coolant leaking out the exhaust, replace head gaskets?

[kill_them_all]

I have a 97 grand am gt with a 3.1, the car has 181,000 miles. The car leaks coolant out the exhaust and produces white smoke. The car idles fine. Is the problem the head gaskets? If so how hard are the head gaskets to replace. I know I will have to replace intake manifold gaskets, exhaust gaskets, and the egr gaskets. I already found the torque specs for the 3.1 on this site (thanks). Also can I rent a tool for torquing to the proper degree (90*). Any help will be great. Thanks.

[kill_them_all]

The correct torque specs for this engine would be the 3x00 file correct? Thanks

[robby1870]

The correct torque specs for this engine would be the 3x00 file correct? Thanks

Yes.

Head gaskets arent too bad, just take stuff off, but it back on the way you found it

[kill_them_all]

should I use rtv sealer on the heads?
Also I will have to replace the intake gaskets and exhaust gaskets correct and will I have to retime the engine? Thanks.

[kill_them_all]

what else will I need besides this?

http://www.pickproparts.com/PartsList.aspx?AAIASubCategoryID=5416

egr valve and pipe seal

intake gaskets

distrib oring

[RednBlack]

NO!! NO SEALANT on head gaskets!!! Bad! VERY BAD! They should have their own if needed. If you add any sealant to a head gasket, you deplete your torque value and take a serious chance of clogging a return hole or coolant passage. Do it according to the book.

[ProjectMM]

it might only be the lower intake gasket, i've seen this many times. but if your going that far it's only a little further for the heads.

[kill_them_all]

Project, will I be able to tell if its the lim before I take off the heads????

Also will I have to re time my engine?

Thanks.

[dbtk2]

You will not have to re-time it. Its a pushrod engine, so you won't be touching any cams or anything during this project.

Shawn

[kill_them_all]

Thanks, Shawn.

Also does anyone know the name of the tool used for torquing a bolt to a certain degree (ie- head bolts 90 degree turn).

Thanks.

[bszopi]

You use a torque wrench to torque to the proper spec. Then, to go to the 90 degree, you continue to turn the torque wrench 90 degrees past when it clicks (hits the specified torque). There really is no special tool.

[kill_them_all]

Thanks bszopi, I am really appreciating the support guys and or gals.

Is there anything I should be aware of when before I preform these tasks?

I know it will take time, I have the time (about a week), and I can just let it sit in my yard till I get it done.

[bud36light]

I marked the bolts with paint then turned them 90

[kill_them_all]

Anyone in Illinois want to come help me??? nah, I'll be fine.

Do I have to seal the upper and lower intake gaskets with anything?

[bud36light]

Nope. No sealant. Where you at ?