Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Replacing intake manifold gasket on 2.5L Duratec

Hey guys...first post here, but I've already browsed this site and found a lot of useful info.

My fiancee's 98 contour has been having a idling problem, and I suspected a vacuum leak since she was also having problems with the brakes. They took it to a shop and told her it was going to be $700 to fix it. 98% of that cost is labor no doubt, they told them something about having to pull the motor to fix it, but I think that's BS.

I'm no expert on Contours, but I am good with a wrench and have done motor swaps and cam installs and everything under the sun with Pontiac Grand Prix GTP's, which are also FWD V6's (not DOHC, but still). If it is possible, and maybe someone on this great site has done a write up on it, I was considering doing it myself to save her the money, because we don't have alot saving for a wedding and all. And I was almost SURE I've seen a write up on here when I was searching for other info on her car here.

So what do you think guys, is it possible? Is there a GOOD write up out there? I don't doubt my mechanical skills, but I don't want to get into somethign way over my head either with no guide to go by.

Thanks alot!

Neal

Welcome . Duratec Maintenance FAQ. UIM/LIM rebuild with pictures. Do you have a CEL code? Scan it and post.

http://www.contour.org/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=v6maint&Number=958650&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=31&fpart=1

Edit. And cross posting is a no, no. One post is usually good enough.

Sorry...didn't know how busy this place was. I need to figure this out ASAP. Mods can delete one if they find it necessary.

So this is something do-able then? Anyone that has done it before have comments?

As far as codes go, I jotted them down fast so they probably aren't verbatim.

Codes:

Lean (obviously due to a vacuum leak)
IAC (I replaced this the other day first thing)
02 sensor rear bank
misfire (probably needs plugs/wires, which I have)

Quite a few of us have done it without issues. Some have had issues (gaskets not sealed properly, etc.). As I previously posted, what is the CEL code which led you to determine that the gaskets were shot? Have you checked by spraying carb cleaner close to determine the exact locations of the leaks?

CEL? Like the codes read by the OBD scanners?

The mechanic they took it to said that the intake manifold gasket was leaking. I didn't really question them, because after cleaning the MAF and replacing the IAC, it was still doing the same thing. Combine that with the fact the brakes were barely working which meant low vacuum, I knew it had to be something like that.

That's about all I can say really.

I just got a quote from the mechanic I always use at ~$435-450 to do both UIM and LIM gaskets. Better than 700 but still.

Bite the bullet and do it myself and save my woman $350+?