I have a '96 3.8, and lately the water and coolant has been leaking, but i dont know where. I did a pressure test and there was no visible leaking, so i guess it is internal. Now there is water in the oil. Does anybody know where i have a leak and possibly how to fix it?

 

lower intake gasket or head gasket will leak coolent into the motor,time to replace them

 

Definitely replace both head gaskets and lower intake gasket. If you can manage, I'd park the car until this was done. The coolant in your oil will begin to tear up the main and rod bearings. There's also a risk of hydrolocking your engine as well. While you're at it, you may as well do some more maintenence as well. (plugs, wires, thermostat, filters, etc.) Not a requirement, but not a bad time to do it sice you're already pulling stuff apart.

 

how much more work is it to replace the lower intake gasket after i replace the head gaskets? And how long does it taKe to do all of this? Because i have to drive my dad's truck while this is happening and i want to get an idea of how long it will take.

 

well.... you have to take the lower intake off to change the headgaskets

 

Replace both the lower intake and the head gaskets. If you're mechanicaly compitent, you could start in the morning and be done by early afternoon if not sooner. That is, if you have all the parts and tools when you start. I'd suggest buying a Haynes manual for your application. They can be found at almost any major auto parts chain. (autozone, napa, etc.) If you've never done anything like this or are not automotively inclined, I'd suggest finding a friend who is.

 

Well I tell you I am very automotively inclined and I do not think you can do this job in less than 10-12 hrs. There is no way you can pull this motor down and put it all back together by mid afternoon. If you have a few extra hands you may be able to but one man could not do this job in the time you say.

 

hmmm,....on a 3.8L? not that im disagreeing with you on whether THIS guy could do it that quick,....but i'd be inclined to take a bet on whether I could especially if it were on a lift at work with my tools.

 

On a lift at work also changes things. Now you do not have to jack it up put it on stands and crawl around to unbolt the exhaust, manifolds and remove the plugs and wires. Also if you work on the 3.8L alot I might give you a few extra hours off the 10-12. But I still say it will take the average person with any mechanical skill at all 10-12hrs to do this job. 9 hours minimum if everything goes right and he does not have any problems accessing any bolts or nothing breaks on him. Just my opinion. I emailed a forum member on her the other night that said he had just done the cylinder head gasket change and he emailed me back and talked about how easy it was and you could do it in 2 hrs. I replied to him and asked if he was sure of what he said and OOPS I meant the valve cover gaskets. So don't always believe everything you read on here. I know some guys do this for a living and that also changes things. I my self I am a Firefighter by trade and play with cars as a hobby but I bet I am as good and as fast as any average mechanic going.