While you're in there, you really might want to consider replacing your LIM gaskets for the updated aluminum frame ones. I understand that it will be more expensive, but that combined with an updated UIM and reduced diameter stovepipe will make your engine very nearly bulletproof from this kind of failure happening again in the future!
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on my l36 motor i had a plastic intake that developed a pin hole in it ... cause the car to hydro lock

The UIM will have a crack in the EGR area. The new kits come with smaller pipes to give the manifold more air gap. Rockauto has about the best price on the Dorman kits. If you change out the LIM gaskets while you are there with the aluminum frame dealership (only known source currently) versions, you will be happy you did and that should fix the two biggest flaws with this motor'* design.

do UIM'* have to be mag-na-flux'd (sp i know) like a head has to be to check for cracks ?

how many hours am i looking at to get the intake off , replaced and all back together ?

Never heard of it. Don't know if it can be done with plastic?

If your good with a wrench, you could have that UIM off in about 10 mins.

10mm? Pop the throttle body off, disconnect the return fuel line, oops watch for the fuel, a few bolts around the UIM and it'* off.

oh damn, the UIM is plastic duh!


mag-na-flux(sp?) is what the machine shop dose to insure there are no cracks in a head. i think

kinda weird how this happened at almost 160 000kms exactly my odometer is at like 160 008

mechanic called today, they got my intake off it was full of coolant right to the top , said hes never seen that before. So hopefully if i get the intake tomorrow, ill have my car back by Friday . sweet.

and again you guys kick ***

Wow, a mechanic that'* never seen it? There'* a mechanic that see'* very few GM 3800'*. Make sure he'* replacing the UIM with a new one.

it was the mechanics apprentice that called. and the UIM will be off of a junk yard motor cuz its free

Ok.. but so that you are aware.

There is a pipe sticking out of the lower manifold that goes up through the upper. GM and all the aftermarket companies include smaller diameter pipes to replace the current one in the manifold. One of the issues is the pipe being big and touching or being too close the manifold. By not putting on a new manifold, blocking the coolant ports through it or changing the pipe ...you risk having the same problem again.

When I go junkyarding if there'* no dent on the car, I know w/o pulling the manifold why it'* there. This is the most common issue with the NA 3800 motor.