Turns out my compression tester was faulty...tested 5+6 with some tape around the joint and got 150 on all cylinders...big relief. Got the intake off today. Two bolts broke...on of the intake ones an one of the thermostat ones. Any suggestions on that or just the normal song and dance. Going to order parts now, wanted to check and see if people had any recommendations on better intake gaskets or should I stick with OEM? Also, anything else I should change while I'm doing this? I read that the o-rings on the coolant line that goes directly under the intake can leak and I figured might as well replace the thermostat while I'm at it. I'd appreciate any other recommendations.

 

As you know, it is always easier to spend somebody else's $$$. Sooooo,

If the radiator hoses are original, you might consider replacing them if they feel squishy.
If you replace the lower radiator hose,make sure the replacement has the spring inside to prevent collapse at high engine RPM.

Just make sure to drain the cooling system before removing the intake or coolant will get into places it shouldn't.
Winter is on it's way and fresh anti freeze would be a good move also.
When refilling the cooling system , go slow, and allow a place for trapped air to get out, will save a lot of grief.
Go slow and be careful and you shouldn't miss anything.
Please keep us informed and thanks for your participation here.

 

Does anyone have access to a proper parts system? I'm trying to do this all online and wasted an hour trying to find what I need.

Specifically I am looking for the intake bolts and the thermostat bolts. I thought I found the rights ones but they are the wrong length...the ones I pulled off the intake are 60mm and the thermostat are 100mm (not including head). I have no idea how to find the o-rings for the coolant tube that is directly below the intake. I'd appreciate any help.

 

If you go to a NAPA parts store, most of them have dozens of bolt bins with various lengths and thread pitch. Take what is left of your old ones with you.

 

@dpboone Thanks for hint. I've got a couple near me and never knew that...some places were selling bolts for $15 per...haha

 

It might be a good idea to establish a relationship with your NAPA store. Some 0ffer delivery.

 

@hanky My goal is to stay away from all parts stores as much as possible...if my vehicles.are.willing to cooperate...lol

 

Most times we never look at where our parts are made. There is a lot of imported JUNK around and discount auto stores make their highest $$ return selling that junk that many times is defective right out of the box. You have to be careful with on line sellers also.

You might pay a little more for OEM parts , but you buy and install them once, Dealerships cannot afford comebacks.

Many times a defective part is replaced with another defective part and that is when we start looking for help.