How To Replace Intake Gasket GM 3400 V6 Tips and Tricks

I explain the tips and tricks that I learned when replacing the intake manifold gasket on a 3400 V6 engine. Intake manifold gasket leaks are a common issue on the 3400 V6 engine.
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[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

Follow Classic Gbody Garage for the latest project updates! Thanks everyone! Subscribe: kzbin.info FaceBook: facebook.com/groups/classicgbodygarage/ Instagram: instagram.com/classicgbodygarage/

[@lewisroberts3102]

Don't y'all have any videos from start to finish why do you show videos in the middle of the project how do you get to that point

[@davidfordyoyoguy]

Best video on this I have found. BTW I did everything the same except I just carefully used a 1/2 wrench to lift up the rocker arms. Autozone had no clue what that push-rod removal tool was so, I had to improvise. I was very surprised at how easy it worked.

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

Thanks for watching and glad it helped you out.

[@Jonyblaze2012]

AutoZone sucks for this vehicle and special tools

[@maharper100]

Here is the tool you need. kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4mwk3Wjo5WmsNk

[@thorthunder3227]

I would advise removing the spark plugs and hand turn the crank after installing the push rods in case you or whomever got the ex and In crossed on one or more of the holes. This way if it is then you will gradually move the piston turning it over by the balancer nut in order to make sure it rotates without a bind or stopping by hitting the piston slightly, otherwise if you forget to check and then hit the starter then it is all over again, removing the heads and fixing the bent valves.

[@Jonyblaze2012]

Best video I found for this repair.

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

Thank you!

[@AshAndCamilleMiller]

I used a box too. Watched a friend trash his motor by mixing pushrods. Good video, a little different on my 96 century 3100 but very similar. Felpro is the way to go, those plastic gaskets can go to hell!! I love that tool, I seriously wish I had one when I did mine, I loosened every rocker to get mine out. Pain of a job to do but you save like 600 doing it yourself. Plus the mechanics never clean it all the way out, maybe I'm OCD but I had a non pressurized reservoir and they left it nasty as heck on gasket 2, it's now on number three... Taped a tooth brush to a long screwdriver and washed mine all out.

[@stevooliver3877]

I took them out with upper & lower still together... The 8 bolts to the lower intake can be accessed from the top ..4 on top & 4 on the side..3.1& some 3.4 keep all the together..leave the back valve cover on...just move the power steering out of the way..some have quick connect on the fuel lines and heater hoses, vacuum lines , disconnect electrical connectors, lift all out ..that push rod tool was designed for keeping the back valve cover on without all the extra work..helps if have a hoist & clean it then reinstall..not a good teacher but sometimes doing it many times you find more & more shortcuts

[@acu112]

Thank you for sharing, I will be doing this same job on my 02 Malibu, appreciate you

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

No problem 👍

[@MVMTV4Videos]

Very informative, ty for sharing

[@stevensapyak7971]

10.1.16. I've done a number of GM 3100/3400 V6 L.I.M. & head gasket jobs. I use the Lisle 48300 pushrod removal tool to remove the pushrods without loosening the rocker arm bolts. If you don't use the tool then make sure that each cylinder is at TDC on its compression stroke before the rocker arm bolts are loosened! The reason for it is the rocker arm will have no tension on it from the valve spring being compressed and the valve being open. KZbin is replete with videos of knocking rocker arms from stripped aluminum threads in the head from the rocker arm bolts being loosened while the valves are open!.....Good video series! 👀......Also do the same thing after the L.I.M. Gaskets are replaced, when you put it back together! That way there's no tension on the rocker arm bolt & the aluminum threads in the head!! 🤔.....I use TimeSerts if I encounter stripped aluminum threads.

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

Steven Sapyak thanks for the info on this. I also used the tool. Made life easy!!

[@4valhalla898]

so i would not have to torque and angle that whenever i do the head gaskets? If i buy the tool..

[@stevensapyak7971]

robz place 12.5.16. The tool is so you don't have to loosen & remove the rocker arm bolts, to remove the pushrods in order to change out the lower intake manifold gaskets. 🎯

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

The tool is to remove the rockers with out removing the rocker bolts so correct you won't have to loosen and retorque them.

[@donaldmiller8946]

Classic G-Body Garage

[@ouah8ter667]

Great video, thanks bro

[@josephaltman460]

I absolutely did not have to jack my engine up to get the PSP out. I was able to reach the bolts and lifted it straight up and out.

[@erno9248]

Thanks for the lessons...

[@5400bowen]

After seeing the broken insulator/retainer clips (SK-82), I held each injector and broke them loose individually, no broken clips. The o-rings can be gotten in a kit with the tips (pintle caps), both o-rings, and the little filter basket that sits in the top of each injector. If I had it to do again, I’d buy new injectors. When your in that far, you should do the valve stem seals, which means you should check the lifters and also replace the keepers. Also, plugs, wires, and the thermostat. I took the opportunity to solvent and blow out the pushrods and clean out the rocker arm bays.

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

New injectors are not cheap and there was nothing wrong with the way the car ran. I did do plugs and wires and stat tho because it had 140k or so on the originals. Haven't had an issue since and it has over 170k now.

[@briansowell3202]

I had no compression after this job, thanks for the injector tip

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

welcome!

[@karlh4313]

Thanks!!

[@resurrectionmotors2421]

Found your video helpful, as I don't do this on a regular basis I am looking very hard at the layout of the engine. If you could not move the camera so fast it would be a tremendous help. Also, how did you get the coil pack to roll back like that. I found the top two screws on mine. What can I find nothing on the back side. It's very difficult for me to access, because I can only get out of my wheelchair for a few moments and lean on the engine. More detailed pictures and video of disassembly of the engine. Would be a tremendous help! God bless

[@ryanculler7324]

Great video quick question On a 34000 sfi engine 2002 Oldsmobile silhouette do you need to place timing top dead center before doing this job or no? My mom bought one and head gaskets blown she purchased kit ive never worked on one but done timing belt on my 2002 toyota Sequoia so i know how to disassemble and reassemble just dont want to mess something up trying to replace her head gaskets

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

Don't have to mess with timing with this job.

[@ryanculler7324]

Yessir thank you so very much happy New Year's have a blessed night I greatly appreciate it great video

[@summer3245]

Hi I want to know about the part you said is a oil pump drive coolant is leaking by the oil pump drive do u think it's coming from the intake thank u

[@jeffwalther2023]

Nice video. Thank you. My son (16) and I are repairing a 2000 Buick Century with 3.1L. Cyclinder 6 wasn't firing and after much banging of (my) head against engine, pulled the lower intake manifold off to find the cyclinder 6 intake valve push rod laying down in the intake valley on top of and parallel to the lifter cover bracket. It's all in one piece. It just came out somehow. I remember quite a clatter when the car first switched to running on only five cyclinders. Next weekend, we will determine the cause (looks like rocker arm might be loose) check the valve (USB camera into spark plug hole?) and once we've remedied the root cause, put it back together. Your tips are a welcome set of help for the reassembly phase. Here's hoping you did the follow up video you mentioned. I would enjoy seeing how to place the new gaskets. Off to look for it now.

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

These motors are known for the rocker bolts to pull through the head and thats probably why the push rod was laying in the valley. Thanks for sharing and I hope you and your son can get it going. Thanks for watching.

[@jeffwalther2023]

Yep, you called it right. We spent a few hours on it this weekend. On initial look, the threads in the rocker arm bolt hole looked a little chewed, but still present and half my mind was wondering if the bolt wouldn't screw back in and stay with locktite. When we were disassembling, the bolt screwed out, rather than just pulling out, but was definitely too high. Anyway, I took a drill bit slightly smaller diameter than the threads and just gently stuck it down the hole and pulled it back out, and it came out covered in aluminum shavings. Question answered. We drilled, tapped and installed a helicoil this weekend. Hopefully we're now on the path to reassembly. Thank you again for the helpful videos. BTW, the first car I ever worked on was a '78 Cutlass Supreme with V6 231. Your other videos bring back pleasant memories. That was a nice car to work on. Pull the fan shroud, unbolt the fan and then stand in the engine compartment to do the rest of the work.

[@thorthunder3227]

to install the intake gaskets you wll have to drop in the push rods in after the gaskets and then proceed to install the intake.

[@karlh4313]

Nice burn out!!

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

Thanks 👍

[@kd7cwg]

I have an 01 silhouette with 259k. Going to have to do this. Probably going to drop sun frame. There is no room at all in there 🤣

[@humorme5367]

Im fixing to change the intake gasket on my wifes torrent ( id wish she would sell it ) Great video . Thanks a lot .

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

haha, thanks man. Good luck on the job. Hope my video helps you out.

[@jgreen4715]

Do have a title or item number for that push rod removal tool?

[@bobv8219]

Do ya think spraying wd ur pb blaster woud a made it any easier? , When prying the fuel rail

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

they were sprayed

[@treyherring9370]

You should come help me repair my Pontiac grand am gt 3.4 sfi year 2000 exactly like yours it’s missing a lot

[@wevel963]

I like how the top of the engine is already gone at the beginning of a 'how to' video - thanks I guess.

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

Watch the video as I explain it. Everyone else who has watched it found it helpful. Thanks for watching.

[@TheZillatattoo]

You take shit off. If u cant get to that point comfortably this video should scare the hell out of you. But its really one of the easiest engines u could ever work on. Take pictures, remove throttle body, upper plenum, power steering pump, alternator, all EGR crap, coil pack, lower plenum and valve covers...and other random stuff. Ive done the air gaskets then a pretty total rebuild a few years later. This engine requires love, dont drive it like a race car. Step 1 is the Haynes manual. This video gets to the point, otherwise its an hour video just to get to the valley. Good luck my friend.

[@wevel963]

Shane Knowlton thank you

[@jaredlabriola]

@@TheZillatattoo easiest my ass i hate these 60 degree v6 the 3800 is much better engine

[@acu112]

Question When removing fuel injectors, would spraying WD40 help or cause more damage? Thank you.

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

Just pull them out carefully, they will pop out. The key is to clean out the mating surfaces, install new seals and lube with Teflon or similar before reinstalling.

[@Jaylikescar]

I just tightened the new bolts for the intake (8) and a couple made cracking noise but car seems to run fine. Was it normal or did I over tighten them ?

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

Mine didn't do that so not sure what that was.

[@myainput2657]

Did you ever find out what the name of the tool is that removes the push rods?

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

Lisle 48300 Push Rod Remover

[@ricgomez1]

Did you have to bleed the lifters before you reassemble it?

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

Did not but all these 3400s have valve noise.

[@troy2477]

my upper intake gasket on my 03 GrandAm GT needed to be replaced. I took it to a mechanic they changed it after 3 months I noticed a leak. I took it back they told me the intake was cracked in 4 different places I asked if they were going to refund me for the first time they said no. I told them they probably cracked it while taking it off the engine, they gave me the option a new intake manifold or used that had been tested. I had no choice so I got a used one they did show me the intake manifold was cracked. when It was done I gave them the money didn't say anything to them when I left. What work you can do yourself do it then you won't get ripped off like I did.

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

You educate yourself the best you can so you can handle the job yourself. I have never heard of an intake cracking on these ever, only the gaskets crack and fail.

[@dereckc9469]

I did the LIM a few years ago. NOW I think I have a pinhole leak in the coolant crossover pipe on top of the lower intae. soes anyone know a part number for just that pipe?

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

Try Rock Auto

[@dereckc9469]

@@ClassicGBodyGarage I didn't do the job, mechanic did but I'm dealing with issues he left behind. I can see between the runners a worm gear clamp.looks like he cut a section and used a hose to make a "repair" he also used rtv on the heater pipe you show at around the 14:20 mark hole was right after the seal I thought the seal was worn lost all my coolant when the rtv blew off, thankfully only a mile from home. I really should have done the lim gasket job myself...

[@ItsaRomethingeveryday]

I have a question, does the 3400 have a timing chain, or Belt, I just bought an 04 Monte Carlo ls with a 3400 I it , it has a 3400 in it with 242 thousand on it, mechanically it's been very well taken care of, just wondering

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

Chain and you don't need to replace it unless necessary

[@longmirewest9460]

Do you know the firing order for the spark plugs wiring?

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

Left to right standing in front: Back bank 1,3,5 and Front bank 2,4,6

[@longmirewest9460]

Thanks man I'm going to try it out this morning I'll let you know the results

[@longmirewest9460]

Thanks for the firing order but the intake has 135 closest to the radiator 1 being on the passenger side and the firewall from passenger side says 246 thats what gm has printed on the intake

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

Go with what you find on the intake then. This is a search I did on Google which I probably looked at the wrong engine. Sorry for the confusion.

[@longmirewest9460]

Understand thank you so much for your help i appreciate it

[@stephenhester4118]

Is it possible to put 3400 heads on a 3.5? The reason I'm asking is, I've got a 3.5 that has been very over heated and I'm afraid the heads are shot ,and I've got a set of brand new 3400 heads..

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

I would have no idea.

[@maharper100]

You may know by now, no need to pull the fuel rails, unplug the harness and use the tool to disconnect the fuel lines, remove with lower intake. Time saver!!

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

Good to know!

[@noahnewsome2050]

Hey my 3400 is leaking in the same spot but im almost positive its not internally leaking because there is no coolant in the oil. And it doesnt burn white smoke. Does that mean its the water pump or what?

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

If you are unsure of where it is coming from then you need to perform a coolant system pressure test. If there is a leak then coolant will spew out from the leaking area.

[@noahnewsome2050]

I did the test and it was coming from the water pump. I watched your video on that and I replaced it myself for 40 bucks. It took about 4-5 hours.

[@noahnewsome2050]

Thanks for the info/help

[@AshAndCamilleMiller]

These cars need a water pump after almost each 50 to 75 miles. It will start weeping and slinging the fluid. Those intake gaskets can also breach on the exterior and leak almost all the coolant outside of the motor. Not sure about his. But I also replace that stupid little tiny elbow hose that makes a 90 degree angle and is only like 6 inches long. First hose to always go

[@user-df1zs5um4o]

The video would be much better if you Focused your camera or got a better camera to show those close-up details. Thanks.

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

Old video with old camera. I did what I could back then.

[@mrcurator4207]

What was the total time to replace the intake manifold gaskets?

[@ryans413]

You can usually do it in an hour if you know what you are doing

[@mrcurator4207]

@@ryans413 The shop wants $500... and my nephew said it took him 16 hours to do the upper and lower intake manifold gaskets. Of course, he had never done them before.

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

a tech with years of experience maybe but for someone who has never done it, its a good weekend job.

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

thats about right for someone with little experience.

[@ryans413]

@@ClassicGBodyGarage If you study the motor and know what you are doing you can get it done in an hour two at most. For new people of course takes longer

[@niigonbenasi]

don't even need to remove the fuel rail :D

[@48wilber]

agreed,,, as long as you can get the fuel lines off,,, them injectors all go in at different angles,,, so they won't all pop out of the intake still attached to the rail!

[@AshAndCamilleMiller]

I removed mine, just thought hey I'm this far in let's do everything so I dont have to go back in for a stupid injector o ring

[@jarvisparker8738]

At 6:46 there was some chocolate milk in there dexcool and oil mixing that’s not good !!😳😳

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

Yep, this is why the gaskets were replaced.

[@Texaca]

02:29 ....always replace those heater hose "quick disconnects", those always fail and they get brittle. Replace with new ones, those things are garbage design and made of substandard materials. 🧐

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

Good to know! Thank you for the tip

[@ford300rippergarage]

Had one break on me, cost me an engine cuz I melted it down 😂

[@kingmaleek6334]

Wish I found these videos 8 months ago

[@RAWRMotorsports]

These engines are a pain in the A** 🎉

[@buddylight2191]

In my time the 60's, it was a lot easier to work on cars.

[@mcinkyt]

+BUDDY LIGHT These plastic cars will not be collectable like ours either. One and DONE

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

+mcinkyt agree guys. I do believe the charger RT behind me will be a collectable in the future but right most cars of today are just drivers. No frills or collectibility value.

[@AshAndCamilleMiller]

Ain't that the truth, I had a 65 rambler, you could get to everything in like 10 minutes, 84 307 intake took me like 30 min to an hour to do. Mine is mostly metal, 96 Century wagon, its definately unique, all the guys at the shop love it, any real value in the future I dont know but its garage kept and the paint is just as shiny as my 17 accord, its pristine with no door seals etc even dried out. I love it, will never sell maybe when I'm dead someone will love it as much as I do. Wish I would have tripodded my camera for the whole process, would have made an interesting but long video!

[@matthewshea4052]

My dude... you do things really weird. On the 3400 there’s a lot of things you could have done to make life easier.

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

Well when performing a job like this for the very first time, correct there may have been things I would have done less WEIRD.......TO YOU

[@TheXV1CT0Rx]

it helps to record the removal of intake. this video is worthless to youtube

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

Not worthless at all, read the comments on how much it has helped.

[@kinch40]

these engines suck ass, just buy a full size chevy truck and spray the frame up and live life happy

[@pauljs75]

GM just didn't build these V6's to have any top end. The valves go floaty above 5000 RPM, so the redline is only there to have room for the downshift. Yet they're not without punch on the bottom. (If only they had stick.) The only real problem was with the LIM, and that's because they (stupidly) used a composite gasket that wasn't exactly compatible with Dexcool. (Switching to an all-metal one solves that.) However the N-bodys had really good (practically 50-50) weight distribution, and super-predictable handling. It's possible to be really stupid with it and have it stay planted. (The suspension is only a nerf on paper.) It drives like a smaller car with the benefit of having a usable rear seat and trunk. If it wasn't FWD with a hint of torque-steer and had a manual transmission, I suspect there would be enthusiasts wanting it despite what the engine was. Outside of the choice of interior plastic, the build quality isn't terrible and the body paint is better than on Japanese cars of the same year. I still drive mine and it's been reliable.

[@alexm2623]

That's not it at all. In 1997 GM moved towards having universal parts between several of its engines, including a redesigned intake manifold, and a new engine variant that had 10 more hp. The crap LIM owes its problems to GM trying to cut corners. Aside from this issue though, the 3.1/3.4/3.8 engines are bulletproof if cared for. I see them at 200k+ all the time. The rest of the car though...lets say rust doesn't play fair with a vehicle's life span...

[@jamiescheel6685]

I must have had a lot better luck than most. I have 260K miles on my 04 Impala and still gets 31-33 MPG. The intake gasket does leak a little bit but not horrible. Changing the intake gaskets this week. Hoping to hit 300K on it before the rust gets to bad on it.

[@romansten9]

Garrett Kinch I have a full size Chevy truck too......but with all the gas savings of the car.....I can afford to fix the gaskets.....And still have a bunch of money left over! Keeps the miles down on the truck when Im not hauling or towing anything too! Driving a truck daily when you dont need a truck daily is a waste of a good truck!