GM monitors these complaints.
Someone on the board posted their complaint, got a letter from GM requesting receipts
and got a check from them in order to close it out.

OK, I've practiced with the reamers on platic irrigation pipe and have a handle on how they're used.

Somebody send me a ruined upper (I'll pay postage) and let'* see if we can get the UIM side of the equation handled, as Bill Buttermore seems to have the pipe problem solved.

PM me!

During this complaint process you have the option to make this information available to GM.
Its a written record of your notifying them.
I don't know of any better way of getting their attention.

Did the R & R on the lower intake manifold today. It won't surprise many on this forum but the lower gaskets were trashed so it'* a good thing to check them if you're fighting coolant consumption. Pulling the lower isn't that much more work once the upper is off. Since I was that far into it I also replaced the belt tensioner assemby. I should have it running tomorrow. Only things left to do are chase down a thermostat housing gasket and change oil and spark plugs. A cooling system flush is also in order once it'* running again.

What do you mean by "Trashed," RG?

Were they leaking, or what? Gaskets don't have to be pretty, they just have to stop vacuum and coolant leaks.

Bob,

The lower gaskets were leaking. They were distorted and the plastic was actually cracked in several places. The sad thing is that this engine would have continued to consume coolant if I all I did was replace the upper and fix the stovepipe problem.

OK, done deal. Manifolds replaced, spark plugs replaced, oil & filter changed and fresh coolant running through the Bonneville'* veins. Runs nice and smooth. We'll see how it goes from here. My old UIM will be in the mail this week to Bob D.

Thanks, RG!

How'* the old upper look? Any obvious leaks or degradation?

Bob, the old upper has a hole through the stovepipe hole into a coolant passage where I was scraping on it to see if it was soft. It was. This one should be a good test for your sleeve. Looks decent otherwise. I'm going to apologize in advance for not completely cleaning it up. I wiped it down but it isn't squeaky clean inside. I had some honey-do'* to get done. Ran out of time.

No problemo, RG. I got a buddy with a parts washer.

Thanks!