines...but you can leave them attached.
Also..I suggest thoroughly cleaning the engine before you start. Degrease it very well. This will keep dirt etc from falling in when you are changing the gaskets.
#3
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Do you know what kind of service manual I should get? I have one for the 3800 (probably series one), but it was made several years before my car came out...and I think it was done on an oldsmobile. Are there any major tools involved, or fluid draining (besides some coolant).
Also, I'm throwing in the 180 tstat while I'm in there. I'm incredibly busy between work and school, so I'm binge-modding. Getting these things fixed before I install the magnaflow exhaust.
Also, I'm throwing in the 180 tstat while I'm in there. I'm incredibly busy between work and school, so I'm binge-modding. Getting these things fixed before I install the magnaflow exhaust.
#4
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True Car Nut
This is what you want ideally (1997 FSM, H-Platform):
All the procedures have been outlined here in threads before though if you can't find a '97 FSM on ebay or are in a hurry. Ultimately, I'd recommend you get a FSM if you plan on doing your own work. They can usually be found for a reasonable cost on ebay.
All the procedures have been outlined here in threads before though if you can't find a '97 FSM on ebay or are in a hurry. Ultimately, I'd recommend you get a FSM if you plan on doing your own work. They can usually be found for a reasonable cost on ebay.
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