Hey folks ~

I have my '93 in the shop right now, and have been advised the the UIM gasket is leaking both oil and some coolant. My mechanic wants to change it, but is certain that he should change the UIM itself. Now I thought it was just the Series II that had the problem, but he says some of the Series I had the plastic plenum also. Here'* a photo of the engine:



Can anyone tell me if this is the culprit causing the trouble in the Series II engines? My mechanic said he would rather not touch the UIM gasket without replacing the plenum. ANd the leaks helped the rear tranny mount fail quicker than normal, so I really need to get it changed, so it'* a new UIM for me! The good news is that this appears to be the source of all my leaks (so I can change my sig line!).

Thanks for your help.
John

Yes you do have a composite (plastic) intake. They HAVE been known to fail, just on a much smaller scale than the SII engines. Dorman i believe also makes a kit for your engine, i think i noticed one while flipping through their latest catalog. I'd say go for it, and if he thinks the plenum is the way to go then do the whole thing, just like the SII guys do.

As a matter of fact, Dorman is the name he mentioned. Now, let'* see if he recommends working on the LIM while he'* in there, as so many have recommended here.

Thanks,
John

Honestly. I'd get a second opinion on that UIM needing to be replaced.

I haven't heard or seen one personally fail yet. (It'* possible...I haven't seen it though) As for it causing the trans mount to go quicker..did he elaborate on that?

I would buy upper and lower manifold gasket sets, and only replace the upper manifold if it was bad.

The tranny mount in the rear (or what was left of it) was coated in oil and other leakage. Basically, these leaks caused the rubber in the mount to decay prematurely. I saw the mount myself, and there is no rubber left.

It makes snese to me; do you agree this is probable?

Thanks,
John

I agree with Bill on double checking the UIM itself, to see if it is really bad before replacing it. On the rear Tranny mount, I recall jr's3800 mentioning that his have failed more than once, so while the oil MAY have contributed, it might just be coincidence.

Also, I would also have the LIM gasket changed while you are at it, as mentioned. We know that is a failure mode and the extra labor involved is only incremental since he'* already almost there.

That'* the reason I wanted to know if he based it on anything. Yeah..it could decay quicker with goop on the motor mount.

Huh? What does this mean: "Anyone believe everything they read?" in Billboost'* sig line. I just noticed it.

Thanks,
John

Lol, it'* referring to the quote that follows... :P

the uims dont fail the gaskets do

My gasket is trashed and needs to be replaced- coolant is leaking out about 1/2 gallon every few months) but It is too cold outside to rip everything apart (well mainly getting the TB off is the hard part on the l27s)