Complete Head Gasket Replacement on Popular GM 3800 Series 3.8L V6 Engine - 1995 and Up

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03:23 air cleaner and mass airflow sensor removal
11:09 removing heater core housing, alternator, coil pack, tensioner
12:45 plenum, fuel rail, power steering pump, exhaust bypass
17:35 secret intake manifold bolt removal
19:09 exhaust manifold removal, push rods and lifters removal
23:01 cylinder head off - reason why cylinder head gasket blew
24:30 checking cylinder head for warpage
26:59 rear head removal
30:26 flushing cooling block clean prior the assembly
37:51 installation of everything that was removed to completion
47:08 starting the engine after completed head gasket
Makes, and models:
* Buick Le Sabre
* Buick Park Avenue
* Buick Regal LS
* Buick Riviera
* Chevrolet Camaro
* Chevrolet Impala
* Chevrolet Lumina LTZ
* Chevrolet Monte Carlo (Z34, LT, SS)
* Holden Commodore (VS, VT, VX, VY)
* Holden Caprice (VS, WH, WK)
* Holden Ute (VU, VY)
* Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight
* Oldsmobile Intrigue
* Oldsmobile LSS
* Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight
* Oldsmobile Regency
* Pontiac Bonneville
* Pontiac Firebird
Pontiac Grand Prix
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⁉️QUESTIONS
If you have any questions or I missed something, comment below and I’ll answer and try to help you out
If you find this video helpful, like it and subscribe to my new channel. I’ll have tons of videos on all kinds of car and truck repairs in the
future.
⚠️Disclaimer:
The videos on Motorcarnut channel are posted with informational purpose only.
Information posted in this video does not guarantee any particular result. Use this information provided in the video with caution and at your own risk. It is the responsibility of the viewer to take this risk.
Motorcarnut is not responsible or liable for property damage, any loss damage, or injury related to or resulted from information posted in this video.

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9 сен 2024

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Комментарии : 394

@stevecurtiss46 Месяц назад

My Dad was a fleet diesel mechnic and one thing he taught me is once flushed when you refill coolant system put one quart of diesel fuel then finish filling. Just don't forget you put the fuel and think you blew the head gasket, The system will stay clean for years. Even sitting on the floor for 3 yrs it was not rusty.

@Motorcarnut Месяц назад

I never heard of putting diesel fuel in a coolant system.

@johnsimmons4838 Год назад

I love this guy. I'm doing mine on 2005 bonneville. And this video is my reference. I don't like anyone working on my cars. But I'll gladly let this guy service mine. When he wasn't sure, he said so, referred to the service Manuel. And he was absolute on his install. Hit his like button because I for one will be consulting with his videos from now on. Thank you sir.

@Motorcarnut Год назад

Thank you for the sincere support and feedback! Much appreciated!!!

@strackdriver 2 года назад

Just finished my head gasket repair on 04 park avenue...and without your video I probably would have paid to get it repaired. Thanks to you I did it and followed your step by step video. Thank you very much!

@Motorcarnut 2 года назад

Awesome! Just what I like to hear. Glad everything worked out

@JnRskaters Месяц назад

Glad you saved money it's always nice now go take the family to dinner for what you didn't spend putting in the shop

@killav2922 2 года назад

Thank you for this very descriptive video tutorial. I just did the same exact thing on a 2002 Impala. And I followed step by step. Everything went smooth. I didn't break those 2 fittings you broke but I did snap one of the breather lines lol. But no biggie. I replaced the line. Once again thank you. This helped big time. Took me about 10 hours from start to finish. 1st time doing this

@Motorcarnut 2 года назад

Awesome! posts like yours makes this all worthwhile

@Toniez0 9 месяцев назад

I'm concerned about the gasket holes being small AF I see the video has the similar gasket so I guess I'm going with it

@Motorcarnut 9 месяцев назад

@gamerrodz what brand of head gasket are you using?

@Toniez0 9 месяцев назад

@@Motorcarnut auspartshouse

@Motorcarnut 9 месяцев назад

Your fine

@BleezNudz 2 года назад

This video has been a GOD SEND and is THE ONLY SOURCE I RETURN TO as I’m dismantling and reassembling my 2000 Park Avenue to do the exact same repairs … and taking the extra time to “TRY” to get my engine bay and its components as clean as those in the car on this video, by the time I’m finished. There are HUNDREDS of other DIY tutorials on doing these repairs on a GM 3800 engine, but THIS ONE IS TOPS!! Thank you for the A++ effort you put into making it available to us all.

@Motorcarnut 2 года назад

Thank you very much for taking your time to comment I really appreciate it!!

@matthewpague1750 2 года назад

Got to say I done a hell of a lot of training 35 years in the military this video was outstanding. Thank you.

@Motorcarnut 2 года назад

Thank you very much! I appreciate the comment very much.

@damianpasour 3 месяца назад

Those are really good engines I got a 1999 Buick regal with the 3800 V6 very reliable cars definitely would recommend these older Buick GM car with this engine :) thanks for the video I give it a liked

@Motorcarnut 3 месяца назад

Yes that"s why I did the video

@jessesalem6631 2 года назад

Thank you for being an actual person and showing us how to do it

@Motorcarnut 2 года назад

No problem, thanks for taking the time to comment, I really appreciate it.

@HUBBABUBBADOOPYDOOP 2 года назад

For Folks who don't have a torque wrench that shows degrees of angle: A circle is 360°. Picture an analog clock. 120° is 1/3 of 360°. Start with your ratchet or wrench at 12 O'clock. 4 O'clock would be 1/3 of 60 minutes, 120°. (3x4=12) 😁

@Motorcarnut 2 года назад

Good example.

@robertsmith2956 Год назад

or $10 on ebay you can buy a degree wheel that sits between your ratchet and the socket. ordered mine today. 186K back head leaking. Timing chain cover leaked on front side of block back in january.

@trevorwallace7934 Год назад

I don't have a degree tool or use one. What I do when I'm doing a head gasket job. I'll snug all the head bolts, torque them to the recommended torque specs and sequences. Then once I'm onto stretching the bolts to certain degrees, I'll take a white marker and mark a line at the bottom of each head bolt then stretch them in sequence. In a shop very easy to get distracted by someone or something else and forget What bolt you were on. So the white lines show you hey I did these ones so far so you know where you are at. Plus you know how much you turned the bolt so you know weather you need to turn it more.

@darrensmith9407 2 года назад

This video is excellent because it thoroughly explains the work without taking any shortcuts That way when the audience does the work for themselves, the job gets done quicker and with less mistakes 👍

@Motorcarnut 2 года назад

Thank you very much. I appreciate the comment

@babofritz8268 4 месяца назад

Fantastic video, excellent tutorial, thanks very much. Watching your video makes me feel like I'm back in Coney Island, where I grew up. 🙂

@Motorcarnut 4 месяца назад

lol, thanks was born 30 miles away from there!

@timothywallace1963 Год назад

I have always been a DIY guy on my cars and even went to school for gasoline auto tech back in 2008. I have a fully built L67 that's turbocharged, over sized cam, blah blah blah, $15k for motor, turbo system, and trans. So I was a little reluctant to do it myself when I blew the head gasket brag racing. Now obviously my set up isn't exactly the same, some things are eliminated with tuning it, and I also have Intercooler tubes, and turbo parts etc. But the basics are the same. I felt 100% confident after watching this entire video. Saved me over $3000+ doing it myself. Great video, very informative, and very detailed! You just got another subscriber in me! Thank you. 👍🏻

@Motorcarnut Год назад

Thank you very much i really appreciate your comment. Good luck!

@Hambone_FN Год назад

About to do this job on my car and I can't say how glad I am to have this video. Thanks for the effort you put into this!

@Motorcarnut Год назад

No problem, take your time and you’ll save a lot of money

@thirroul01 11 месяцев назад

Best head gasket video on a 3800 Buick I have found. Cheers

@Motorcarnut 11 месяцев назад

Thank you very much for the feedback, appreciated!

@nateish8026 2 года назад

Thank you man!!! I couldn’t figure out how to get to that cylinder one lower head bolt, and you pointed it out. Thank you so much man!

@Motorcarnut 2 года назад

No problem, glad it helped

@HHHH351 2 года назад

I have an 88 Oldsmobile and I believe it’s got the same problem. Thank you for your post!

@Motorcarnut 2 года назад

No problem, thanks for the comment!

@RICK1956ful Год назад

I'm about to tackle this job on my 2002 Lesabre. Glad I found this channel. VERY glad I found this channel.

@Motorcarnut Год назад

Thanks very much. The video has helped a lot of people out. Good luck!

@idontremember2995 2 года назад

Good instructional video. I need to do this to my 2001 Buick soon and you and your commenters reminded me of all the things I have forgotten since not doing this for many years now. One thing I did not see/hear was a comment about the red GM antifreeze being the reason for all of the clogging and corrosion. Many years ago I worked in a GM dealership and everyone there knew how bad that stuff is, every vehicle that has that red stuff in it has a problem.

@Motorcarnut 2 года назад

Thanks. You’re referring to dex cool , you’re

@Motorcarnut 2 года назад

Right about that. They never maned up to it. Just kinda went away and they created a newer formula.

@SlightlyMiscalculated Год назад

Used this video 8 months ago as a guide to replace my upper and lower intake gaskets and the cheap plastic 90's off the heater and she's been running mint ever since. I'm planning some performance upgrades that require the heads to be removed and my first thought was to come back to your video to see how to do it properly! Bar none the most thorough and easy to follow tutorial on the teardown of the top of these engines.

@Motorcarnut Год назад

Hey bro, really appreciate your feedback. Glad everything’s working out well. Taking the heads off it not bad at all especially since you don’t have to mess with any valve timing.

@elcaballopapi 7 месяцев назад

That engines are so good, even with a blown head gasket it didn’t need a machine shop.

@Motorcarnut 7 месяцев назад

That’s true. cast iron rarely warps

@DeeRizzley 15 дней назад

Thank you for this great video, because of it I have my heads completely off and doing it all myself should get it finished in the next day or two.

@Motorcarnut 14 дней назад

That’s great and I do appreciate the feedback! Makes me keep making videos!

@Tylers24 3 дня назад

@@Motorcarnutdefinitely people may forget to comment but I promise your helping tons of us be self reliant on our repairs, I did the whole job successfully, unfortunately when i tore it down the mating surface on the block had like rust wear indentations or something, I picked the car up for 800$ bucks thought it would be a simple fix but someone really abused it. Worked great for a few days and blew it again.. oh well you live and you learn. Btw your accent is awesome, reminds me of my relatives up north. You from Jersey or New York?

@Motorcarnut 2 дня назад

@Tylers24 really appreciate your kind words, these comments mean a lot!! Yes, from NY

@Tylers24 2 дня назад

@@Motorcarnut haha awesome man, I got many cousins and uncles and distant relatives up there! And I turned out to be wrong, I forgot to pin up the spark wire and 2 got melted giving me the misfire, the new gasket is holding and it’s running great still regardless of the small wear on the block. So again thanks for the video it was a success! I’ll be checking in the next time I’m working on something!

@Motorcarnut День назад

@Tylers24 Awesome! You fixed it. Really appreciate your comments. Yes I’ll be here making videos! Take care!

@thomasdion3104 Год назад

Flush the gasket eating dexcool out and go with the green stuff.

@Motorcarnut Год назад

Good point

@mithyc2948 2 года назад

Fantastic walkthrough and explanation of everything you did for this job, I don't have a blown head gasket but I do have to open the front head to remove pieces of a broken spark plug. Thank you for taking the time to record all of this it saved me and my grand prix so much time and headache. Don't ask how the spark plug got broken lol, long story involving a broken torque wrench XD

@Motorcarnut 2 года назад

Lol, Thank you for the positive comment! I really appreciate it.

@reggiehowze1891 Год назад

Great video. Replaced water pump about 7 years ago. I've replaced the parts you described. But gonna change everything. I have valve cover gasket leaks and upper intake manifold leaks. No water in the oil. Just want to put new head gaskets to prevent a leak on a corner on driver's side. You're right. I had no previous mechanic experience before ai bought my 2000 Buick LeSabre Ltd . When I bought it it had 67,000 Miles. Now it's at 236,000. Still running good

@Motorcarnut Год назад

Thanks for the comment, I really appreciate it. Yes, those engines are great, last many miles and smooth running. Most of the time, if you get a blown head gasket, it's usually just the gasket and no warpage of the heads or block.

@raymond9839 7 месяцев назад

Rec’d my Fel pro gasket, much thicker than any of the old ones (The dark blue one, was with a DORMAN upper plenum on my old 2000, it WAS NOT A FEL Pro). Used the new FEL Pro (Came in blue) not as the Amazon picture showed, now throttle body does not leak! Now found leaks in the over flow tube, fixed that rusted clamp. Car does not heat up as soon as it should, I will replace the thermostat, upper hose and rad cap (with genuine GM parts) as read too many stories about bad AFM parts. This car is my winter driver, so heat would be nice. It is definitely not eating coolant any more. The new metal Fel Pro LIM gaskets do the trick. I did this repair on my 2000 monte, so I knew what I was up against, that car fell into disrepair. Used the manifold from it for this 2002 it had the smaller EGR tube was still in operating condition from the last cleaning. I also replaced the temp gauge sensor, LIM gasket, upper intake (The Dorman plenum and gasket from my old 2000) which was still in A-1 shape, and of course new injector o-rings. I had replaced the plastic elbows a few years ago when put new DEX coolant in, so they were still good! WHEW~ Some links to my pictures (I hope they work)! drive.google.com/file/d/1-mEt-vklamwuF1sHmtVkXCxWBIeaikwE/view?usp=drive_link, drive.google.com/file/d/1-RuahqIdhEYyg8MMsShaWnql1-xrVjGW/view?usp=drive_link, drive.google.com/file/d/102nlSkHLeoAFP4Y-0xPqw-KCRi_OhnX2/view?usp=drive_link, drive.google.com/file/d/1-hD_Q2GUETSkNl1k8uG5xPFbL9ex7q6u/view?usp=drive_link, drive.google.com/file/d/1001jjmNwIvQ4_YMv4NhkL8UeWyQTMCr-/view?usp=drive_link

@Motorcarnut 7 месяцев назад

Thank you for a very detailed post. Appreciate the information. Yes Fel Pro is a great aftermarket product. When OEM is too much it’s a good alternative.

@wesleybrabant3595 2 года назад

great video. I love the 3800 I redid my own engine. found it was easy to get at everything. if you want to learn about your vehicle don't be afraid to work on it. alot of the harness wires only go o 1 way, so don't worry.

@Motorcarnut 2 года назад

Yep, that's what all my videos are about, doing it right , yourself.

@robertsmith2956 Год назад

Take a few pictures of the before. Saved me when I was swapping an engine and had two wires that could hook up to either sensor. Camera had which was which.

@lshalo8319 Год назад

Doing this now happy to see people work on 3800

@Motorcarnut Год назад

Sure, they are still great engines.

@ZackAngelMusic 9 месяцев назад

Man, hate to see these engines get neglected along with Toyotas and Hondas. I did a lot of work to mine. Big job was the lower and upper intake gaskets for me since I'm DIY but really took my time cleaning. On top of that, I did a full coolant system flush and put the greenish yellow universal coolant by Peak in it. Haven't had any problems overheating even in the hottest Georgia heat (thank god my AC is working). I have the 03 Grand Prix GT. New thermostat, upgraded coolant elbows, new trans fluid + shift kit. Bought 127k, now at 141k miles. Take care of this engine and trans and it'll take care of you. I did see someone tried to use the stop leak in mine and didn't keep up with the regular oil changes as it was pretty grimy It's pretty amazing though to see no warping. Cast iron is the way to go!

@Motorcarnut 9 месяцев назад

I agree, these were some great engines, they don’t make them like that anymore.

@raymond9839 8 месяцев назад

Thank you for this video, YES there is the pride that you could do it your self!

@Motorcarnut 8 месяцев назад

Thanks for sharing!! Appreciated!

@sk_da_sucios8679 Год назад

Thankyou I’m working on my 97 baby blue lesabre this beautiful morning thanks to you

@Motorcarnut Год назад

Wonderful! Thanks for the comment and good luck!

@coreyyancey9272 Год назад

Great video! Thanks!! So many good tips I'm starting this job tomorrow on a 2001 impala!

@Motorcarnut Год назад

Thank you! Go for it and save a lot of money as well as knowing it was done right!

@mr.warren1389 2 года назад

Good job brother!! You did great. Thanks👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

@Motorcarnut 2 года назад

Thank you bro!

@cmoore7700 7 месяцев назад

Just had my whole intake replaced on my 01 and he also replaced the plugs/ wires/ thermostat/and 2 injector connectors. My mechanic explained to me just like you did in this video There was not any coolant in my oil thankfully.

@Motorcarnut 7 месяцев назад

Those engines can take a lot of wear and tear and still be easily repaired.

@tmagicdadonable 8 месяцев назад

Thank you for this video brother. I think I will try doing the job myself now 💯💯

@Motorcarnut 8 месяцев назад

Good luck! If you get stuck give me a shout out

@MrJbeaste 11 месяцев назад

You wanna change my lifters on my 99 gtp? 😂 thanks for sharing the video. 👏

@Motorcarnut 11 месяцев назад

No problem!

@davidwalker4244 2 года назад

Hey I’m actually doing this job on my 99 park ave and it’s all set up the exact same way.

@Motorcarnut 2 года назад

Great, should help you if you need it

@ezquicktransport1788 10 месяцев назад

Thank You! Great learning experience! You are The Best!

@Motorcarnut 10 месяцев назад

Thank you very much for the kind feedback

@gabrielchildsbennett5873 6 месяцев назад

Man i love this video ❤

@Motorcarnut 6 месяцев назад

Thank you! much appreciated!

@ricoswint7516 9 месяцев назад

man love your videos very helpful very reliable thanks alot

@Motorcarnut 9 месяцев назад

Glad you like them! Comments like yours makes me happy to make more!

@skidmark132 Год назад

Love it thanks man, just got this car. And I always watch tutorial and this car don't seem as bad. I just had Pontiac grand am gt, and that 3.4 was a lil tough taking apart. This one don't look as bad. But you probably make it look easy also lol

@Motorcarnut Год назад

Thanks bro, appreciate the comment. No it’s not that bad to do because you don’t have to mess with any valve timing. If you have questions as you’re doing it shoot me a message. Good luck!

@marcosquartz 2 года назад

Thank you for posting this great video. ✌️

@Motorcarnut 2 года назад

Thank you, really appreciate it.

@jarettdunaway6679 Год назад

How would I know if the gasket is done for. My car was going up hill and couldn’t get above 55 at 2k rpms and then shut off. It was pouring smoke out the front. The coolant overflow was to the brim and looked like mud. I parked and shut it off at 230 degrees. The coolant system in my car is shot every hose that has coolant is rock solid. I just wanna know if I need to try and tear it apart or just need something else. I also ran out of fuel. So I’m wondering if the fuel pump is bad or if it’s most serious

@Motorcarnut Год назад

Sounds like the head gasket blew. It’s common on the 3800 engine good news it’s usually only the gasket that blows and heads and block are fine. This video shows how to do the whole process.

@sanjogurwan2134 2 года назад

Thank you for this video.

@Motorcarnut 2 года назад

My pleasure!

@glassontherocks 10 месяцев назад

I just put my 2004 Buick Regal in the shop with blown head gasket they said $2,700. Was that too much? (3 day job) date is Oct 24 23.

@Motorcarnut 10 месяцев назад

Seems to be, yes.

@teearah08 Год назад

Unfortunately after watching this I know for sure I’m going to be paying $1100+ my 02 Buick LeSabre head gasket I don’t have the money for the tools you have also I got lost or didn’t see something’s you did in a very well explained video and my biggest fear is starting and messing something up to a point of no return and I have to go to work tomorrow

@Motorcarnut Год назад

Thank you for the feedback! I understand, but at least you have an idea of what it takes and how much it will cost. But shop around to get the best price

@hidinfrombiden1734 7 месяцев назад

I think the only thing he missed was installing the rocker arms, but otherwise, a really good tutorial. First thing everybody should know is if you don't feel confident doing a job, there's nothing wrong with letting someone that's qualified do it.

@cameronclermont4241 9 месяцев назад

Bout to do this to my pontiac Grand Prix gt hopefully it goes well

@Motorcarnut 9 месяцев назад

Good luck, if you get stuck give me a holler.

@thomasedwards3372 5 месяцев назад

Good job. 😎

@Motorcarnut 5 месяцев назад

Thank you! Cheers!

@dannysautorepair Год назад

Great video

@Motorcarnut Год назад

Thank you! Appreciated

@lawrencemeyers1212 2 года назад

That engine bay f clean nice

@Motorcarnut 2 года назад

Yes it was!

@Aintgonnastop 9 месяцев назад

I am trying to find a mechanic in my area that will do this job for me. I have a 2002 impala 3.8. Sadly shops won't touch an engine job do to liability. They all are saying to replace the motor.

@Motorcarnut 9 месяцев назад

What liability exactly? Sounds like they are trying to rob you or don’t know what they are doing.

@Toniez0 9 месяцев назад

This is why I hate auto shops, they act like it's impossible job then ask you to hand over your life savings, I've never done a head gasket ever and I'm almost there

@phuccaocao9069 Год назад

very detail explanation

@Motorcarnut Год назад

Glad you liked it!

@jaredleon9743 2 месяца назад

I don't expect an answer on such an old video, but around 22:30 you remove an exhaust manifold stud, the stud on this car is stripped and 7/32nds, 5.5mm, 5mm, and 4.5 won't grip it, any advice?

@Motorcarnut 2 месяца назад

I monitor my channel personally and of course answer any questions no matter how old. I think those studs were Torx but I can’t remember the size, sorry

@myfavorites1016 Год назад

This video was interesting, because i bought my lady friend a 1997 Oldsmobile regency less than 2 years ago , same exact engine as this one, after i bought it we had a tune up , put all new plugs and wires in , then some months later, my friend calls me up and says she was driving and car was sputtering and the car stulled , after it stulled , the car wouldn't fire up , but engine turned over , we towed it to a shop , they looked at it , they said bad news , antifreeze in the spark plugs , he said headgasket , i wanted second opinion, i took it to my other mechanic, they removed intake manifold that was our problem, the MANIFOLD gasket was bad , not headgasket

@Motorcarnut Год назад

Did you watch the entire video? At 42.17 in the video I explain where the the intake plenum could leak as well. But it’s still better than doing a complete head gasket replacement. You got lucky 👍

@ValeriiAS Год назад

COOL VIDEO!!

@Motorcarnut Год назад

Thank you!

@kennethross786 Год назад

It was also the base engine in the 2006-2008 Buick Lucerne.

@Motorcarnut Год назад

Good add on to the list, thanks!

@user-jl7oo2lf1f Месяц назад

Is that really enough re suffering im rebuilding one rn some said u have to mill or have a shop do it to be level

@Motorcarnut Месяц назад

Best way to check if the head is warped and whether to get is milled or not is to check it for straightness. Here is my video on that. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-JAe2vhcG1dI.html

@MrScotts4050 Год назад

Somebody may have already said this, but it is extremely important to ONLY use distilled water whenever you change or add water to the system. Never use tap water, or even purified drinking water. The minerals in the water will cause these very issues, especially when using Dexcool coolant. Distilled water is free of all contaminates and minerals.

@Motorcarnut Год назад

Yes, I’ve always said it. Any vehicle requires distilled water and the required antifreeze. But thanks for the extra info, people could use it.

@dylanbrown3664 Год назад

I just bought a 2003 Monte Carlo with the same motor. Apparently it has a blown head gasket, but because of your video I will check the upper intake first, but I will still take it down to the heads to look at them. This is the first time I’ve ever had to do this, so I am a little nervous and I’m hoping I don’t end up out a bunch of money trying to fix it. I don’t know how long the previous owner drove it like this.

@Motorcarnut Год назад

Just follow my video and take your time and you’ll be fine. Just shoot me a message if you get stuck, good luck!

@dylanbrown3664 Год назад

@@Motorcarnut it looks as if it wasn’t corroded at all like the head gasket just blew. The guy did put gasket sealer in the radiator and all that did was clump up into little gel pieces all through the cooling system. But all in all it looks pretty clean.

@Motorcarnut Год назад

Great! , yeah stay away from those gasket sealers, they never work I even have a video on that topic.

@KewanyaiDoster 3 месяца назад

@@Motorcarnut I didn’t torque the head bolts right an now it’s smoking an not staying running

@Motorcarnut 3 месяца назад

That’s a problem, you probably blew the head gasket at a minimum.

@dontewilliams9903 2 года назад

Great video! so far so good, I’m Doing my 05 Buick LaCrosse haven’t took the heads off yet but it’s wide open that’s my next step. But how do u know if your heads need to be machined ? I doubt mine has anything wrong but I’m wondering. So far every gasket before the head gasket is horribly ugly looking.

@Motorcarnut 2 года назад

The steel heads rarely need mill work. Check them with a mechanic straight edge and a feeler gauge. There should be no more than 002 in all directions. I have a video on checking heads for straightness.

@davesomeone4059 2 года назад

Well, to everyones surprise I got it all together and the car runs! Now my already bad motor mount is 100% wasted though. So not done yet!

@Motorcarnut 2 года назад

Glad to hear it’s running

@raymond9839 7 месяцев назад

I ordered a new seal, OOPS just found my blue FELPRO from my rebuild of my 2000 Monte that went to the Chevy graveyard. I used a micrometer and the two orange seals I had, are somehow thinner on the bottom where the coolant ports are. The blue one is not and consistent thickness throughout. So I'll just wait for the new seal, which I presume is orange, (As FELPRO only supplies with the entire plenum gasket kit) So I'll check the thickness and compare! Don't know how those orange ones are thinner on the bottom, other than the heat from the EGR tube (Original Factory Size) made them compress over time? The throttle body looks like it has ridge on the upper part and tapers to the coolant holes, so it compresses more on the bottom? This coolant fix appeared at about the same mileage on both Monte's 2000 & 2002 at approx 150K. Looks like the orange ones might be inferior, although the FELPRO was only on for maybe 20k and had the smaller EGR tube fix, so it did not heat up as much OR is of better quality! MY 2 Cents! Final post later this week! 😁

@Motorcarnut 7 месяцев назад

Keep us updated and thanks for information!

@UselessKnowledge904 2 месяца назад

So if they don't warp you clean and change gaskets that's it

@Motorcarnut 2 месяца назад

Make sure it’s not warped by checking with mechanics straight edge and feeler gauge if in spec then yes

@dewanwahed7754 2 месяца назад

Where do the different size head bolts go? the small ones are exhaust side and long ones intake side inside the heads?

@Motorcarnut 2 месяца назад

Got to pay attention when doing critical work on the engine. They can only go one way!

@dewanwahed7754 2 месяца назад

@@Motorcarnut so i am asuming the short one's will not fit where the long ones go? i did not see the bolts going in on the video. Reason I ask is that I am asisting someone in a few weeks to reassemble their 3800 and they are not aware of how the bolts were removed. On zzps website it states that short bolts on exhaust side and long ones on intake side on the head and I just wanterde to confirm with someone. No worries if you cannot remember the order

@Motorcarnut 2 месяца назад

@dewanwahed7754 correct long bolts will bottom out in short holes, it’s pretty obvious.

@dariusbryant1360 2 года назад

Thanks for the video! It’s been a huge help. After I finished my head gasket replacement there was white smoke near the front intake and my car is reving very high when I start it. Any idea what is going on? Thanks man

@dariusbryant1360 2 года назад

Front exhaust manifold not intake

@Motorcarnut 2 года назад

Seems like you may have a vacuum leak somewhere. You should try to pinpoint where that white smoke is coming from, that can be the cause of the high idle.

@phillipthethird42 Год назад

I think I've gotta do this.

@Motorcarnut Год назад

Just follow the video and if you get stuck give me a shout

@davesomeone4059 2 года назад

As you can tell from my other comments I might not be a mechanic but I was thinking about the torque specs. You said it feels really loose and did a few pounds extra. Looking at what I saved from all data these torque specs are only valid if you clean and tap all the threads as well as clean and oil the bolts. I'm not even sure about thread locker. Other than the head bolts I didn't do any of that. I'm trying to get as close as possible to the actual torque spec but I am also kind of relying on the fact that most of my bolts are rusty and probably aren't going to work their way out anyway. I'm oiling them with WD-40 so that The bolts don't stay lubricated for long. My torque wrench bottoms out at 10 ft lb and probably doesn't even do that accurately anyway so whatever I assume as long as the bolts don't come loose and you don't tighten them so much that you smash gaskets or have thermal expansion problems it should be good. One thing is for sure we will see!

@davesomeone4059 2 года назад

I forgot to add what I did for the intake bolts and some others was torque it down to spec and then come back the next day and do it again. The LIM bolts actually did spin a bit before reaching the spec the second time.

@Motorcarnut 2 года назад

@KewanyaiDoster 2 месяца назад

Hey I got a 3800 motor an my Oil pump is connected to my timing cover house so I changed it now the car tries to crack but something stops it but wen I disconnect the camshaft sensor the car gets power back but don’t start

@Motorcarnut 2 месяца назад

You have to recheck your work, I have no idea what you may or may not have done? Was this a problem before you touched it?

@sonriseyahchild8733 3 месяца назад

Where is the link for the illuminum elbows? What are they called so I can find them myself if need be? Much appreciated 👍

@Motorcarnut 3 месяца назад

www.amazon.com/ZZPerformance-3800-Aluminum-Coolant-Elbows/dp/B06XQ7SJPQ

@fabianreyes9513 6 месяцев назад

Did you end up replacing the water pump due to all the build up?

@Motorcarnut 6 месяцев назад

Yes

@bhoubsbsy6401 2 года назад

If you spray air in the coolant passage ways it will spray out. That's not strange

@Motorcarnut 2 года назад

I don’t understand the question?

@user-qv5pk4lq9u 7 месяцев назад

I have a few questions I'm about to do one these could use a few tips

@Motorcarnut 7 месяцев назад

Ask me here if you want.

@mardellabrams9040 Год назад

Having trouble putting exhaust pipe screws back in correct holes

@Motorcarnut Год назад

Why?

@larryderossett592 7 месяцев назад

Hi I did a upper an lower intake manifold gasket repair 4 years ago now starting to smoke white an low idle when starts to warm up an resavior filling up with antifreeze but only a glass full or antifreeze loss in radiator an got alittle of milky oil any suggestions ? thanks

@Motorcarnut 7 месяцев назад

Head gaskets failing

@davesomeone4059 2 года назад

I was pretty sure my 2008 3800 had a blown head gasket but upon getting down to it, everything looks pretty good. Coolant was little sludgey but seemed to be flowing fine. Now I'm wondering why my car wouldn't run good while spitting out a ton of white then black smoke. This all started when an injector broke and was just dumping fuel into cylinder 4 but I fixed that.

@Motorcarnut 2 года назад

Maybe the head gasket wasn’t blown that bad but bad enough to cause it to burn the coolant which will give you that bad thick white smoke and cause the engine to miss. The raw fuel from the broken fuel injector can cause the engine to run more hot or cause scorings on the piston or cylinder walls. This should all be checked before assembly

@davesomeone4059 2 года назад

@@Motorcarnut Thanks for the reply. Yea the cylinder wall was clean but the piston head had some black stuff on it but it cleaned off with carb cleaner. I'm worried the pistol ring is bad. I'm really regretting not doing a compression test before taking the head off... When I changed the injector it was spitting so much fuel there was no way it was combusting but the piston head was scorched so I don't know how long the cylinder has had problems. Also the oil had a ton of fuel in it. I flushed it though.

@Motorcarnut 2 года назад

I mean these engines are very well built and can take the heat and abuse . It would be a good idea to do a compression test on all 6 cylinders and compare them. Shouldn’t be more that 20% difference between the lowest and highest reading.

@davesomeone4059 2 года назад

@@Motorcarnut Yea I didn't do that before tearing down the motor like a moron lol. Guess I will after putter it together. Car only has 100,000 miles on it. Looks like these motors eat 100k for breakfast. Thanks again for the reply.

@Motorcarnut 2 года назад

Also, your other question, It’s fine, there is no need to retap the threads as long as they are clean and not stripped. Some oil on the bolt head and threads is fine. But why wouldn’t it go to the 120 decrees? Did you oil the underneath of the bolt head and threads? Either way you should be fine. These engines usually don’t warp from heat but deteriorate from old age.

@super1337spy Год назад

Should i replace all my dry rotted and crumbling wire covers?

@Motorcarnut Год назад

I would

@srarcade 2 года назад

Whats the absolute go-to preferred gasket manufacturer for these GM 3800s? I am super apprehensive on some of these kits especially. I come from working on Hondas where if you're not spending a little more on OEM head gaskets, you can expect to do this job again in short order and I can say been there done that. I like to do it right the first time, i've learned! Thanks

@Motorcarnut 2 года назад

I hear you bro. You can go wrong with FelPro been using them for many years. Victor Reinz is good as well if FelPro is not available.

@heavenlyfamily8527 Год назад

Dont Stop Making Videos G. Ill Push More Viewers Towards Your Way In The Thousands Wacha

@Motorcarnut Год назад

Thank you! Would love that!!!

@sk_da_sucios8679 11 месяцев назад

I was having an issue putting the oil dipstick piece back into its female socket I was wondering if maybe you could help me locate it

@Motorcarnut 11 месяцев назад

Sorry, right now I don't have any of those engines in the shop right now to guide you. Maybe look through my video again and see if you can locate it.

@Toniez0 9 месяцев назад

Are the gasket holes supposed to be circular rather than the size of the coolant jacket???

@Motorcarnut 9 месяцев назад

If the gasket is made for the vehicle, it's fine. I asked you before what brand you were using. Felpro is a great product.

@timbuffington5717 8 месяцев назад

Would it be a good idea to flush the coolant system as best i can before doing the job???

@Motorcarnut 8 месяцев назад

Couldn’t hurt, less mess too

@travisbutler4365 4 месяца назад

Where did you get the gasket kit at

@Motorcarnut 4 месяца назад

I bought it on Amazon or you can get one from eBay

@drremulack6196 Год назад

I just scored an 05 Pontiac with this same engine and problem. Thanks.

@Motorcarnut Год назад

No problem, follow the video to get you back on the road.

@1k_vonte Год назад

So I had a small issue with my 3.8 impala. It was a little bit of coolant and oil sitting on top of the valves not a lot I think..I vacuumed out what I could I removed the intake manifold took out the spark plugs and like 4/6 were wet not soaked in liquid but wet what should I do next? I was thinking about removing the heads

@Motorcarnut Год назад

If there was coolant in the combustion chamber then that does sound like the partially blown head gasket.

@06PYTHON 6 месяцев назад

Just a shot in the Dark, where are you located at? Because I need this done. And I don't trust myself.

@Motorcarnut 6 месяцев назад

@raymond9839 8 месяцев назад

My pride is hurting, leaking coolant out the front side throttle body/plenum mating surface. DO YOU Really need a new silicone gasket every time you remove the throttle body for cleaning? I read on some forum that that seal conforms under heat and that when you remove it you need a new one! Runs smooth though! Could I use some RTV Gasket maker to seal an make it thicker?

@Motorcarnut 8 месяцев назад

No you don't as long as the seal sticks out passed the mating surfaces

@kiaryoung3399 Год назад

Hello I love your video and I have a 1999 Buick regal how much would you charge to fix my head gasket problem I'm located in Illinois and I don't have much experience in this line of work?

@Motorcarnut Год назад

Thanks for the comment. I’m way too far away from you sorry.

@kiaryoung3399 Год назад

@@Motorcarnut thank you I really appreciate it if you have any more tips and advice that I can use to accomplish my goal to fixing my problem I'm open to it thank you once again

@emilyschramm5743 8 месяцев назад

Any way help me find shop and place do heads on my car I'm so lost 😢

@Motorcarnut 8 месяцев назад

Try a local repair shop, not a gas station one. Then look online for the reviews of the repair shop then decide.

@turopenaloza6104 2 года назад

Just to let you know I broke my elbows on the water pump too!

@Motorcarnut 2 года назад

I bet, they are so brittle, upgrade to the aluminium ones I mentioned

@endureforeverlasting777 7 месяцев назад

Hey boss I was trying to find the link for the gaskets and such. The Yellow box. Pls send link if you can

@Motorcarnut 7 месяцев назад

Sure a.co/d/9sNUgpA

@robertsmith2956 Год назад

I see they have piston sleeve inserts for the 3800 block. Have you ever tried them?

@Motorcarnut Год назад

No, I’ve had not. I would just get a good used block if it came to that. Would probably be cheaper too.

@michakav Год назад

The LIM bolts should be 11 ft/lb or 134 in/lb

@Motorcarnut Год назад

What is LIM?

@johnspivey7328 Год назад

Where does that blue plug go to from o2 sensor in front

@Motorcarnut Год назад

To the harness, it should be in the proximity of the O2 sensor. It’s always a good idea to label the connectors before removing them for easy reassembly.

@davidlyon8154 2 года назад

Great video, just curious where you purchased the gasket kit from? I don't see a link in the description, thank you!

@Motorcarnut 2 года назад

Thanks, I got the head gasket set from Amazon here: but looks like they sold out but you can search other sellers to find one. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077STFWL3/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1 and the upgraded elbows which i highly recommend here: www.amazon.com/Dorman-47065HP-Elbow-Type-Heater/dp/B00A1A6PT4/ref=pd_vtp_1/142-7966208-2404701?pd_rd_w=dgcgW&pf_rd_p=016e3697-91be-4dc2-9533-ef9350e7e73d&pf_rd_r=QC89JW9E5F32EMGQWWSF&pd_rd_r=f65eadaf-c10a-479e-96f9-2323aee19bee&pd_rd_wg=g6PwK&pd_rd_i=B00A1A6PT4&psc=1

@gene-allenmarshall244 Год назад

Do I need to drain oil and coolant before I start removing parts?

@Motorcarnut Год назад

Well things will start getting messy so I would.

@beauxjenkins6238 2 года назад

How did you flush the water with the heads off? Also how did get the water out of the block?

@Motorcarnut 2 года назад

Flushed heater core with heads off, the rest when it was finished.

@alejandrovega9337 Год назад

What torque did you put on the lower intake manifold? the aluminum one

@Motorcarnut Год назад

11 ft lbs

@deanbaird4425 4 месяца назад

Where could I get those elbows I just know mine gonna break

@Motorcarnut 4 месяца назад

Search online Amazon or eBay

@deanbaird4425 4 месяца назад

@@Motorcarnut ty pal

@Motorcarnut 4 месяца назад

@deanbaird4425 no problem

@BlackForceMechanics Год назад

Don't the head bolts have different lengths?

@Motorcarnut Год назад

Yes

@d_ak4918 9 месяцев назад

Ive been getting a small amout of greyish white sludge in the bottom of oil pan when i pulled it on my 98 buick. Upper and lower intake manifold gaskets are due and i plan to do them next month. Im guessing its coolant getting to the oil pan, would that be the head gaskets or could it be a few other things? Im at the point that, ill be tearing into it for the upper and lowers, might get the heads while im there

@Motorcarnut 9 месяцев назад

That can be from a leaky manifold or head gasket. But if you have the time, it's not that bad to do the head gaskets too , because then after that you'll probably have no more issues with the engine.

@d_ak4918 9 месяцев назад

@Motorcarnut Sound advice. Yeah I like the idea of having it all done together. Thank you for the reply

@Motorcarnut 9 месяцев назад

@d_ak4918 sure, no problem