1996 350 Vortec Coolant Leak

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

adray96

I'm Awesome
Joined
Jul 26, 2016
Messages
166
Reaction score
48
Location
Illinois
That'll be a task for tomorrow. I'm to frustrated to keep messing with the truck to do anymore tonight. I got one valve cover on, but I've been struggling with the driver side valve cover for a while, turns out it was backwards...whoops. Turned it around, and still can't get it on right. Plus, obviously the distributor isn't going in right, as it's been discussed.
You must be registered for see images attach


So, all I got left to do is:

-install drivers side valve cover

-figure out distributor

-figure out what hoses and electrical connections go where (that'll be fun, as I stupidly didn't take pictures, and I'm already seeming plenty of stuff I don't remember)

-plug said hoses and connectors in

-tighten down AC bracket

-install skid plates (I took them off to get to ac bracket bolts)

-install upper intake

-install battery and alternator

-bolt down AC stuff

-install air box and stuff

-change oil

-flush and fill radiator

I think that's it




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

adray96

I'm Awesome
Joined
Jul 26, 2016
Messages
166
Reaction score
48
Location
Illinois
Made a little progress:

Got the driver side valve cover on and in place!
You must be registered for see images attach


But, as those of you that have been following along can guess, and given the fact that this thread is 11 long, I hit another problem....

The bolt for the valve cover closest to the valve cover won't tighten down.
You must be registered for see images attach


It'll spin, start to tighten, then become loose again. I've tried pushing down while tightening, but it didn't seem to work. Any insight?




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

SAATR

/\___/\___/\___/\___/\
Supporting Member
Joined
Dec 16, 2010
Messages
2,649
Reaction score
946
Location
Loo E Z an uh
Valve cover isn't fully seated on the head, or the threads are stripped. Should be able to spin it down several turns by hand before it seats on the VC.

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk
 

adray96

I'm Awesome
Joined
Jul 26, 2016
Messages
166
Reaction score
48
Location
Illinois
It's not on backwards, is it? The problem is that the bolt hole on the valve cover won't line up with the one on the head, which doesn't make sense to me. If I'm able to torque down the other three bolts, they obviously line up, even if it was on backwards. One of my teachers at school has a 97 suburban with the 350, and my cousin has a 97 3500 with the 350, and on both their oil fill tube is at the front. So I don't think it's on backwards


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

SAATR

/\___/\___/\___/\___/\
Supporting Member
Joined
Dec 16, 2010
Messages
2,649
Reaction score
946
Location
Loo E Z an uh
Gasket could have popped out and may be sitting under the valve cover at an odd angle, causing it not to go down properly. It isn't on backward.

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk
 

adray96

I'm Awesome
Joined
Jul 26, 2016
Messages
166
Reaction score
48
Location
Illinois
I had my finger under the VC when I figured out the holes weren't lining up, so the gasket wouldn't of been touching


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

adray96

I'm Awesome
Joined
Jul 26, 2016
Messages
166
Reaction score
48
Location
Illinois
Got it. The tube for the bolt on the underside of the VC was a bit bent out of place. I straightened it out, put it back in place like it was nothing, and now it's all torqued down


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

adray96

I'm Awesome
Joined
Jul 26, 2016
Messages
166
Reaction score
48
Location
Illinois
Valve cover, upper intake, and distributor are on the truck. The intake isn't torqued down, though, I'm missing a stud. I was able to get a few plugs and hoses hooked up today as well. I may go back out and work some more tonight, but I'm pretty tired. I'm thinking I can knock a few things out during the week, and have it done next weekend. I feel so close!

You must be registered for see images attach


I do have a question, though. There is a hole on the upper intake, that somewhat overlaps a hole on the lower intake. Does something go there, and is it supposed to line up?
You must be registered for see images attach



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

adray96

I'm Awesome
Joined
Jul 26, 2016
Messages
166
Reaction score
48
Location
Illinois
Thank you for the picture. I have a teacher with a 97 suburban with the 350 that we're kind of using as a shop truck, so he let me take some reference pictures. I'll try and do some more to the truck tomorrow night.

I ended up ordering a bolt kit that has upper intake bolts, throttle body bolts, and a few others. I originally wanted to get all new bolts and stuff for the upper intake, but didn't really look. I just ordered them from the dealer I work at.

I do have a question though. How do I remove the third throttle body bolt? There's a sleeve or something keeping me from getting a socket on it, and when the upper intake was off, I couldn't really get a wrench on it.
You must be registered for see images attach



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Top