Yes you do have to remove the DISTRIBUTOR. I don't mean anything towards you, But it sounds like you don't do much mechanic work. And this job should be done by a good mechanic that you can trust. It has to be done RIGHT.
there is no lower intake gasket, only a front and rear gasket
Remove the intake manifold retaining bolts from your 1996 Chevy Astro Van. Remove the manifold gasket and clean the surface. Reverse the process to install the new intake manifold gasket.
The labor charge to replace and intake manifold gasket, on a 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe, is approximately $180. It takes approximately 2 1/2 hours to replace the gasket.
to replace the intake gasket would be about 4 hours labor. parts would run about $50
if you are going to replace the intake gasket you might as well change the head gaskets at the same time[it will cost you a little now but save you a lot later
If you are sure that it did not freeze and crack the block, Then the intake manifold gasket is leaking. That is a common problem with the vortec Chevy engines. You need to replace the gasket with a factory Chevy gasket from the dealer.
Remove everything on top of the intake (hoses, fuel rails, linkages.) Unbolt the manifold and remove it. Clean the old gasket off and replace it. Reinstall all parts removed to get to the gasket.
The gasket set is $55.00 The labor is $250.00
The head gasket on a 1999 Chevy Malibu is replaced by removing the coolant, intake manifold, and retaining bolts. The cylinder head can then be removed, the gasket replaced, and everything reassembled.
well so far it cost me $700.00
Remove intake and exhaust manifold. Remove head and replace the gasket. This is a major repair best left to a professional.
You need to replace your intake manifold gasket. Chevy had a bad problem with these gaskets.