Intake Gasket Failure? Advice Needed...

[JimDavis MT 97GTS 650R]

Many 96 & some 97 Vipers had defective intake manifold gaskets. Since that time Chrysler has re-designed the gaskets and recommends they be changed. I believe there was a TSB on this subject, but I can't find it. Unless you have a extended warranty, I doubt the will replace them for free.

 

[Bob Woodhouse]

Your intake gasket is a possibility for the cause of the catalitic convertors overheating. I have however, witnessed the cats overheating without this. I shall assume the car was idling for a period of time. Maybe after a recent full power run. It is prudent to check the EGO sensor values including grounding etc. in the faulted exhaust side. Something is responsible for overfueling your cats.

 

[JonB]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by JimDavis MT 97GTS 650R:
Many 96 & some 97 Vipers had defective intake manifold gaskets. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Correction....... NO 1996s had a TSB covering I/M gaskets. Very few failed, in fact. Beginning w/ MY 1997 Motors, and thru 11/18/1997 only, the gaskets were failing due to improper construction, and waterproofing. They Failed faster in wet/humid climates or on frequently-washed cars. CAAP began using the new gaskets on 11/19/97 and the TSB recommended a retrofit, even without symptoms.

The gasket failure causes a LEAN ssituation, which the PCM/ECU tries to corrcet by adding fuel. Cats can overheat bigtime. But as Wood-man sez...I have also seen this for other obscure reasons

 

[JimDavis MT 97GTS 650R]

WOOPS.I stand corrected Jon. Guess that's why I couldn't find the TSB!