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

[@johnsimmons4838]

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]

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

[@strackdriver]

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]

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

[@JnRskaters]

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]

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]

Awesome! posts like yours makes this all worthwhile

[@Toniez0]

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]

@gamerrodz what brand of head gasket are you using?

[@Toniez0]

@@motorcarnut auspartshouse

[@motorcarnut]

Your fine

[@matthewpague1750]

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

[@motorcarnut]

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

[@timothywallace1963]

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]

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

[@treyu791]

Gained lots of knowledge and saved over $1000 on, had a blown gasket on 2002 bonneville thank you

[@motorcarnut]

Great to hear that! That’s what I’m all about! And really appreciate you taking the time to comment!!!

[@gregs9555]

3.8 is one of the best 6 cylinder engines GM ever made. Definitely worth new head gaskets. Really good video BTW

[@motorcarnut]

Thank you very much! And I do agree!

[@RICK1956ful]

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

[@motorcarnut]

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

[@jessesalem6631]

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

[@motorcarnut]

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

[@Hambone_FN]

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]

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

[@thirroul01]

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

[@motorcarnut]

Thank you very much for the feedback, appreciated!

[@darrensmith9407]

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]

Thank you very much. I appreciate the comment

[@SlightlyMiscalculated]

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]

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.

[@stevecurtiss46]

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]

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

[@ChiefIronBallz]

❤

[@ChiefIronBallz]

Good

[@babofritz8268]

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]

lol, thanks was born 30 miles away from there!

[@idontremember2995]

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]

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

[@motorcarnut]

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

[@damianpasour]

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]

Yes that"s why I did the video

[@HHHH351]

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

[@motorcarnut]

No problem, thanks for the comment!

[@nateish8026]

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]

No problem, glad it helped

[@HUBBABUBBADOOPYDOOP]

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]

Good example.

[@robertsmith2956]

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]

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.

[@elcaballopapi]

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

[@motorcarnut]

That’s true. cast iron rarely warps

[@mithyc2948]

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]

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

[@ZackAngelMusic]

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]

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

[@jaredleon9743]

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]

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

[@reggiehowze1891]

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]

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]

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

[@motorcarnut]

Thanks for sharing!! Appreciated!

[@wesleybrabant3595]

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]

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

[@robertsmith2956]

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.

[@DeeRizzley]

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]

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

[@Tylers24]

@@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]

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

[@Tylers24]

@@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]

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

[@shaywilson6997]

rocker arms in a certain sequence, and following the rotation of the motor again to tighten down the other rocker arm bolts, and a certain sequence as well?

[@motorcarnut]

Correct

[@sk_da_sucios8679]

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

[@motorcarnut]

Wonderful! Thanks for the comment and good luck!

[@MrJayMoney]

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]

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.

[@lshalo8319]

Doing this now happy to see people work on 3800

[@motorcarnut]

Sure, they are still great engines.

[@raymond9839]

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]

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.

[@Lee-np2bn]

Videos is great. im starting now. What is the best clean solution i should buy

[@motorcarnut]

Thank you!, Try "Spray Nine" degreaser, works great.

[@jenniferserra131]

Where do that cable go again ur touched in 14:14 mins in the video

[@motorcarnut]

Wiring harness? Or coolant hose? don't know what cable you are referring too.

[@coreyyancey9272]

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

[@motorcarnut]

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

[@tmagicdadonable]

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

[@motorcarnut]

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

[@thomasdion3104]

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

[@motorcarnut]

Good point

[@dewanwahed7754]

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

[@motorcarnut]

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

[@dewanwahed7754]

@@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]

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

[@JacobEaston-z2f]

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]

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. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gHLIY6memKxkmqs

[@MrJbeaste]

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

[@motorcarnut]

No problem!

[@teearah08]

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]

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]

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.

[@ricoswint7516]

man love your videos very helpful very reliable thanks alot

[@motorcarnut]

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

[@ToxicClipz21]

about to do a 05 grand prix gtp is is the same?

[@motorcarnut]

Yep, the 3800 series is the same, except for a few minor differences in the intake manifold and some different brackets.

[@ezquicktransport1788]

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

[@motorcarnut]

Thank you very much for the kind feedback

[@glassontherocks]

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]

Seems to be, yes.

[@sayblack8298]

I just finished doing this head job using only this video for reference completed the job car starts but no acceleration. Can anyone help or recommend any other options

[@motorcarnut]

If you didn’t have that problem before, you probably missed something like a connector , a vacuum leak or maybe the intake hose from air filter to throttle body and or MAF sensor

[@cmoore7700]

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]

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

[@davidwalker4244]

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

[@motorcarnut]

Great, should help you if you need it

[@sonriseyahchild8733]

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

[@motorcarnut]

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

[@skidmark132]

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]

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!

[@gabrielchildsbennett5873]

Man i love this video ❤

[@motorcarnut]

Thank you! much appreciated!

[@MrAaronschoice]

I have a 1994, how different is that?

[@motorcarnut]

Pretty similar

[@timbuffington5717]

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

[@motorcarnut]

Couldn’t hurt, less mess too

[@super1337spy]

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

[@motorcarnut]

I would

[@Toniez0]

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

[@motorcarnut]

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.

[@dylanbrown3664]

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]

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]

@@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]

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

[@KewanyaiDoster]

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

[@motorcarnut]

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

[@robertsmith2956]

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

[@motorcarnut]

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

[@1k_vonte]

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]

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

[@larryderossett592]

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]

Head gaskets failing

[@sk_da_sucios8679]

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]

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.

[@KewanyaiDoster]

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]

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?

[@alejandrovega9337]

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

[@motorcarnut]

11 ft lbs

[@d_ak4918]

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]

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]

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

[@motorcarnut]

@d_ak4918 sure, no problem

[@gene-allenmarshall244]

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

[@motorcarnut]

Well things will start getting messy so I would.

[@endureforeverlasting777]

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

[@motorcarnut]

Sure a.co/d/9sNUgpA

[@srarcade]

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]

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.

[@raymond9839]

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]

Keep us updated and thanks for information!

[@fabianreyes9513]

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

[@motorcarnut]

Yes

[@dontewilliams9903]

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]

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.

[@beauxjenkins6238]

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

[@motorcarnut]

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

[@dariusbryant1360]

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]

Front exhaust manifold not intake

[@motorcarnut]

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.

[@marcosquartz]

Thank you for posting this great video. ✌️

[@motorcarnut]

Thank you, really appreciate it.

[@raymond9839]

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]

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

[@DPJ-1985DIY]

2008 Buick Lucerne cxl 3.8L...... I just did a head gasket replacement job. I had the heads resurfaced_ put new head gaskets_ new head bolts_ new spark plugs AC Delco_ new spark plug wires AC Delco_ New temperature sensor_ new lower and upper intake manifold gaskets_ new exhaust manifold gaskets_ new valve cover gaskets_ new radiator_ new thermostat_ new clean full synthetic oil_ and new oil filter_ and car won't start it doesn't want to turn all the way over, crank but no start. The battery is also fully charged. I double checked to make sure I connected everything and all grounds are connected too. So prior to this a buddy of mine said car over heated, he said it shut off on him and he let it cool down then when he tried staring it that it turned on but it shut off on him right away. Then he tried staring it a few more times after and it wouldn't start no more . While I was disassembling engine there was coolant all in the oil pan and exhaust system/ exhaust manifold as well as the muffler/ exhaust pipe. Any ideas why car won't start?? Thank you in advance for your help.

[@motorcarnut]

I would look inside the cylinders and make sure there is no coolant from a possible cracked head, then I would check cylinder compression and tell me what it shows?

[@DPJ-1985DIY]

Or if you have a phone number or email I contact you directly for faster response and so I can send you pictures of everything if that'll be more of a help??

[@DPJ-1985DIY]

COMPRESSION TESTS RESULTS AS FOLLOWS DRY.................WET CYLINDER_ 1= 12 PSI.............. 72 PSI CYLINDER_ 2 = 85 PSI............. 120 PSI CYLINDER_ 3 = 90 PSI.............. 102 PSI CYLINDER_ 4 = 60 PSI.............. 72 PSI CYLINDER_ 5 = 42 PSI.............. 60 PSI CYLINDER_ 6= 60 PSI.............. 80 PSI

[@johnspivey7328]

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

[@motorcarnut]

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.

[@amandachau489]

THANKS, GOOD MAN!!!

[@motorcarnut]

Thank you ! Appreciated

[@alejandrovega9337]

What torque did you put on the rocker bolts?

[@motorcarnut]

Rocker Arm Pivot Bolts - 2 Steps: 11FtLbs; +90deg

[@jamessaxton4285]

I got a question i did head gaskets on my buddy's 2002 firebird 3800 series and when i torque the rockers down to spec on tdc it opens the valves when they are supposed to be closed and ideas??

[@motorcarnut]

Make sure you’re not on TDC on the exhaust stroke, has to be on compression stroke.

[@jamessaxton4285]

@@motorcarnut ya its on compression stroke, like I said when the valve is supposed to be closed, the rockers on torque spec are opening instead of remaining closed

[@motorcarnut]

If you didn’t mess anything up with the cam timing they both should be closed at tdc for each cylinders compression stroke so you messed something up assuming the engine did not have the problem before you took it apart. Make sure push rods are properly seated in the lifters, or lifters may be clogged and not compressing? Seems strange

[@jamessaxton4285]

@@motorcarnut all the lifters were clogged up, so I took them apart and cleared them up I got it running! Thanks for your help!

[@motorcarnut]

Great! Glad to help

[@JamesonBrownJamie]

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

[@motorcarnut]

Ask me here if you want.

[@kiaryoung3399]

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]

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

[@kiaryoung3399]

@@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

[@l3gend_darkness161]

What exact scouring pad u used? If u don’t mind me asking I followed the video it was very helpful I need some cleaning on the cylinder walls

[@motorcarnut]

I used the green scotch brite pad with some kerosene

[@l3gend_darkness161]

Does it matter what green pad ? Or just any with kerosene oil

[@motorcarnut]

Just any would be fine, you can control how much pressure to use.

[@l3gend_darkness161]

Ur big help appreciate it one mechanic to another🙏🏽

[@l3gend_darkness161]

What’s weird was my car never overheated but lost of coolant immediately and no heat and found out it was a head gasket and coolant was leaking into my crankcase deciding if I should continue fixing it

[@adeadnewyorker]

Thank you for this video!! Any chance you know bolt sizes for the cross over pipe? I think the two back ones snapped

[@motorcarnut]

Thank you as well. I don't know off hand as I don't have any of those cars right now.

[@adeadnewyorker]

@@motorcarnut i just finished the head job. Right on the start some smoke started coming out from around the front exhaust location, the check english is also on solid and the oil pressure is on 0 with a warning light. The engine is also jumpy if you know what I mean. It doesn’t run as smooth as it usually does. What might I have done wrong with the reassembly?

[@motorcarnut]

Ok, give me some info, what was the problem with you car before you started this?

[@adeadnewyorker]

@@motorcarnut just a simple blown head or manifold gasket. Not sure exactly which one but there was definitely water in the oil. Thats about it honestly everything else ran pretty good. I made sure the gaskets were on properly and all of the necessary bolts Were torqued to spec. Could it be some faulty or misplaced wiring, or coolant still in the oil tank? I think the alternator harness broke a prong or two I’d have to double check

[@motorcarnut]

Did you check the heads for warpage before installing the heads? What codes are coming up. Sounds like it’s missing but I don’t like the 0 oil pressure. You did something wrong, you have to back track. Do a compression check on all cylinders should be 120psi. Maybe you put head gaskets on the wrong way?

[@mr.warren1389]

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

[@motorcarnut]

Thank you bro!

[@thomasedwards3372]

Good job. 😎

[@motorcarnut]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@ivebeenbamboozled9210]

What brand of head gaskets did you place on the engine?

[@motorcarnut]

ECCPP Engine Replacement Head... www.amazon.com/dp/B077STFWL3?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share But looks like it’s not available from this seller on Amazon, you can try searching for it, was mostly USA made or find a Fel pro set, more money but great brand

[@davidlyon8154]

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

[@motorcarnut]

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

[@davesomeone4059]

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]

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]

@@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]

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]

@@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]

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.

[@dennispeaks]

This does not affect the 1994 Olds Ninety Eight?

[@motorcarnut]

?

[@dennispeaks]

@@motorcarnut your listing says 95 and up. My Olds is a 94 with the 3800 engine. I am wondering if I need to do the head gaskets as well?

[@motorcarnut]

Oh, if your engine looks like the one in the video then it’s probably very similar. Whether you need a head gasket? Well what is wrong with yours?

[@dennispeaks]

@@motorcarnut nothing is wrong with mine, I was going to do preventative measures but from everything I have read it does not apply to the 94 3800, they changed it in 95 which caused the problems

[@crwnvic]

I did a compression test on my 3800 and only my 4th cylinder has low compression. How should I go about fixing this ?

[@motorcarnut]

You have to determine if it’s the piston or rings, valves or a blown head gasket. What was the psi in that cylinder

[@crwnvic]

@@motorcarnut it’s at 110 psi, while my other cylinders are at 135, 140 psi.

[@motorcarnut]

That's not very bad but a problem. Try pouring a tea spoon of engine oil through the spark plug port and see if the compression increases , if it does that can be worn piston rings or leaking through the head gasket very slightly, if it doesn't can be a sticking or damaged valve.

[@crwnvic]

@@motorcarnut I did pour oil into my spark plug port when I first did the test, but when I checked compression again it dipped to 90psi. I think I might of poured too much oil inside the port.

[@motorcarnut]

If you put too much oil it would raise the compression Unless you have a burnt or chipped valve or one which is not seating properly which sounds like you do.

[@deanbaird4425]

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

[@motorcarnut]

Search online Amazon or eBay

[@deanbaird4425]

@@motorcarnut ty pal

[@motorcarnut]

@deanbaird4425 no problem

[@boydbelgarde1827]

I need to know how you set lash on roller rockers ?

[@motorcarnut]

What year make and engine you working on?

[@boydbelgarde1827]

08 Grand Prix 3.8

[@motorcarnut]

I believe that engine has hydraulic lifters that are not adjustable.

[@TheUnknownLegand]

What thread sealer did you use on the head bolts? and did you put it on all of them?

[@motorcarnut]

GM sealant 1052080 I use it on all of them.

[@TheUnknownLegand]

@@motorcarnut Thanks, I looked over my motor and all of em run into water jackets

[@TheUnknownLegand]

@@motorcarnut What is the Acdelco part number for GM 1052080? I can't seem to find it.

[@motorcarnut]

Use this, ARP-1009904 Thread Sealer, the other GM stuff I used I had so this will work as good

[@TheUnknownLegand]

@@motorcarnut Thanks for your help, great video. I just realized that Fel-Pro ES74033 head bolts are pre coated with thread sealer 😆 The GM 1052080 sealant you were using must of been ancient 😂 because it's a very very old part number that was superseded by GM 19333512 which is Acdelco 10-2024. It's great to know it lasts forever tho. Ironically I had watched a video on 3800 head bolts before yours and the guy was telling everyone that ARP 100-9904 sealer is junk, I looked into this and there were many complaints of the sealer heating up and running out the bolt holes causing leaks. I don't judge it till I use it but many complaints make you think twice.

[@chrischris3222]

Where are the links or part numbers for the gasket set ?

[@motorcarnut]

HS9917PT-3,ES74033

[@dannysautorepair]

Great video

[@motorcarnut]

Thank you! Appreciated

[@KewanyaiDoster]

What happens if you torque the head bolts to tight

[@motorcarnut]

Can distort the head gasket, stretch the threads warp the head etc.

[@KewanyaiDoster]

Can I use a jack pole to tighten the head bolts

[@motorcarnut]

@KewanyaiDoster The proper tools are a torque wrench

[@KewanyaiDoster]

So wen I torqued just the 4 bolts in the middle of the heads an put every thing back together and started the car it wouldn’t stay running an it was still so much white smoke then wen I took one of the heads back off it had coolant an old In one of the big holes any reason why

[@Aintgonnastop]

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]

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

[@Toniez0]

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

[@mikeyplatz818]

Where can I find all of the torque specs?

[@motorcarnut]

Online sites like alldata Mitchell on demand or your local library online site

[@mardellabrams9040]

Having trouble putting exhaust pipe screws back in correct holes

[@motorcarnut]

Why?

[@davesomeone4059]

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]

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]

.