...although considering it lasted 10+ years and 137,000 miles, I may have set a world record so I can't really complain.

I'm not even sure it'* failing really, but I have a very slow coolant loss that I can't really place. I had my water pump replaced last fall, so that isn't the cause. I'm losing about a pint a month (distance of about 1500 miles). I did notice coolant on the outside of the oil filter the last time I changed the oil (none present in the oil), which is also what I found when the water pump was leaking. I think it may be excess coolant from when I spill a little adding to the reservoir, but I can't really tell.

Anyway, I need to find where this coolant loss is coming from before I decide on my next course of action. First one I want to eliminate is plenum failure. If there is even one hint of failure I want to take the car out of commission now and take steps to protect it until I can either *TRY* to fix it myself or take it to a mechanic. I know one way to tell is to drain the oil and see if coolant is present (I have never found any coolant present to date) but the oil I use isn't very cheap, and I'd rather not drain it unnecessarily. Is there any other way I can tell that would give me a definite answer?

I also want to clean my throttle body, but I'll worry about when I find out more about this coolant loss. Quick question though, do you think someone with very limited car experience (biggest thing I've done is probably a thermostat change, or maybe the custom intake work) could do this? I'd like to, I'm not sure if it'* ever been done. My idle is fine, but it should improve my throttle response also?

Thanks for the information.
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I'd like to try, and I'd like to get it done just for the peace of mind. Unfortunately, I'm not sure I'd even know where to begin trying something like this. How recommendable would you say this is to try for a beginner? I have tools, probably not all I need but I can get them. I've read the threads on this, but reading and practice are two different things.

How long would this take for an experienced mechanic to do? I have a mechanic that cuts me a very good deal on labor rates (he charged me $30 to replace the alternator and belt tensioner on my truck) and if I can't do it myself, he'd be the first person to take it to.
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I would say it'* time to git r done!

That would be great, are you located anywhere near Alabama?

For four hours, my mechanic would probably charge me $200 tops, providing it'* not too bad. He works on a Bonneville constantly, though it is Series I powered. Even so, he knows what he'* doing...

I hate this because I love driving this car. At least when I get it fixed I won't feel so bad about putting miles on it. I always felt that each mile I put on it was one mile closer to having the upper manifold fail.
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From east central Alabama (Auburn) it may make for a lengthy trip, sadly.

If the end seals are different, my mechanic should still be able to figure it out if I tell him beforehand? He knows what he'* doing, but I want to make sure.

I have plenty of time so I'd like to give it a shot, if possible.
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There are a bunch of write ups on this with pictures. While doing the upper..remember.. aluminum frame gaskets for the lowers.