Ok, so my head gasket blew 2 months ago, my poor little monte has been sitting there begging me to replace the gaskets. I bought the gasket set and new bolts. My haynes manual is somewhat vague as in the steps i should do everything... So I was wondering is there anyone on here that has any hints or tips that I should follow? I've done a lot of work on the car and I'd hate to have to junk it now.

 

what years your monte and what engine is in it?

 

Oh, geez I guess that would be helpful... its a 1995 LS with a 3.1

 

Wow. Z34 would be the best to answer this question, but I would recommend taking some pics or even video as you disassemble. You are going to be pulling the valve covers off, taking out the rockers and pushrods. I'm not sure if you need to rip off the passenger side of the engine to do this, on my 04 monte you pretty much have to take that whole side off to get at it.

 

yeah dans right you are also gonna have to remove the upper and lower intake manifold, unhook some wiring, if you're good and careful you can keep the fuel lines connected. so you will also need new valve cover gaskets, upper and lower intake manifold gaskets, ect... not to sound like a *** but the chance of screwing something up is high if you're not sure exactly what you're doing i suggest letting someone else do it. and u might have to flush your engine as well cos when that gasket went im pretty sure coolant got into your oil. but that all depends where the gasket went. you are definatly in for a job. hopefully you're up to it

 

Like i said I've done a work, not a whole lot of engine work though. But I'm learning... a semi-photogrtaphic memory helps, lol, but yea, the oil and coolant mix... ruined my day when i pulled the dip stick and saw it. And what's worse is that we just got lots of snow yesterday so I have to use someone else's garage.Anyone know of a good tutorial with photos? Just so I know what shoould be taken off and not and all that

 

Just thought I'd give ya guys an update... you were right... it is a bitch of a project but I'm nearly done. Tomorrow I should have the heads off and will be checking them for any warpage. I got both intakes off today, and found out my real problem is that the intake gaskets were the ones that blew, but I'm replacing the head gaskets anyways since I'm this far in. Also thinking of doing the timing chain, and putting in some new fuel injectors for better performance... Also thinking of doing a write up on the project. Have pics of the major steps... whatcha think? :-)

 

I'd hold off on the head gaskets. There is alot of room for error doing those than the intake. I would replace the intake gasket as far as you've gotten and reassemble the engine.

Run some cheap SYNTHETIC oil through the engine then for about 20 min and then drain and discard it. Refill with whatever oil you normally use. Synthetic oil will bond to the coolat and remove it from your engine so you don't have anymore problems concerning it. It also has the advantage of you will be able to tell if you have anymore coolant leaking in.

 

Ok, well I did take out a head bolt and it had a bit of coolant on it... should i countinue? I mean it's not the end of the world if i have to take it out again and all... but theres no way to tell if it really is the head gasket from here is there?

 

The coolant on the bolt could just mean it reaches a water jacket. Not that the head gasket is gone.



But I'm learning... a semi-photogrtaphic memory helps,

I have a somewhat semi-pornographic memory myself.