Intake and front cover gaskets

[David89GW]

A mechanic says I need to replace the intake and front cover gaskets on my 89 GW to stop oil from leaking.

How hard are these to do yourself, and how long does it take? The Haynes has limited info and I can't find any advice in the Tech section.

He's asking for about $500 to do it. I'd rather do it myself if I can. Any input would be appreciated.

[Ralph]

It'll take you a couple of hours and you'll be better off to have a helping hand when you lift that old iron intake manifold up, but the job itself is not technically demanding. I think the Haynes manual give plenty of guidance for this job.

As for the front cover, you have to get the intake manifold off, as well as all the fan/alternator/AC belts out of the way, and remove your distributor and oil pump. Again, not difficult technically, but you have to be methodical and remember your steps along the way. (The oil pump will have to be packed with petroleum jelly for re-installation.)

Just remember to label any hoses & wires you have to disconnect. I new valley pan gasket will set you back around $20, $5 for a tube of RTV sealant. You're talking about a Saturday's worth of time. $0.02 for the mechanic you got the estimate from...

[This message has been edited by Ralph (edited September 27, 2000).]

[pireshop]

I never have done a intake gasket replacment before, until about a month ago. Just go by the book and don`t get in a hurry. It was a breeze.
I tackled it myself with the fan off standing on a milk crate between the radiator and the engine. So I would be in a position to lift that heavy intake off the block. You got to do what you have to do sometimes. http://www.cs.colostate.edu/~zeimet/ubb/smile.gif Good luck, Mike

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82 Cherokee Laredo
Black w/Chrome rims
Flowmaster Exhaust
31x10.50R15 BfgoodrichT/A
Holley Carb.
Edelbrock cam
(Nicknamed THIRSTY because of the gas intake)