Tearing Engine Down - Any Advice

[clevo]

I bought a 95 Cutlass with the 3.4 dohc engine. It has 63,000 miles on it. I've got a question for those of you who have done the timing belt and O-Ring replacement on this engine.

Is this a job that an occasional wrench turner can accomplish? I've done minor stuff like replacing belts, alternaters, plugs, brakes, on my other cars, and ages ago used to rebuild the carburetors on my old junkers. Thing is, it's been a while since I've done that stuff, and I really never tore an engine down to the heads before.

I've got a copy of the shop manual, and from what I see the timing belt and the head removal are pretty straightforward procedures. It's not like this will require any great diagnostic skills. I know there are work-arounds for the o-ring, but I figure it couldn't hurt to change the head gaskets, anyway due to the fact that I read on some sites that they can fail sometimes due to corrosive affects of worn-out antifreeze. At least that's what one person reported.

I'm thinking that this would be a good opportunity to replace hoses, plugs, oxygen sensor etc. What do you guys think? Am I underestimating the complexity of the job, or is this what it seems, disassemble, install o-ring, belt, gaskets, reassemble.

Any advice would be appreciated.

[Lyle's GTP]

Yep, all straight forward stuff. You may find yourself standing back and pondering for a few minutes to figure something out. But most things make sense. The worst thing is most of everything on these engines is in a tight spot. As for what you want to do you'll be OK. Once you get past the cams it's pretty normal, even better cause there aren't any pushrods and shit to worry about. I suggest to get all parts laid out before you consider starting. Because chances are if there is something you forgot, it's probably going to be special order and you'll have to wait for it. As far as how to do it, we can help with any questions and hopefully you can get it done right the first time. Oh, and you'll save a shit load of money too. Because NO mechanic likes to work on these cars and GM's book rate is stupidly high. Good luck.

Lyle

[Test4echo]

Take Lots of digital Pics, and if your camera can do it, sh0ot 40 second video clips as well.
I have found that by documenting the before removal and after install with Pics and video, you will not ever be wondering why you have left over bolts.

Not to mention you can post this info for others asking the same questions.

Test,

[pocket-rocket]

I have found that by documenting the before removal and after install with Pics and video, you will not ever be wondering why you have left over bolts.

I thought leftover parts was normal, or good (read weight reduction, lol) J/K. I have always had a couple or so leftover bolts be it from the 5 speed swap in the 91, or changing the clutch in the 92, and both cars go down the road just fine without falling apart, lol. It's leftover parts that you have to worry about, lol.

[napatiger]

I took off the intake and polished it, I labeled every single bolt and nut. Nothing left when I put it back toghether....Yeh

[napatiger]

I took off the intake and polished it, I labeled every single bolt and nut. Nothing left when I put it back toghether....Yeh

[pocket-rocket]

Intake is one thing. Try pulling both heads, or better yet, doing a tranny in one of these cars knowing you have a deadline to meet and the car has to be back on the road in a certain amount of time. That puts a crimp on things and you toss the labeling of every nut and bolt out the window. Don't get me wrong, bagging and tagging is a great system, if you have the time.

[blk92z34getrag]

When I replaced the upper and lower intake gaskets last summer I didn't label anything. Luckily every bolt looks different and only fits in a specific hole. But yeah, intakes are really easy.

[Test4echo]

Yep,

Upper and lower intakes/gasket replacement is childsplay compared to head removal.

Fixing that o-ring leak is a walk in the park.
(why spend $400 bucks to have someone else do it?)

But heads and cams and timing, uggg, not for the faint of heart thats for sure.
Especially on a deadline.

test,

[grandprixgtp_91]

i never have any left over parts, bolts etc. i dont lable them or anything i just have a photographic memory and i remeber where everything goes, i just set it all up on the cowel. and ive done head gaskets and everything imaginable on these 3.4's

Jake

[RednBlack]

BTW clevo, all the info you need is in the opening page of this site. With good pics. Have fun