2002 5.3 intake manifold gasket replacement.

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R422b

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I need to replace the intake manifold gasket on my flex fuel 5.3 Tahoe and I was wondering if there is anything in particular I should know about?
I did a forum search but I couldn't find anything.

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R422b

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I hear of people putting rtv or various gasket sealers around the openings in the gasket so I was wondering what everyone's opinion on that is.

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Livebai8

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I need to replace the intake manifold gasket on my flex fuel 5.3 Tahoe and I was wondering if there is anything in particular I should know about?
I did a forum search but I couldn't find anything.

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I did the same for my 02...i did so because I had to replace the knock sensors so I changed the sensors...new pigtail, and them went ahead and did intake gasket. I also cleaned the inside of intake, and cleaned all the fuel injectors. It's one of those times where if you open it up replace everything. The only thing i didn't do was the oil sensor.

02 TAHOE LS 4X4
5.3l FLEX FUEL
285/70/17 W/Z71 RIMS


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R422b

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I did the same for my 02...i did so because I had to replace the knock sensors so I changed the sensors...new pigtail, and them went ahead and did intake gasket. I also cleaned the inside of intake, and cleaned all the fuel injectors. It's one of those times where if you open it up replace everything. The only thing i didn't do was the oil sensor.

02 TAHOE LS 4X4
5.3l FLEX FUEL
285/70/17 W/Z71 RIMS


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Good idea. I will definitely clean everything.

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Livebai8

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Good idea. I will definitely clean everything.

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It was my first time so I took pics, notes and even printed out the torque sequence!!

02 TAHOE LS 4X4
5.3l FLEX FUEL
285/70/17 W/Z71 RIMS


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Sam Harris

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You also want to build up a small dam of rtv around those knock sensors. They have an issue with corrosion getting down into the sensor holes, so it’s a good idea to stop that next time around. Like so:
7a6e64c53376c738ca9909790261d9af.jpg
 
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R422b

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I wonder if I should replace the knock sensors while I am in there?

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Larryjb

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I'd do the valley pan gasket too for sure, and perhaps the camshaft sensor. The reason I suggest the camshaft sensor is to replace the gasket. If you ever get an oil leak, you can be more confident that it is not coming from above if you replace those items.
 
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R422b

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I'd do the valley pan gasket too for sure, and perhaps the camshaft sensor. The reason I suggest the camshaft sensor is to replace the gasket. If you ever get an oil leak, you can be more confident that it is not coming from above if you replace those items.
Hmmm if I ever.....

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R422b

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View attachment 276466 View attachment 276467
And replace the Oil Pressure Sensor that was right there in the back of the engine.
I will have to call the dealer tomorrow because on RockAuto all I am seeing is wave or standard motor products. I try to use all ACDelco on my vehicle unless there is a better brand.

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Larryjb

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Hmmm if I ever.....

Has your rear main seal been done yet? If not... have fun one day! :devilfinger:

The rear main seal itself may actually be good, but the rear main cover often leaks badly. Unfortunately, you have to tear things apart just as much to replace it. Don't ask how I know!
 
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R422b

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Knock sensor harness, too.
Any recommendations on brands? I am looking on RockAuto and I can't tell if any of the AC Delco ones are actually the whole harnes.

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R422b

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Has your rear main seal been done yet? If not... have fun one day! :devilfinger:

The rear main seal itself may actually be good, but the rear main cover often leaks badly. Unfortunately, you have to tear things apart just as much to replace it. Don't ask how I know!
I did that the first time I pulled the transmission. [emoji16] The front of the engine is wet with oil though.
I have been planning on changing the belts, idlers, harmonic balancer and front seal.
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