Head Gasket Repair?

[dons99hoe]

Going to work on friday and truck started running real rough. started seeing the temp rise. but never once was it in the red or even close. stalled out and no check engine light or any other indicator that something was wrong besides the obvisous. Pulled the dipstick and coverd in water dilluted oil. Right off hand thought it was a head gasket. Yesterday tore it all down and realized that the head gaskets seem fine. Good pressure ring everywhere around alll holes. Looked back at the intake gasket and seemed that it was the culprit. could this be true. and if so how could it get water in the oil from the intake gasket going out. New at this thanks in advance. Don

 

[96whitetahoe]

Yes, it's the infamous vortec intake manifold gasket issue. Step 1: drain and flush your system entirely to rid the Dex-Cool coolant. Step 2: Purchase Felpro's gasket kit (the one that includes a valve cover gasket, upper intake manifold o-ring, throttle body gasket, etc., should be around $60?) Step 3: Fill with Prestone, Peak, etc. 50/50 mix. Alot of guys here have had this issue on the vortecs, myself included. Seems like something in the Dex-Cool eats the gasket material...good luck and search it up, there have been detailed write-ups on the case.

 

[armandjones82]

It would have been better if you would follow up these steps for your head gasket repair or replacement as a whole:

1. Open the hood and locate the lower radiator hose.

2. Place a drain pan under the radiator. Disconnect the lower radiator hose from the radiator.

3. Drain the cooling system.

4. Remove any parts, electrical connections, or hoses to gain access to the intake manifold.

5. Gain access to the valve cover.

6. Remove the valve cover.

7. Unbolt exhaust manifold from the vehicle.

8. Remove head bolts in reverse of manufacture recommended installation procedures.
8 4 2 6 10
Example: Front of engine
7 3 1 5 9

9. Remove cylinder head from engine block.

10. Remove head gasket.

11. With a straight edge and feeler gauge inspect cylinder head for straightness.

12. Clean mating surfaces making sure to remove all old gasket material.

13. Install a new head gasket.

14. Reverse removal procedures for installation.

15. Refill the radiator with coolant.

16. Fill overflow reservoir with the same coolant.

17. Perform pressure test the cooling system and check for any leaks. Top off the coolant level.

18. Install the radiator cap.

19. Road test the vehicle. Keep an eye on the engine temperature gauge- if the vehicle runs hot, there still might be an air pocket in the cooling system. The cooling system should be toped off after the vehicle has fully cooled down.

I've found this repair step by step procedures here, and I hope it can help you out in the future as well.