Am I the idiot or my mechanic? (LIM gaskets)
 

A couple of weeks back when I had the UIM replacement on the 95 L36 done, I ordered the APN UIM and the updated LIM gaskets, part # 89017816. When I picked it up, the mechanic told me that the LIM gaskets I had were wrong. Actually, apparently the end pieces were wrong, so he ordered and installed the standard set.
Well, I was not too happy when I picked it up, but did not make too big a stink over it, as I was not sure I was right.
So, gents, can anyone tell me if I ordered the wrong parts, or if my mechanic was wrong.
Thanks!
E

Please take a pic of the gaskets..I wouldn't want to say until seeing what you have.

The standard set should have looked like the ones you got for the end pieces.

Will do!
Probably tomorrow before I can get the pics done.
Thanks Bill

What coolant was used? Dex or non-Dex? If non-dex was used you should have no problem. If Dex was used take it back and have it replaced with the green or Prestone replacement for Dexcool.

On the gaskets.... pics definitely.

Green all the way!
No way I would let that Dexcool crap into my engine!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well your mechanic was right if he said: "that gasket is not listed for your car." Your mechanic was wrong if he said "that gasket won't work in your car," or "that gasket won't fit in your car."

The older engine blocks (1995- mid-1997) had straight side rails for those end pieces. In mid-97, GM widened the end rails upon which the LIM rests at four points to add locating holes to help hold the end rail seals in place. The newer gaskets (including the aluminum ones) have wider design end seals to include locating pins that fit in the holes in the block. If your mechanic had tried to fit the new end rail pieces with the pins, instead of just trusting the parts counter man, he would have found that they fit older L36 engines just fine. There are no holes for those pins on your 95, they just sit out in the space over the end of the LIM, but no matter, they hurt nothing and the rest of the end seal still seals the side rail just like the old gaskets. If you search hard enough for them (around early 2006), you will find some posts discussing this. I recall one post with pics comparing the two.

Old gasket (no pins)
Attachment 50826
Old block
Attachment 50827
New gasket (pins on side rails)
Attachment 50828
New block
Attachment 50829

This was one of the first issues we addressed when we saw the first aluminum gaskets in early 2006. The first BC member to use them was Ben (Bignews_1) in his older design '97 with no pin holes. Here is the post: http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...ic.php?t=49911

I can understand the mech's position...after all, if something were to go wrong, he could be nailed for using the "wrong" or "unlisted" part. On the other hand, did he call you for confirmation before going ahead and ordering up the (presumably plastic) gaskets? I'd be pissed if I were you and he didn't at least call first.

Bill,

My 1998 LeSabre had the holes for the end pieces, and it's in-service date is 11/97.

Just a nit-pick :P

Andrew

Thanks for keepin' me honest, Andrew. The date of that change was mid '97, not 99. I edited the post above to correct it. ;)

Thanks guys. THe info around here is awesome as always.
I did a fair bit of searching before ordering the gaskets, so I was pretty confident that I was right, but I couldn't back it up.
And no, he did not call me. After everything was back together, they told me that my parts were wrong and they had ordered the new ones. Did not ask for an ok or anything.
Will definitely explain it to him next time we talk.
Oh, well. Will keep these for future use.... :)

I'd still like a picture. Because while we mentioned the locating pins etc.. your first post specified the end pieces. Which...should look like the ones in Bill B's picture.