[MrShorty]

'98 5.7L Vortec I've only had for a few months. Noticed that it was using a little coolant. "Borrowed" Autozone's pressure tester and hooked it up last night, and I've found the leak. It's a small leak, and it was kind of hard to see. The leak is located underneath the thermostat housing/upper radiator hose outlet. Like I said, it's kind of hard to see in there, but I could see the puddle down in there, and I couldn't see anything coming from the thermostat gasket or the coolant sensor. Is this the notorious intake manifold gasket leaking on me?

 

[OldDiesel]

Definately could be, when mine went out on my 96 pickup, it went at the back, but if it is coming from that area, and it is not from the thermostat housing, it probaby is.

 

[ChevyFan]

Put some alumaseal in it and see if it goes away.

 

[GaryL]

I have replaced the intake manifold gaskets on two '96's and one 99. They either leaked from the front or rear, but all were on the passenger side of the engine. It's not too hard of a job. Do not try to replace the heater hose fitting on the intake manifold, it WILL break flush with the manifold and turn into a real PITA.

 

[Guest]

Do not try to replace the heater hose fitting on the intake manifold, it WILL break flush with the manifold and turn into a real PITA.

Good advice!

 

[ChevyFan]

I've done this on two different small blocks, but fortunately, I haven't had to do it for about 10 years.

 

[MrShorty]

Is there a preferred brand/style of gasket, or will just about anything do for this gasket?

 

[84fiero123]

Buy the best of any good brand name. I don't have a prefered brand as far as gaskets go just so long as it is a brand name and the best one they make if they have different grades buy the best one.

You get what you pay for.

 

[ChevyFan]

What do these go for these days anyhow? Like $20?

 

[GaryL]

$24 at Oreilly's for the upper and lower intake gaskets.

 

[MN_Burbon]

I did this replacement on my 95 about 4 years ago. Seems to be a regular thing with this beast.