If it really is coming from where the TB connects to the upper plenum, then I'm suspecting you may have a warped plenum. NOW is the time to replace the plenum, plenum gasket and lower manifold gasket along with the aluminum elbow pipe.

Yes, I'll try the tb gasket and see what happens, then if still leaking i'll do the upper. For the lower, you're saying just do the gasket, not the entire lower intake manifold?

No, not the lower manifold. Just the lower manifold gaskets, plenum gasket and plenum, and the coolant elbow(*)

Need to see that pic from a bit more distance. Is that leaking at the area where the lower intake sits on the head or valley?

When you remove the throttle body gasket inspect the area around the gasket, when I removed mine from my 96' PA that plastic on the plenum just broke off, it was softened over the years..


If you get to the point you are doing the upper go ahead and do the lower..

Also, if you replace the whole plenum, which I did and recommend considering your mileage, be sure to install the reduced diameter EGR Stove Pipe, it goes into the lower intake manifold, the EGR gasses can warp the plenum and cause leaks at the throttle body.

great info guys, i really appreciate it, this is a great forum and I'm here to stay.

I'll do the throttle body gasket beginning of next week and cross my fingers and then I'll post.

Again, much appreciated.

Hi guys,

just some pointers to save me some time on t body removal. I see the 3 bolts, looks like quarter inch wrench with extension and 10 mm sockets. I don't see that the throttle cable needs to be freed from the tb.

Once I remove it, anything you can think of in terms of application of the new tb gasket?

scrape off any old material with a razor and then attach new one. Anything else to do when I apply it?

Get you a 10mm socket, I think I had to use a deep well 10mm on the bottom left nut,one of them is a stud with a 10mm bolt on it, and getting to it with a wrench is a lil tough.
Remove the throttle linkage.
While you have the throttle body off I'd go ahead and remove and clean all sensors, and get you a toothbrush, nothing metal that will scratch it up, and some carb or throttle body cleaner, and clean it and the butterfly valve up good..
Clean your MAF, but only use MAF Spray...

I tried to find a good video to help you remove the TB, but so far can only find this one, it is ok, could be better..

Just had a thought, I have a pdf of the factory service manual for the 96' Park Ave I had, the motor and a bit of your car is the same, even though your Park Ave is Second Gen and mine was 1st..
You can have it if you want, just PM me an e-mail addy and I'll send it to you, don't post your e-mail openly in the forums, never a good idea...

Attaching guide on TB..






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Great info, i'll let you know how this goes. Only potential pain i see is that bottom left bolt. I have to see if i need a deeper socket 10mm. Also, looks like there is a bracket there that is bendable with a screwdriver to get better access.

I'll let you know and thanks again, much appreciated.

You really do not need to drain your radiator, the TB is the highest point on the car that gets coolant, and it does not get much to be honest, which is why a lot of people close off the coolant ports coming from the LIM..

What I don't see mentioned enough is the EGR gasses causing warped intakes where the TB leaks, the issue was partially addressed by Dorman I think it was, if you buy a new UIM/Plenum from them, then it should come with a reduced diameter EGR Stovepipe, which keeps the sides of that pipe from getting as close ti the plastic hole in the UIM that it goes up into.
To remove the old one vice grips and a hammer tend to work, then for seating the new one you just use the old one, it works perfectly to use with a hammer to tap it down into the LIM where it sits really close to flush....