Why do we worry about LIM gaskets?
#1
Senior Member
Posts like a Corvette
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 1,451
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Why do we worry about LIM gaskets?
Started a LIM gasket replacement on my 1998 LeSabre. This was meant to simply be "preventive maintenance," as the car was showing no overt symptoms (e.g., loss of coolant, etc.), though it did seem to lack a bit of "pep" (compared to my wife'* 2004 LeSabre) and Scans suggested a possible vacuum leak (consistently high LTFT'*), though I could find no such leak.
Well check this out:
Note part of the old plastic gasket stuck to the head, and part stuck to the LIM.
Also check out these "plugs" left behind in the heads by the Dex-Crap:
Here is a beautiful new aluminum gasket:
Let'* see that sucker disintegrate like the crappy plastic one did.
Moral of the story: Even if you don't think you need to replace your plastic LIM gaskets, do your engine (and your wallet) a favor and change them out!
Well check this out:
Note part of the old plastic gasket stuck to the head, and part stuck to the LIM.
Also check out these "plugs" left behind in the heads by the Dex-Crap:
Here is a beautiful new aluminum gasket:
Let'* see that sucker disintegrate like the crappy plastic one did.
Moral of the story: Even if you don't think you need to replace your plastic LIM gaskets, do your engine (and your wallet) a favor and change them out!
#4
Junior Member
Join Date: May 2006
Location: BonnevilleHell
Posts: 0
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well, just goes to show ya that some things don't need fixin. Ethylene Glycol and water has been the coolant of choice for 100 years. Comming up with a "new and improved" coolant wasn't really such a hot idea after all.
#5
Senior Member
Posts like a Corvette
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 1,451
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Those "plugs" are remnants of some sort of "leak filler" GM dealers stick in the coolant to try to cover up the fooked up gasket issue.
It'* the same junk that leaves that "bathtub ring" in your coolant overflow bottle.
(I learned about that on this site )
I am going to try to "pick" those out without letting them fall down into the heads.
It'* the same junk that leaves that "bathtub ring" in your coolant overflow bottle.
(I learned about that on this site )
I am going to try to "pick" those out without letting them fall down into the heads.
#6
Senior Member
Posts like a Northstar
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Meridian, ID
Posts: 508
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Wow, that is awesome. Thanks for sharing. I am tearing into mine next week to do the same thing. No overt signs or symptoms yet but just like you said, you never know when there is going to be a problem. I will check mine out and keep it posted too.
#8
Senior Member
Certified GM nut
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,656
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I am sure glad mine did not come with DEX Cruel
Edited to add, its really interesting to see how the gasket shows deterioration around the coolant passages, but not around the intake ports. Is the trusty green stuff in your plans?
Edited to add, its really interesting to see how the gasket shows deterioration around the coolant passages, but not around the intake ports. Is the trusty green stuff in your plans?
#9
Junior Member
Join Date: May 2006
Location: BonnevilleHell
Posts: 0
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Hans
that is really bad. the coolant passage is blocked!!!???
Now, is Dex-Cool corrosive? When I took down my project motor, the cast aluminum rear cover was severely pitted where it seals the coolant passages in the block. Kinda like the Dex-Cool ate the aluminum,
#10
Senior Member
True Car Nut
Great pix, Andrew. Just one more example of why this needs to be done. And, why it needs to be done "before it needs to be done!" With some nice green coolant, aluminum LIM gaskets and a heat-shielded upper, you should be able to kiss this problem goodbye. Your bearings are saying: "Thanks Boss - that was a close one!" The crappy condition of the plastic LIM gaskets in Dex never ceases to amaze. Thanks for sharing.