Thread: Blown Head Gasket?

Hey guys, new here. My son has an '02 SE with the 3.1 engine. He had it overheat and die on him the other day. I checked today and the radiator was empty and when I started adding coolant, it was running out on the ground. It looks like its coming from between the head and block. The oil looked fine, so I don't think its the LIM. How difficult are the head gaskets to replace. I just watched the video for replacing the LIM so I guess I should just plan on doing the head/heads and LIM at the same time. Any suggestions/hints I should know before wading into this project.
Thanks,
Brent

The LIM doesn't look too bad, but I'm a bit nervous about doing the head gasket. I know someone on here has to have some advice.

Originally Posted by cajun98

The LIM doesn't look too bad, but I'm a bit nervous about doing the head gasket. I know someone on here has to have some advice.

I'm doing the lim a vale covers today first big project for myself just look up a lot of information, videos and what ever more take your time and just read as much as you can

Thanks for the reply, guys. I don't think its a freeze plug, as I could see coolant running out between the head and block. I've got the car in the garage so I'll put it on juck stands and double check. Are there any special precautions/techniques to be aware of when pulling the head?

Originally Posted by cajun98

Thanks for the reply, guys. I don't think its a freeze plug, as I could see coolant running out between the head and block. I've got the car in the garage so I'll put it on juck stands and double check. Are there any special precautions/techniques to be aware of when pulling the head?

Not sure personally but use the search bar at the top and see what you can find I have a 3.8 supercharged gtp so its not all the same but hopefully some of the older members will chime in they can help you with everything

No, I can see the coolant leaking out where the head and block mate, below the front center spark plug. I've got the UIM and LIM removed but now I've hit a snag. I can't remove the passenger side dog bone mount where it connects to the engine block below the exhaust manifold. I can get it to move a little but cant remove it. Thus, I can't get to the exhaust manifold so I can remove the head. Any hints are greatly appreciated.
Brent

Well, I managed to get the mount loose. dsmuts, I was referring to the mounts on the front of engine that bolt to the engine block and upper radiator support. I've heard them called dog bones. I now have to get the exhaust manifold loose and then remove the head.

haha, i know the feeling. Now I have to get those stubborn head bolts to come loose. They are in there tight.

Well, I finally got the head off, and the gasket was totally trashed around the #2 cylinder. Water was getting into the combustion chamber and running out between the head and block. I've got everything pretty much cleaned up, so tomorrow I'll see if I can put this puzzle back together. One more question. I've got a new Felpro gasket, and the opening in the gasket are smaller than the corresponding water passage opening in the head/block. Is this a problem?

Got the head checked and no problems there. Now for the reassembly fun.

Well, I finally got the car put back together. She started right up and so far, no leaks or drips. I ended up replacing both head gaskets, all the valve seals, UIM and LIM gaskets and replaced a few vacuum hoses. I did have to take everything apart once after I had a bad leak in the fuel rail. One dinky little O-ring caused alot of extra work, but she seems ok now. Thanks to everyone who offered advice. It was much appreciated.
Brent