An intake rupture as Don mentioned requires a new intake manifold. They are fairly easy to find and most people replace them with Dorman (I think?)

Thanks you guys - you're helping more than you know.

After cleaning the UIM and gasket we could see problems around the EGR stovepipe area and when scraping to make a hole - it just crumbled with very little pressure at all.

There is one thing we found though - and that is what looks and feels like fiber gasket residue around all the ports. Since (at least we've been told) there are no fiber gaskets on this engine - what might that be?

BTW..once you get the surfaces clean.. take a rag and brake cleaner. Spray the rag and wipe all the surfaces where the gasket will be. It'* the best cleaner you can get to do this..leaves no residue.

Thanks - just got back with the parts and beginning the very process.

Brake cleaner is your friend..say goodbye to grease and oil...

Glad to hear you found the upper to be bad and were able to get your parts.. On a side note..the elbow'* been mentioned..they do wear out over time..would be wise to put a new one on.

Not back together yet due to schedule and no lights to work by after dark (save by flashlight) but the LIM is back in, and hopefully all the rest will be finished today. Have to tell you - we wouldn't be doing this ourselves without your help and encouragement - so thank you!

So - now we're keeping our fingers crossed that things will work after it is all back together.

We'll see. :?

It'll work..

Cannot get the PCV to go in with the small O ring on it. It just won't go. :?

Any hints?

Never mind - got it!