Since it is a sad fact of the Bonnies existence of the dreaded UIM failure, I am planning replacement of related parts and gaskets. Finding the gaskets shouldn't be an issue, I do however have some questions of the coolant elbow. Do I need to replace the coolant elbow when I do the gasket? If so which one do I need upper or lower one?

Would it also be a good idea to replace the TB gasket? If so the L32 is the one I would need, correct? I will probably clean the TB while I am at it so what will I need for that?

Thanks for the help,

Tim

You will only need the coolant elbow if you are changing your LIM gasket, not your UIM gasket/UIM. And then you will only need the elbow if you break it removing the LIM. And it would be the uppper elbow.

Please read this Techinfo article.

http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...t=upper+intake

It goes into lots of detail. When you chang the UIM and gaskets, you should also change the lower intake gaskets and coolant elbow. They go bad and should definately be replaced.

It'* true that the elbow is in the LIM, but with the SEVERE erosion that Dex-Cool puts your elbow through, you MUST replace it AND your LIM gaskets. I have a coolant elbow that was installed sometime AFTER 2002 on a 1998 L36 Bonneville, and it was completely eaten through at the o-ring. It was quite literally 500 miles or less from complete failure.

If I drain the Dex-Cool from the radiator and recovery tank every six months, will that be enough to keep things from corroding? I mix it 50/50 distilled water/Dex-Cool. :?

Mac.. its possible and a lot of extra work. Over time.. the gaskets will need to be replaced.

Mac, your gaskets are already corroded. I gaurantee it.

Not a lot extra work for me; this car is easy to change coolant.

The only thing I'm worried about is aquiring the torque wrenches before the gaskets blow.

There'* always a Sears nearby MAC.

The only thing I'm worried about is aquiring the torque wrenches before the gaskets blow. [/quote]

Get a Dillon intake, Buttermore stovepipe, and aluminum LIM gaskets, and drive up here. We'll do it together. You can even pick up the UIM from Dillon on the way North. He'* on the way.