Question: Anybody done HGs on 3.4 V6

[durallymax]

I've got a 95 Monte Carlo with the 3.4L V6, and it has blown HG's. I hear this is common.

Just wondering if anybody has ever done much work with one of these.

Wondering if its best to just drop the front of the car out, tilt the motor, or send it to the scrapyard.

Also what other things I should replace while im in there. I really have no clue what to do on a gas engine, been in and out of the LB7 many times, but gassers still make me go

 

[redmax1982]

To do headgaskets in a 3.4 dohc i would sugest dropin the motor out the bottom. it is to tight to get the timing cover off in the car. it really sucks bad

 

[Randy5.0]

There is an upgraded intake gasket that is available. I had to put one on the wifes 01 Impala because it was drinking water. It had small metal dowel pins added to keep it from compressing too much. I can't remember for sure, but I think the pushrods might have been different lengths from intake to exhaust.

 

[durallymax]

To do headgaskets in a 3.4 dohc i would sugest dropin the motor out the bottom. it is to tight to get the timing cover off in the car. it really sucks bad

Figured it would be best to do that, guess thats the first thing on the list then.

If theres one good thing about working on duramaxes, its that prices for all other engines look cheap. Like $15 for a headgasket vs $110.

 

[68skylark455]

Is it a DOHC? I don't remember them being in the Monte Carlo. If it is then yes its easier just to pull the motor. If its the plain v6 then its easy. The pushrods are 2 different lengths they have a better designed intake gasket that is rubber over metal so it dosen't leak. Also, while you are there remove the oil pump drive and replace the o'ring. Its where the dist. used to be under the throttle body. Be careful torquing the rocker arms back in-they have a tendancy to strip the threads. No other tricks except on the back passenger side of the head you have to remove the bolts in front and the 2 on the back under the alternator on the bracket to get the head off and its easier if you remove the stud for the coil pack closest to the driverside to remove the bottom valve cover bolt. Use silicone for the end gaskets on the lower intake and around the o'ring on the heater hose nipple. Any other questions just ask or call me 3253746912 I would be happy to help.

 

[Cougar281]

Like Larry said, if it's a "normal" pushrod 3400, it won't be to bad to do in vehicle. I got done doing a headgasket job on a 97 Lumina 3100, which is almost the same car and motor. A bit tight getting the rear exahust manifold off, but I'd say that was the worst of it. You can always rock the motor forward once the mounts are off.

 

[durallymax]

i believe it is a DOHC, i thought thats what it said last time i looked in there.

Its got the big ol Z34 package and from the specs i found on the interweb its a 3.4 DOHC.

 

[68skylark455]

Yes, if it is a Z34 option then its DOHC. Easier to pull the motor. On that one you have to pull the drivers side axel just to put in an alternator

 

[durallymax]

well thanks for the info, youll probably be getting some calls when i tear into it next week.

Gotta finish up a tranny job first though.