seanb98
OBS Enthusiast
Thanks for the info! If the distributor needs pulled, won't it need timed with a scan tool as someotherguy mentioned above in the case of the distributor gear replacement?The block has two drain plugs located about mid engine, just above the oil pan flange. On the passenger side the plug is also the knock sensor. On the driver side it's a hex head bolt about 9/16ths. Both are male pipe fitting tapered threads.
If you do the lower intake gaskets, you might consider draining the coolant. You can re use it if you can catch it.
The gaskets are famous for failing but the reason why is up for debate. Common theory holds that Dexcool eats the gaskets. Others call BS. Either way it's a common problem.
You can do it in a weekend if you are handy with a wrench. You need the Felpro gasket kit and a tube of RTV. You unplug most of the harness and lay it over on the driver's side. Then you unbolt the ac compressor and lay it over on the passenger side. Other than that, the hardest part is pulling the distributor. You have to put it back exactly how you found it. There are lots of great videos on Youtube.
What are you using the RTV for? Most gasket kits are typically assembled dry for best sealing.
I'm sure it's far less than a weekend job, probably only a few hours for me. I am fully outfitted with tools (not a scan tool unfortunately) and have significant background turning wrenches. This suburban I have actually turned into a service rig loaded down with all my tools in order to free up the bed space in my pickup for other uses.
Anyway, it all sounds easy enough, but I'm the type of guy that likes to go into a job prepared rather than dive in and spend time later scratching my head over some little mystery item I am not familiar with. Hence all the questions ahead of time.