Intake leaking oil!!!

[turtle]

I know this is a comon problem with LT1's. What I want to know is how hard is it to do it yourself . What kind of time frame am I looking at Or should I just have a shop do it

[94m6hardtopz]

ive fixed a few of them, if you are talking about resealing the back of the intake. its nothing. ironically, my car has never had that problem. its the only one ive seen that hasnt.

[turtle]

I have oil leaking from the front and back . I'm pretty sure I'm gonna have to regasket and seal the intake. I've never done this on a FI car before(much less an LT1) How long does it usually take and is it hard for a novice to do

[slow260z]

On an engine stand it is easy. The first problem is the intake will be 'stuck', and you will need to pull hard and may have to cut the silicon from the engine rails. The job in an LT1 Camaro will be frustrating because of leaning over. I WOULD still do the job myself it isn't that difficult just frustrating.

I would guess you should easily complete the task in 4 - 6 hours. Once the intake is free clean it thoroughly and also clean the lifter galley. Once everything is cleaned I apply Copper silicone ~3/8" thick across the front and rear engine lip, and protrude the RTV to the intake gasket.

I let the RTV set up for 15 minutes then place the intake in place. I start by getting a rear and opposite side front bolt started, then other front and rear bolt started. Once these four bolts are started I start all the remaining intake bolts.

I get all started then, snug the bolts starting from center and working outward. Once all bolts are hand tight then I start the torque procedure. I personally torque using the proper sequence to ~half the specified torque. I allow the engine to sit an additional 15 - 30 minutes then torque to the correct spec. I have NEVER had one leak following this method, in fact when later removing the intake they seldom will come off without cutting the RTV.

Others state they use the directions and do NOT advise a setting time. But on a car like a Camro I think it is better to let it set first so you don't knock off the RTV or collapse the RTV.

Good luck like I said the job is more frustrating than difficult. The intake isn't heavy, but leaning over car difficult to control it to the proper location all else is simple.

[turtle]

Thanks for the help 260Z

[fast93z]

I can do one in about 1 1/2 - 2 hrs max. Have done some many over the years. It is easy. What takes the longest it cleaning and scraping all the old RTV off the block and intake. Just take your time and install everything back in the same location....even the bolts.

[94m6hardtopz]

6 hours, $hit. maybe if i open the hood, then go back and drink beer for 4 hours then come back and start on it.

it was a problem from the factory. if someone built me an engine and it leaked oil from the intake id be looking for that sorry mutherfu(ker.

[slow260z]

4 - 6 hours for FIRST time is about right!

2 hours for someone who has done it before is considered slow unless they have one arm in a cast or your thumbs are broken. I just changed one in about one hour. First timers will bag and label each bolt write all down etc. Someone who has done it will not finish second beer and be done.

Now that humor is out of the way, buy a Haynes manual for what is needed and torque pattern and spec's. Remember to have plenty of rags to cover lifter galley as you work, and use shop vac to clean once complete and prior to RTV.

Work slowly and carefully so after you aren't missing rags or wondering if you left something in there.

Good luck

[turtle]

Thanks for all the replies guys. I've been working alot lately and it doesn't look like it's gonna let up till somtime next week. I bought the gasket set today so (hopefully) I'll be fixing my intake next weekend. Again, thanks for all the advice