I read it but it says the Dorman kit then others say use the APN ??? What route do I use to stand the best chance to fix it once and for all ?

You read it?

From Techinfo 38:

"We have recently become aware of a new kit that appears to offer the best off-the-shelf fix for the upper intake manifold. The combination of a metal heat shield to protect the plastic upper and a reduced diameter stovepipe is the best method we can currently recommend to resolve this problem without altering the cooling system. Installed in a 95-98 engine using the reduced diameter pipe supplied with the kit, an insulating gap of .125” is created between the hot pipe and the heat shield. Installed in a 99 or newer engine using the stock GM 5/8” stovepipe, an insulating gap of .065” is created. The kit is marketed mail-order by Automotive Parts Network; it includes a UIM gasket and is priced under $100. http://www.autopn.com/store/pc/viewP...product=229679 To obtain the larger .125” insulating gap in the newer 99+ models, the .750” shoulder of the replacement stovepipe provided in the kit could be machined to .625” to fit the smaller stovepipe bore in the lower intake manifold. "

And.....

"GM Aluminum Frame Lower Intake Manifold Gaskets. We hope that this newest design will provide the best LIM gasket fix yet. As of March, 2006, these are available at the dealer for $59 "

hummm so I would need to go and have this new replacement stove pipe machined down ? I assume to go to GM dealer for LIM gasket set and coolant elbows. Do I need to change BOTH elbows? What OTHER items do I need ? Do you guys know if anyone has a scanned copy of a service manual showing or telling step by step or anyone near me ( Syracuse NY) ? I would like to know up front what needs to be removed and what doesnt ie; alternator,tenisoner,etc. What torge specs for UIM and LIM are ? I read somewhere the LIM gaskets on the 99+ models were supposed to be ok, is this correct ? Thanks guys im just trying to get ready. I know sometimes the manuals have you remove things that dont need to be removed, maybe somewhere here knows for sure. thanks again !

The APN kit COMES with a new reduced diameter stovepipe. Please take the time to read that article.

I did read this

"To obtain the larger .125” insulating gap in the newer 99+ models, the .750” shoulder of the replacement stovepipe provided in the kit could be machined to .625” to fit the smaller stovepipe bore in the lower intake manifold"

Am I missing something or does it clearly state that the stove pipe be machined for 99= models ??

I realize the part come IN THE KIT but appears that it needs to be machined again I did read it asnd copyed it above so you can see it

just noticed 2 things; first on my 99 PA the plastic end pcs of the LIM gasket are orange, isn't that consistent with the new aluminum style GM gaskets ? I noticed that in the picture showing the new style gasket set.

Also I reread the article an it says "In the later model years (99+), GM went to a smaller diameter (5/8”) EGR pipe that creates a 0.065” air gap between the hot pipe and the plastic EGR bore hole in the upper intake. We are not sure if that is a cure though "

So my car should have the smaller dia stove pipe now correct ? Wondering if the LIM gaskets are already the new style ( note orange end pcs) then maybe I dont need to monkey with the LIM ?

I realize im trying to come up with a way that I dont have to worry about this failing, bear with me my meds will kick in soon !

Never mind first question the orange looks to be silicone not the end pcs

The aluminum framed gaskets are VERY new. Just in the last 4 or 5 months.

wishfull thinking on my part, oh well anyone care to come up to Syracuse NY and oversee a project ,lol I am not sure if I should do the PA right now or give it some time.I know my Bonnie was done before it had 60k on it and it now has 212k on it and still seems ok so if the PA was done after 2002 it only has 70k now.. Do you guys think if I keep a real close eye on it and notice ANY loss of coolant get right on it I will not have a catastrosic failure ?? I just chgd the coolant and did the thermo chg I hate to redrain and get into a UIM/LIM chg now... Do you need to drain the whole system ?
Man I will never sleep tonight...

This is the LIM gasket that was removed from a '99 Olds 88 with less than 50,000 miles.



The car was well cared for and not abused. No one will be able to make you a guarantee that "watchful waiting" will be sufficient to prevent a failure.

At the very least, the radiator should be drained to a level lower than the upper radiator hose...if....you get to things before a failure.

I wonder if that was the orignal gasket set ? And I wonder if mine was chgd when the UIM was chgd. I wish I only knew..Its so puzzling why my Bonnie I have driven over 150k miles with no problems but now im being told to chg my PA UIM and LIM gaskets with only 70k total miles and a 2002 UIM ? It seems as though if I keep a close eye on it which I always do I would know when it starts to seep...Oh well I always thought these motors were problem free.