Question : LIM coolant passages

[ae3wolfman]

Was doing the LIM gasket change and was wondering about the lower intake cooling passages, on the side with the thermostat, it has passages to the heads, but on the other side, its just blanks, was wondering if that was correct, or if the wrong intake got put on when the previous owner had the engine replaced. Its got me wondering because the heads have passages on both ends, just doesn't look right.

It looks like the part number cast into is 24508395, tried to cross reference but no luck.

Here is a picture of it.

[gsEnterpries]

I have done a ton of these as a mechanic and they all seem to be that way.
-Gary

[1988GTU]

I have always wondered what would happen if you sealed the head side off? Seems stupid GM would put something on one side that has flow and the other that doesnt while causing a future concern.

[ae3wolfman]

Thanks guys, just seemed weird to me, first time tearing one of these down. It does seem retarded to block off that end though.

[ForcedFirebird]

Two reasons I can think of for it, 1) to force coolant to the back of the heads, and 2) the heads have both holes so they can be used on either side of the engine (ie one casting mold).

[geoffinbc]

Most V engine are like that. You always want coolant to flow from one end of the head toward the thermostat housing. The holes in the head are open on both ends because the heads are interchangeable. The intake blocks the unused holes to control the flow of coolant. Some builders get fancy and build crossovers and stuff like that but in general conditions it is not required.

[ae3wolfman]

In that case why not just machine the intake flush then. All that indention does is create a failure point and collect gunk in it.

[geoffinbc]

Yea not sure. Some casting thing. Maybe something to do with the cores? Who knows?