I just recently developed what I believe is the LIMG issue. Temp gauge has been a little erratic(not overheating, but warmer than normal)losing coolant anyways I get home and open the hood to check and looking for visual clues. I hear a hissing sound and can see bubbling lower than the plenum on the drivers side rear. I believe it is close to what I believe is the fuel pressure regulator and are the fuel lines. I do not have coolant in the oil that I can see(yet)

So is this a classic case for LIMG replacement?

I know this has been discussed many times over the years but I do appreciate any feedback

 

Better to get it replaced anyway... they usually start to fail between 80,000 miles and up....So, If your looseing fluid.... I'd say its time!

replace that lower with the aluminum gasket that's available now....you'll never have a lower intake gasket issue ever again! Be greatful you caught it before...it contaminated the rest of the motor.

How many miles do you have on it now?

 

Most people just call it LIM Gasket.

But yes, what you described sounds very much like a failed LIM gasket. The ONLY other thing to ensure is that it's not also a head gasket issue. I say this because you mentioned some erratic temp behavior. It could be either low coolant causing that issue OR compression gases from the cylinder entering the coolant system (this not just causes an air pocket, but also over pressurizes the cooling system if it happens).

Do you get any hesitation when the car starts, large/thick white smoke out the exhaust? If not, then it is probably safe to say you don't have head gasket issues.

I also know some that say if you are doing LIM gaskets, go for the heads anyways....

 

Pretty sure the erratic temp is from coolant circulating and having air in the system now. It never over heated it just jumped up and down in a consistent time pattern.

What brand is the aluminum gasket kit. I would rather spend a little extra if it means not having to revisit this issue. The car is at 108,000 miles. I watched one of the videos and should not be to bad. Tear down starts tonight. I have been fortunate and that I have another vehicle to drive

 

FelPro is the company that I would recommend for the aluminum gaskets. While the car is apart, take time to inspect the various hoses and things that might be problem-matic to service when it's together.
I know the 3100 in my old '94 Grand Am was a pain to reach the heater hoses. When I had the heads off at about 150,000 miles, I changed out the factory heater hoses.