Well rhall77, thats if you use GM parts. The fel-pro (cheaper) lower intake gasket does not have the metal spacer update and is commonly sold at any autoparts store. Even with this spacer it most certainly is possible to crack this gasket upon installation. Consider this -- what if the lower intake manifold was warped? Was it checked for warpage? This is an all too common - over looked - problem. Also, in my opinion, even if the oil WAS changed - after replacing the gasket - the gasket was cracked. When the engine got up to temperature "50 miles down the road", this crack opened up and dex-cool destroyed this engine.
Rhall77, I am sure you have changed many of these gaskets ( as I am sure the so called mechanic in this case has). If not then here is a little tip -- the first thing you do is drain the coolant. The little bit of coolant that still may be left inside of the intake WILL NOT cause a Chevy 350 cubic inch engine to SIEZE UP just 50 miles down the road. I am willing to bet if you poured 1/2 of a gallon of 50/50 dex-cool directly into the crank case of a chevy 350 there would be no problem. The problem here was the constant flow and mixing of coolant in the oil !
Tuesday, May 20th, 2008 AT 2:56 PM