OC after LIM gasket repair?

[ZR2grizz]

Hello all, I just had my LIM gaskets changed on my 99' 4.3L this last Monday. I talked to the tech. who did the work, and he said I should not have to change the oil early due to the fact he does an excellent job of draining/cleaning/vacuuming (self proclaimed) during the job. I'm a little skeptical though, and was curious if anyone has had this type of work done, and if/when did you change your oil to get rid of any possible contamination of coolant that might remain in the system.

Thanks in advance for any advice,

 

[cmhj]

When in doubt?

I'd do it regardless of what he said. What's a few dollars in an OC compared to what was just done?

 

[sciphi]

I'd err on the side of caution and change the oil right now. It's cheap insurance.

Gospel in the 3800 community is running a cheap dino oil for 10-15 minutes after you button it up if you do spill any antifreeze.

Also, it's practically gospel to drain your oil and leave the drain plug out with a drain pan underneath when you're doing LIM gasket work. Reason being that if any antifreeze gets into the lifter valley you can flush it immediately before it eats away the bearings.

Sounds like your guy was very good, but did not take these precautions.

 

[ZR2grizz]

I should have added...

Oil was changed per procedure (Havoline DS 5w30/AC Delco PF52, for those interested...Previous fill Cheron Supreme/PureOne).

I should have stated this better, my question was should I do an additional OC along with the shops OC?

 

[sciphi]

I'd still change it to make sure. That's what I'm going to do when I do the LIM gaskets on my Buick in a few weeks. Fill it up with cheap stuff, run it for an afternoon, and change. It's another $10-15, but it ensures there is no trace of antifreeze left in the engine.

 

[WishIhadatruck]

When I had my 3.8L V6 done they did a oil change at the shop. I drove it 7 miles home and drained out the new oil and I could see the steam coming out of it from all the coolant in the oil. It smelled like coolant as well. I then did another short OCI after a week. After that ran 3k miles and did a UOA.

You can see the results here.
https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/pennzoil-10w30-3434-miles-01-grand-prix-3800-v6.89639/

It had even less sodium and potassium in a much later UOA so it still had trace amounts in it even then. I'd change it out ASAP just to be safe.

 

[il_signore97]

When I did the lower intake manifold gaskets on my mother's Venture (3.4L V6) and on my friend's Grand Prix GTP (3.8L V6 supercharged), I changed the oil several times as a precaution. The job is messy by nature, and I can guarantee that I took more care than any mechanic would have, but there will always be some grit and coolant that falls in there.

After I finished the job, I put new oil in and a new filter, drove around for a while, and drained it. Changed the filter again, added more new oil, and changed it out around 2000 km's later. Changed the filter, added new oil again, and changed it 4000 km's later.

I went back to my normal OCI's and my typical syn oil / filter after that.

I also recommend flushing out the cooling system again sometime after the service (a garden hose attachment works well for that).

 

[pair of Blazers]

+1 on the change.after my LIM was done drove home changed oil then did it 200 mi later just to be sure it was all cleared out.
here is a loo at my UOA's
http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubb...844#Post1316844

 

[ZR2grizz]

Thanks for the advice, I wish I would have changed the oil out that night. I think I have around 70-80mi. on it right now, and I be dumping it in the morning and again next weekend.

Hopefully not 2-litte 2-late...

 

[il_signore97]

Originally Posted By: ZR2grizz
Thanks for the advice, I wish I would have changed the oil out that night. I think I have around 70-80mi. on it right now, and I be dumping it in the morning and again next weekend.

Hopefully not 2-litte 2-late...



Not to worry. 70 miles is likely not a problem. Your oil change plan should work just fine.

 

[Brett Miller]

I ran mine a few hundred miles and changed.

 

[Bill in Utah]

Coolant is BAD.

Oil is GOOD.

Change it ASAP then again @ 1000 miles. Do a 3k OCI after that and get a UOA done on that oil change. Don't worry about TBN.

Do NOT be alarmed if there is still a LITTLE amount of coolant left. Its tough to get rid of.

No matter what your mech did there is NO WAY to NOT get coolant in the engine. A little bit of coolant goes a long way. (and not in the good sense)

After my HG problems it took 4 oil changes before everything came back clean. Then 20k later the HG leaked again....

Bill