I am assumeing that coolant is leaking around the lower intake - which indicates a lower intake gasket failure. The parts for this job are cheap but the labor is what costs the most. This job is labor intensive and should be done by an ASE certified mechanic. I would find a mechanic that does a lot of chevy work (like a dealer). This gasket failure is very common on these motors, and a good mechanic should have done lots of these.
Also, here is a little tip -- this job requires the removal of the distributer - (the distributer is the thing that distributes the spark to the engine). The distributer is very sensitive and does not like to be disturbed. Whoever you take this truck to, ask them if they have a scan tool that can reset the cam retard offset when the distributer is disturbed. If the mechanic says "don't worry about that, I can mark the distributer and put it back in exactly in the same spot" - or - "I can time the engine with a timing light". Then DO NOT go to this mechanic.A computer scan tool is the only way to set the timing on these engines, and unless the mechanic has a $15000.00 scan tool, then your best bet is the dealer. Tell the dealer mechanic (or who ever you have do it) that when the gasket is replaced, you want the Cam Retard Offset properly set to specification with a scan tool. (The spec. Is zero, plus or minus 2 degrees). This will make it look like you know what you are talking about.
Now the bad news -- this job will probably run 400 to 600 bucks.
Tuesday, January 26th, 2010 AT 3:00 PM
