I'm replacing my plastic upper intake manifold this weekend, along with the timing chain and gears.

Do I use a RTV sealer between the lower intake and the block?
Do I use a RTV sealer between the lower intake and the heads?
Do I use a RTV sealer between the upper and lower intakes?

Anything special about replacing the timing chain and gears?
How hard is the harmonic balancer to get off?
Would you replace the oil pump while everything is apart?

Thanks for all your advice .........

Wow. You're in for it. You don't need RTV. You should get all new gaskets and seals. GM has a kit for doing this that goes all the way to the heads. I don't think it includes the seal for the upper intake, though. It comes with head gaskets, lower intake gaskets (all 4 pieces), and a couple other things.

Nothing special about changing the timing chain and gears, just follow the book.
You'll be working through the RF wheelwell though, so don't even try to get around it!
Just pull the wheel and fender skirt and go right in. That should make it alot easier.

I'd leave the oil pump alone if you're not having any probs. Why are you doing the chain?

THE CAR HAS 195 K ..... SO I THOUGHT IT WAS TIME FOR A REPLACEMENT.

I WAS SURPRISED HOW CLEAN THE INSIDE OF MY ENGINE WAS WHICH I ATTRIBUTE TO CHANGING MY OIL EVERY 3K WITH VALVOLINE SINCE DAY ONE. THE CAR DOESN'T BURN ANY OIL AND THE EXTERIOR/INTERIOR ARE IN PERFECT SHAPE SO I THOUGHT IT WAS WORTH INVESTING SOME MONEY INTO THE ENGINE.

I really wouldn't mess with the chain unless you had trouble. Same goes for the upper intake. Just change to a 180° thermostat and add a tranny cooler. Thes will both help with the intake problems. Are you using coolant? Or is something else wrong with the upper seal?

Add your year and model to your signature in your profile. It helps us keep track of giving out the right advice depending on year and model.

THE UPPER INTAKE GAVE OUT AND I WAS BLOWING STEAM OUT THE EXHAUST. THIS HAPPENED TO ME AT AROUND WHEN MY CAR HAD 95K. I HAD THE PONTIAC DEALER REPLACE IT BACK THAN AND IT COST ME AN ARM AND LEG.

IT DEFINATELY NEEDS REPLACED .... SEVERAL PEOPLE HAVE TOLD ME TO REPLACE THE TIMING CHAIN AND GEARS BECUASE WITH THAT MANY MILES IT MUST BE STRETCHED OUT.

ALSO ONE OF MY FUEL INJECTORS WAS CRACKED RIGHT AT THE TIP ... I BOUGHT A REPLACEMENT TO PUT IN .... DO YOU THINK THE CRACK WAS HURTING ANYTHING?

WHAT ABOUT PUTTING RTV IN THE V AREA BETWEEN THE BLOCK AND HEAD?

If you're only having a problem with the upper intake seal, buy the seal kit for it and don't dig any deeper. It'* rare to have to go that deep. You already know your problem is on the top end, so don't go further.

The fuel injector spray pattern will be disrupted. Maybe even enough to feel the difference. Definitely change it out. I'd also replace all the injector O-rings when you do your upper intake seal. You'll have the fuel rail off anyway, perfect time to do it.

If you ever do the other gaskets and seals at a future date, do NOT use RTV. Use the factory gaskets and seals. You can get them at any auto parts store, and they're rather inexpensive when bought as a set, or service kit.

Ok bud, you opened your mouth. Now take your foot out of it and get him through the swap!

You're making me want to check mine. I'm at 80k. I'm betting he'* Series 1 by the miles, but that'* not for sure.

IT'* A 1995 SE 3.8 SERIES II

I REALLY PUT A TON OF MILES ON THIS CAR.
WHAT DO YOU GUYS THINK ABOUT THE OIL PUMP?

Here'* what you are REALLY gonna need!
3.8L (K) Engine Intake Reseal Series II PH95-03:
12537197 Intake Manifold Kit {1st Design – W/O Locating Pins – 95/97}
17113137 Upper Intake Gasket Kit
10953472 RTV Sealant
10953464 Dex-Cool {4L}
992878 Engine Shampoo
88901247 Brake Kleen
LOF

Well YOU DO NEED RTV SEALANT there Will or it will leak oil all over again! You use the RTV at the corners of the Lower Intake gasket at the Cylinder heads & on the Upper to Lower Intake on the NA version! It depends on the year As to exactly where the RTV needs to be used too BTW!
Why are you doing the Timing Chain? Is there greater than 150,000 Km on this car? If NOT, then leave it be!

Oil pump! Well I would only tackle it if it'* noisy! Otherwise Leave it be!