Intake Gasket Replacement - Advice, anything else?

[92GMCK2500]

I will soon be doing an intake manifold gasket replacement. This is furthest I've dived into an engine before, but I have PhD in common sense, am mechanically minded and a have copy of the GM service and haynes repair manual's in hand. I've collected the following parts;

Intake gasket - FelPro
Rocker cover gaskets - FelPro
Distributor gasket - FelPro
New EGR valve (and gasket) - Delphi (#EG10099)
New IAC valve - AC Delco

Done in the last 6 months;
TBI system re-build (gaskets, filters etc - AC Delco).
New TPS.
Ultimate TBI mods.
PCV valve - tested - ok.
PCV hoses - replaced.
Spark plugs and wires - NGK plugs, Delco wires.
Cleaned IAC.

Done in the last 12-18 months;
New distributor cap and rotor
New Ignition control module
Fuel filter
Air filter
New battery
Oil change

With a goal of giving this truck a solid tune up, is there anything else worth replacing / upgrading 'while I am in there'?

Or anything that I have missed? Water pump? Thermostat?

The above sequence of maintenance seems crazy now that I've written it down. All was undertaken as funds allowed and on a 'process of elimination' basis trying to fixing an on-going coolant leak (progressively worst), white smoke from the exhaust on start-up and at idle, idle problems - high on start up (1200-1500RPM), dropping to a rough 300-400RPM sitting at the lights once warmed to operating temp. I have recently noticed that the upper radiator hose is not very warm or surging following a squeeze test after the truck has been idling for 15-20mins. It took 15mins or so for the idle to drop down from 1200-1500RPM.

I am hoping the new intake gasket procedure and a overall check over on re-assembly will fix my issues.

Appreciate any help! Cheers.

 

[alpinecrick]

New intake bolts. They are one time use, although some guys do reuse them, but you're taking a chance of breaking them off even at the super low torque setting called for.

I know this.........

 

[DerekTheGreat]

Are you sure you're dealing with just an intake gasket leak? Have you done a compression test? Is there coolant in the oil?

 

[someotherguy]

New intake bolts. They are one time use, although some guys do reuse them, but you're taking a chance of breaking them off even at the super low torque setting called for.

I know this.........

Incorrect. He's working on a TBI small block.

Richard

 

[magimerlin]

Since you'll have the intake off already I'd go ahead and replace that stupid heater hose fitting on the rear of the intake if you haven't done that yet. Get rid of the quick disconnect crap and put a brass barbed nipple there so it doesnt corrode fail and break like the pot metal stock piece does, at the worst time...lol.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using Tapatalk

 

[PlayingWithTBI]

white smoke from the exhaust on start-up and at idle,

White smoke = burning water/antifreeze. Blue smoke = burning oil

Are you sure you're dealing with just an intake gasket leak? Have you done a compression test? Is there coolant in the oil?

What he said - compression test, leak down test

https://dannysengineportal.com/how-to-do-a-cylinder-leak-down-test/

 

[alpinecrick]

Incorrect. He's working on a TBI small block.

Richard

You're right, my mistake. I came on here just now to correct it! But ya' beat me to it.........

 

[someotherguy]

You're right, my mistake. I came on here just now to correct it! But ya' beat me to it.........

No worries. Didn't want the guy to be scared of his intake bolts.

Richard

 

[92GMCK2500]

Are you sure you're dealing with just an intake gasket leak? Have you done a compression test? Is there coolant in the oil?

I know for sure the engine has very poor compression, its almost 300kms in and knocks like a mother. No coolant in oil. Thanks for the tip though. I am trying to do quick/cheap fixes to keep this ol girl going... eventually this old engine will be pulled and a new crate engine will go in! Can't believe the truck still runs, its amazing given the life its had. Cheers

 

[92GMCK2500]

White smoke = burning water/antifreeze. Blue smoke = burning oil


What he said - compression test, leak down test

https://dannysengineportal.com/how-to-do-a-cylinder-leak-down-test/

Its for sure white smoke. Just went out and checked again. Cheers