Fuel rails are really stiff to pull out. On the new orings, put a bit of that lube for brakes before you try to install them. They'll slide in like it's nothing.

Well, I've got it torn down and am just waiting on the gasket set to come in. So far the job hasn't been overly difficult, just time consuming.

I didn't see any breaks in either LIM gasket. However, when I was taking the LIM off, the 4 diagonal bolts came off with next to no resistance. I'm wondering if this was the cause of the coolant leak.

Anyhoo, gonna replace the injector o-rings today.

Hi guys. Update time for those who are following...

Got the intake manifold, valve covers and the plenum back on. Pretty straightforward there. Should be able to get the PS pump and alternator back on and hook the wiring harness up today. Hopefully I'll be able to change the oil and start it up tomorrow.

I know it's documented from GM, but it's a little disconcerting that those intake manifold bolts use so little torque. It's hard not to just give 'em another half or quarter turn.

I would recommend changing the oil twice; run some cheap engine oil in it, while you're bleeding and topping off the cooling system. Then change the oil and filter, and put in the good stuff. Your engine bearings will thank you.

That is exactly what I had in mind, Blackarrow.

I got the engine assembled yesterday and pulled the oil plug. I had a bunch of stuff to do yesterday and today but tomorrow I'm gonna fill it up with cheap oil while checking for leaks. After I run it for a day or so, I'm changing the oil with good stuff.

Thanks!

i reccomend just running it for 10 minutes or so, and then changing the oil.

I would also like to say it could be a head gasket I just had to replace mine on my car and I had the same problem so if everything checks out fine and you have replaced everthing else you can think of my best gess would be that

Compression test will rule out a head gasket.


Minot Nd. Spent the night there once. Had a great steak for dinner. That's about all I remember of that place.

All done! Woohoo! No leaks around the LIM gaskets and no fuel smell.

Big thanks to RooK, Blackarrow98 and everyone that helped out. You guys are awesome!

Glad it all worked out for ya. Now, let the RTV cure and the gaskets seat, then

May that gasket last you a long time grasshopper.

Now it's time to buy a bolt-in Downpipe & cat , which eliminates the u-bend as well...

Is that compatible with the 3100? I've seen it listed where they're both different and the same, really confusing.

Yup, saw it listed for the 3.1L and 3.4L, here's a better pic of it, from Magnaflow's site: 23433 It's $135.77 from Performance Peddler, with free shipping. For the 3.8L, it's a 23405

too bad I didnt know of all this stuff when I had the Beretta. I would snap that up in a heartbeat.