1998 Suburban Intake Manifold

[Legolas894]

Not sure if this is the right place for this.

Ran out of fuel last Friday night at the side of the road. Fuelled up and engine started ok. Next morning, engine wouldn't run (it would turn over but not fire). Thought I had crap in the lines from running empty or bad fuel. Changed fuel filter-was plugged a little. No difference-still wouldn't stay running or really start. No "Service Engine Soon" light on either.

Had it towed to my favourite garage. Mechanic checks fuel pressure-right in normal range. He thinks it's not getting spark. Changes distributor cap-All is well. He calls me to tell me that he noticed the coolant was low (I had just added some a few weeks ago). He can see the coolant leaking out the intake manifold but still outside of the engine. He shows me a Jimmy in the garage where he's just changed the manifold. He says it's an $800 job to put a new intake manifold gasket on using a better gasket than the factory had used. He can do it but I can get by a few months as long as the coolant doesn't show up in the oil.

Is this a hard repair for a novice? I've done brakes, alternators, wheel cylinders, bearings etc. Do I need any special tools? I just have impact gun, ratchets, torque wrench, timing light etc.

Thanks!