How to replace GM 3800 V6 Valve Cover Gaskets

[@PetesGarageandperformance]

Check out the links in the description for parts used in this video. Thanks for watching.

[@colemanaugustine3376]

Pro trick : watch movies on Flixzone. Been using it for watching loads of movies recently.

[@kyloleonardo8795]

@Coleman Augustine yup, have been using Flixzone for months myself =)

[@brooksricardo7955]

@Coleman Augustine yea, have been watching on Flixzone for years myself :D

[@burnerloco4138]

Wondering if you accidentally dropped a nut or bolt down in the intake since you don’t cover those ports up.

[@PetesGarageandperformance]

@@burnerloco4138 I’ve been wrenching for 20 years and never have dropped something down the intake that I didn’t know about.

[@jaydeus]

I really love these videos where it's like "here's how to do the thing, but it's 2/3 of the way done already"

[@GixxerRider1991]

Getting a Grand Prix with a 3800 was the best decision I've ever made car-wise. Parts are cheap and it's pretty easy to work on.

[@champ5316]

My car was sitting for at least 6 months after taking it to the shop and them telling me I had a massive oil leak. They said they couldn't tell where it was coming from. A friend came over today and said it was the valve cover gasket. I looked at your video and changed the one that seemed to be smoking the most the front and then degreased everything to see if it worked. No leaks and running like a charm thanks. will tackle the rear another day, but it's not smoking as of yet.

[@GixxerRider1991]

Don't wait till it smokes, you could light your car on fire.

[@burnerloco4138]

E Frank’ , I think there is a recall on these for under hood fire. Dealer would fix n/c they go by the vin number

[@mgz3032]

I just inherited a 93 Bonneville SE from my uncle and these videos are great! Thank you sir!

[@hairylarry6167]

Isn't it a shame GM stopped making the 3800 V 6? It's a gutless engine. I have a 1996 OLDS Delta 88 LS has no rust, mag wheels looks like new. Car has 154,000 on it. That ole 3800 just runs and runs and runs. I've had some engine gaskets replaced on it. Been a great car. I've had it for 10 years. I wish GM would of never stopped making Oldsmobiles too. Nice video you made, thanks.

[@Celtic-Texan]

Thanks for the well made video. Doing this on my sons Pontiac G6 3.5 with the same set up. Repair shop he took it to wanted to charge $585 in labor, I told him hell no!

[@PetesGarageandperformance]

Thank you. The 3.5 is a little different. But similar. Good luck.

[@birdking6389]

very helpful, I am going to do my 05 lacrosse cover gaskets myself, honestly, hard job for an older man, it took me three and a half hour to replace the water pump only and lots of back sore.

[@PetesGarageandperformance]

Yeah leaning over a car for a few hours can be rough on the back if you’re not used to it.

[@chariewilliams8391]

Love this video I was gifted a 1991 Buick Park Avenue it has 90,000 original miles it needs these two gaskets the car has been sitting a few yrs before I got it your video makes me feel I can do the work I know a lil bit about Cars not much I'm scared to let just anyone work on this beauty need a honest mechanic lol

[@andrewbryan1730]

Great job I'm doing the valve covers and upper and lower intake on my 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix GT this made me feel much more confident before tearing apart my vehicle u deserve much more subscribers as u have earned my subscribe

[@PetesGarageandperformance]

andrew bryan Thank You. I appreciate the kind words. Good luck with the reseal.

[@CarolinaKambo]

andrew bryan I am going to do the same thing on my 2001 Pont GP GT. Gotta have it finished before for my daughter turns 18.

[@shawnpa]

I really enjoy your 3800 videos. Your presentation is easy to follow and helpful. The orange gaskets leak on this engine I'm working on as well. Thanks.

[@PetesGarageandperformance]

Thank you! Orange gaskets FTL! (For the leak)

[@bonjourrj]

@@PetesGarageandperformance What brand do you suggest? Also, What brand for the whole head gasket set?

[@PetesGarageandperformance]

I would either get AC Delco stuff or maybe a Felpro kit. Make sure you use gray silicone from either GM or permatex. It’s the same stuff. I’m pretty sure Permatex makes the GM silicone.

[@nonolabs]

Thanks Pete. The Hanyes manual is very lacking on these vehicles. It's very helpful to see someone do it before attempting it yourself.

[@PetesGarageandperformance]

No problem. Thanks for subscribing!

[@davidtoler8901]

Awesome job, dude. I'm at the stage of taking off the alternator bracket and wanted to see someone else get that rear valve cover off. Thanks.

[@PetesGarageandperformance]

David Toler No problem. Good luck with the repairs.

[@petejohnson6498]

Thanks for sharing! Got an '03 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP and it leaks like a sieve. Hoping to get all the smart bits in my head before I start wrenching on her.

[@PetesGarageandperformance]

Lower intake,valve covers, and oil pan are the typical culprits. Good luck.

[@jonathanp.5802]

I know this video is a bit old now, but I thought I should chime in and let everyone know that almost all of these 3800's have a recall for under hood fires from the front valve cover gasket. They will replace the front cover and the gasket for no charge, save you some labor and parts costs. Then you can do the back half yourself!

[@ballzzinyourmouth8]

Even up to today 2023?

[@jonathanp.5802]

@@ballzzinyourmouth8 yes sir

[@ballzzinyourmouth8]

@@jonathanp.5802 You got your recall done recently? You know what other recalls are still available?

[@jonathanp.5802]

@@ballzzinyourmouth8 Look up a vin recall search, then type in your vin. I got my work (2 recalls) done in November.

[@realg7043]

they replaced my valve cover but kept the leaky gasket that was there for 26 years, no trust to GM dealership

[@jasonkiss7019]

My favorite channel for my 3800 v6 series 2 05 Bonneville

[@danhoag3296]

Pete, great video. I am almost done doing this job, and your video was very helpful. Thanks.

[@PetesGarageandperformance]

That’s great to hear! Thanks for watching.

[@samij8639]

Thank you Pete! Great video. I have 2007 Buick Lacrosse with 3800 engine, another day service told me I need to replace Upper Intake Manifold Gasket and Valve Cover Gasket but I never saw leaking oil or smell. They asked around $1.000(700 labor + 300 parts). It is kind of expensive for these two to get done right? 7 hours of labor is a lot to me. I was thinking to do it by myself with your great video but I am not sure :) I want to keep my vehicle till it dies. It has 165.000 miles on it and service guy told me after I replace these two it can go up to 400.000 miles

[@PetesGarageandperformance]

Sami Jenedi The 2007 is a little different than the series 2 but very similar. I also have a video of the intake gaskets so check that out and you can do it!

[@timmystips3935]

Great vid! Thanks... good to know the valve cover can just come off by itself. I haven’t replaced gaskets before - do I need to drain the oil first? Maybe stupid question, but it’d be a lot easier not to, as I have to get the car moving first (hence, the valve cover gasket thing...) I can’t very well change the oil in the middle of the neighborhood!

[@PetesGarageandperformance]

No you don’t need to drain the oil. Just make sure you don’t get any debris into the area under the cover.

[@timmystips3935]

@@PetesGarageandperformance Hey I did it! The front only because that's where the obvious problem was (I'll have my mechanic do the rear one.) And I did it with one hand - I had a stroke when I was a kid so I only have the use of my left arm. Patience is a virtue! For some reason I didn't have a full size spark plug socket last night so I haven't finished.

[@cnkilts]

I have a chance to buy a 2000 Bonneville for only $400 that’s appears to be in good shape besides dirty. It has a real bad valve cover leak and engine light on due to something causing it to miss. This video makes it seem that the valve cover part would be a easy fix.

[@PetesGarageandperformance]

Yes the valve covers are pretty easy. As for the misfire, check the coil packs for corroded terminals. If that’s ok then I would do a compression test to make sure everything is ok before sinking too much money in parts at it.

[@cnkilts]

@@PetesGarageandperformance sweet. Thanks man.

[@alastair4451]

FYI: Service manual states to use thread lock on valve cover bolts.

[@eliaskauffmann4773]

Doing gods work🙏🙏

[@joshuaowens4797]

Everything is easy to repair on this engine. 💙

[@PetesGarageandperformance]

I always say this is one of the best engines GM ever made. They had a long service life to prove it.

[@RobNtBob]

Especially the later year fbodies

[@getboogie1950]

Hi I was wondering if you do this work, will it make the 3rd spark plug in the back center, more accessible?

[@wildstyle2738]

Thank you there was something all over the valve cover it was hard and brittle I cleaned it all up took quite some time.... let it dry bolted it back up I would send b4 n after but not sure how lol againthanks so much

[@PetesGarageandperformance]

No problem

[@cppresley7015]

Dog you have to take the intake off to change the Vale cover gaskets thanks god bless

[@skidoorulz4914]

You should add that if the 2 bypass tubes are plastic replace them right now with the metal ones. Save yourself another repair job in 6 months

[@MalacthaMC]

Like the video I have a leaky Buick from the same year with gunk all over the entire engine

[@PetesGarageandperformance]

Malactha thank you! Get that thing resealed and you won’t have to deal with the burning oil smell anymore!

[@mikerochelle5999]

I have a 2000 buick lesebre and its puking oil plus a gas leak. Trying to have it all fixed up

[@PetesGarageandperformance]

If the gas is leaking from the fuel line fitting at the fuel rail you can buy the ends from Dorman. You don’t have to replace the whole line.

[@mikerochelle5999]

@@PetesGarageandperformance i see it coming from the front. Its the same exact year and make as the buick on ur video

[@mikerochelle5999]

@@PetesGarageandperformance ok that seems better

[@davidspensberger7862]

Thank you I desperately need to do back leaks pretty bad

[@PetesGarageandperformance]

Yeah these cars are getting some age on them. The back one is the fun one. Good luck.

[@Dan-ns3uq]

just loosen front mounting bolts for motor, hook a ratchet strap to hoist brackets on top of motor and wrap it around bumper, rachet slowely and the engine will rock forward and give lots more clearance for rear valve cover..

[@BLAKizLurKin]

I'm glad I seen this video, I have a 2004 GP Comp-G with series III engine s/c.Does my supercharger have to be removed to get to rear valve covers?

[@PetesGarageandperformance]

No. You should be able to do it without removing the supercharger. That bracket might be tough though.

[@BLAKizLurKin]

@@PetesGarageandperformance Thanks for replying with your video I will see how far I get. 😃👍👍

[@gimpdood]

@@BLAKizLurKin How did it go?

[@michaelsandman8134]

Thanks man. Just did this job on my 92 Buick Riviera. Slightly different... The alternator stayed on but the power steering reservoir had to come off along with a couple brackets and metal fuel lines(?) Lots of room to work on this old Buick haha. I had a slight difficulty getting the gasket to stay in the valve cover when I was putting them back on. I eventually got it but is there a compound or something that can be used to hold the gaskets in place?

[@PetesGarageandperformance]

Yeah I just use a dab of silicone rtv to hold them in place.

[@aaronjoseph6650]

Hey, I have an 02 Grand Prix GT and I believe both my valve gaskets are leaking. Slight burning smell and smoke from time to time under the engine, as well as oil gunk leaking all around. After watching this video I'm almost positive that's what it's from. However the previous owner had a coolant hose that blew and sprayed everywhere so how can I be sure? There's never any oil or fluid on the ground under the car but i do see fresh looking oil leaks around the engine and that smoke from time to time. Any tips you might be able to give me? Thank you and thanks again for the video. Very informative.

[@PetesGarageandperformance]

Coolant leaks won’t sludge up because it’s half water. Oil leaks sludge. So I would say its probably oil. Also remember that oil won’t leak up. It’ll always leak down and back due to gravity and blowing back from driving forward. If there’s smoke it’s probably the oil dripping onto the exhaust which usually is the valve covers.

[@Wise.Guy.]

Quoted 5 hours for the gaskets on the 3500 v6 in the 2011 impala. Is that about right?

[@Wise.Guy.]

Pete?

[@ericjones3537]

Probably stupid question but do i need to drain the coolant before i remove the bracket?

[@PetesGarageandperformance]

Are you talking about the alternator/tensioner bracket? If so then the coolant will come out of the plastic elbows even if you drain the radiator.

[@fatmanjess]

Is the same concept for the series 1 3800?

[@anthonyboyda5467]

When you put the bracket back on the engine did you have to replace the gasket for the water jackets? I would guess you did but I'm not certain.

[@PetesGarageandperformance]

There is no gasket for the water jackets. Just the two plastic elbows that have o-rings on them. I always replace both elbows since they are cheap and prone to failure.

[@gimpdood]

The GM elbows are indeed prone to failure. Dorman makes metal ones that are not and cost about the same.

[@Mr.Preston3991]

Thanks man. I appreciate this informational video!

[@chananielwizman2401]

Have one of these too did LIM, UIM, and valve cover gaskets. 70,000 miles later leaking again. shouldn't you just tell customer wait till engine needs replacement. I see he has aluminum elbows so musta done UIM LIM?

[@SergioJGarza]

hi Pete I'm sorry about my English your video is great very helpful ,but I have a question if the engine is for a pontiac 3.8 turbo 2004 the way of the job will be the same like in this video Thank you Sergio Garza From El Paso TX

[@PetesGarageandperformance]

Sergio J. Garza I assume you are talking about the supercharged engine. It’s similar but slightly different. Mainly you’ll have to work around the supercharger.

[@franciscosanchez578]

What exactly are those elbows called from the bracket/ belt tensioner? Because mine fell right apart taking it off. And aslo i would i be.anle to take out any.plastic that is left inside od the engine block

[@PetesGarageandperformance]

Francisco Sanchez they are coolant elbows. Or maybe they could be called heater elbows. Parts stores should know what you’re after. You can use a screwdriver or pick to pick out the broken pieces.

[@kriskeeney167]

Hey Francisco Sanchez, when I rebuilt the top end of my motor with my buddy, I went to the parts store, they had plastic or metal replacement elbows. I'd definitely suggest going with the metal ones, they're kind of delicate too, but still better than the plastic ones...

[@dstewart7470]

Will likely begin this replacement on our 03 LeSabre tomorrow. If the existing gaskets are worn/bad can is a rough idle one of the symptoms? Could it also send any Check Engine warnings?

[@PetesGarageandperformance]

Derrick Stewart usually with this issue you only have leaks. If it gets too bad It could mix the coolant and oil. Usually there are no drivability symptoms. Have the codes scanned and that should point you in the right direction.

[@dstewart7470]

Interesting. I actually drove this vehicle to a local garage and he sprayed something near the valve covers and the engine idle changed. He stated that this proved the gaskets needed to be replaced and that the rough idle was indeed a symptom. I do need to clarify that the rough idle, for the most part, tends to dissipate after running for a bit. Just thought I'd throw all this out there. Nonetheless, I'll replace the front tomorrow.

[@PetesGarageandperformance]

Derrick Stewart I would bet that the technician was checking for a vacuum leak. It was very common for the vacuum line connections at the front of the intake to crack. The front valve cover gasket would not cause a vacuum leak drivability issue. Check out my other video on intake gasket replacement. I have to remove these vacuum lines and I’m pretty sure I make a mention of being careful to not damage them.

[@dstewart7470]

So a cracked vacuum line would/could case the aforementioned driving symptoms?

[@PetesGarageandperformance]

Derrick Stewart if they sprayed something around that area and it caused it to stumble, it is probably a vacuum leak. I can’t say for sure because I don’t have your vehicle in front of me though.

[@sstrick500]

Thanks for this. UGH....having to take apart the entire car just to get the rear valve cover off.

[@PetesGarageandperformance]

You don’t have to take the intake manifold off. I was replacing those gaskets too.

[@plantmanstudios]

@@PetesGarageandperformance Too bad you aren't near me. I'd pay you to do my rear valve cover and my manifold/and gasket. With no shop and 100 degree temps I have no desire to do such a big job. In your opinion do you think this car my 2002 pontiac grand prix gt is worth investing the money to repair? Mine still needs a fuel pump also. I am debating about selling it after I do my crank shaft position sensor yet ANOTHER part that has failed on my car. It only has 138,000 miles. fyi mine has the same engine as depicted here. Thanks!

[@MrHgsherrard]

Is it possible to tighten up the valve cover gaskets without removing anything?

[@PetesGarageandperformance]

You should be able to tighten the bolts but that won’t fix anything unless they were loose.

[@Whatisrock237]

Curious, that rear bracket with the two 13mm bolts, how important is that bracket? whats its purpose?

[@PetesGarageandperformance]

Since you throw away the cover the only purpose I think is to secure the oxygen sensor connector.

[@danetrow4019]

I knew someone had to ask that question... I’m gonna throw mine away.

[@Cards646]

I’m guessing the radiator needs to be flushed before removing that bracket?

[@PetesGarageandperformance]

Do you mean “drained”? If you don’t drain the coolant out of the engine, it’ll just drain out when you pull the tensioner bracket off. So be ready to catch it.

[@Cards646]

@@PetesGarageandperformance yeah, I thought that’s what I put until I read it back haha. Thanks!

[@fellowtraveler2495]

No silicon on the gaskets? I have a 3800 too should I just put the gaskets on or should I use rtv or something?

[@PetesGarageandperformance]

On valve cover gaskets you don’t use rtv. Sometimes you’ll need to put a dab of rtv to hold the gasket to the valve cover so it doesn’t fall off when you flip it upside down to install it.

[@fellowtraveler2495]

Pete's Garage Got it. So no silicon at all?

[@PetesGarageandperformance]

Fellow Traveler not between the gasket and head. Usually I don’t put any on the gasket to hold it into the valve cover, but sometimes it wants to keep falling out when you go to install it and a couple of dabs will hold it into the valve cover.

[@fellowtraveler2495]

Pete's Garage Just got the valve cover off, gasket was blue so it’s been done already. But should I re torque head studs I have a 99 3.8/T5 I drive the shit out of it.

[@marcos25370]

Does it matter were i stars the bolts or i have to stars with the 2 first

[@kriskeeney167]

Great video, one question, a friend and I recently replaced all gasket on the top of the motor in an 02 impala, however, my front valve cover is slightly warped from a previous overheat. So I have to replace the valve cover, is it necessary to pull the intake to remove the front valve cover?

[@PetesGarageandperformance]

Kris Keeney no it is not. There is a bracket to remove and then the cover. Easy as pie!

[@kriskeeney167]

@@PetesGarageandperformance that's excellent news brother thanks allot, great video, very helpful, definitely subscribing. Thanks again.

[@kriskeeney167]

@@PetesGarageandperformance p s. Gotta pick up my 3rd dipstick, last one was brand new from Rock Auto, lasted about 6 months. Lol

[@kingofpop1386]

can you take off the valve cover without taking off the intake?

[@Dan-ns3uq]

just loosen front mounting bolts for motor, hook a ratchet strap to hoist brackets on top of motor and wrap it around bumper, rachet slowely and the engine will rock forward and give lots more clearance for rear valve cover..

[@wildstyle2738]

Just pulled the valve cover off I noticed that the valve cover looks like somebody has put some kind of sealer on it just wanting to make sure that all it needs is the gasket and no sealant as your video shows the gasket looks brand new

[@PetesGarageandperformance]

No sealant needed. Sometimes a tech will put a little bit in the groove to hold the gasket into the valve cover. But none between the head and the gasket.

[@matthewwarren7879]

I work in a shop and this is true. It helps keep the gasket where it's supposed to be. A little sealant won't hurt it for that purpose.

[@danielworden4695]

So if it an orange gasket coming off what a good replace one to put back on?

[@PetesGarageandperformance]

Even the replacement gm gaskets are better (they’re gray). Orange=leaks!

[@guesswho4671]

Felpro

[@chipperfluffy]

Great video

[@PetesGarageandperformance]

Thank you

[@douglashaslett1731]

What’s the best gasket to use?

[@PetesGarageandperformance]

The AC Delco gaskets. I have a link to them in the description.

[@vincentgonzalez4279]

You totally rock, thanks man.

[@PetesGarageandperformance]

No problem. Thanks for watching

[@cppresley7015]

I mint do you have to take off the intake to do the Vale cover gaskets thanks god bless

[@PetesGarageandperformance]

No you do not need to remove the intake.

[@nickvlachos6821]

96 regal. can't get the valve cover off due to coil bracket overlying part of cover. Took motor mount bracket off. took 2 lower side nuts off, but no luck with coil bracket. Stumped

[@PetesGarageandperformance]

Isn’t there a stud that you have to remove after the nut that holds those grounds on?

[@brittanyogorman2779]

Would a pcv valve be the first thing to try to fix before pulling the engine apart to change the gaskets?

[@PetesGarageandperformance]

You can check it, but I have never seen a 3.8 PCV valve actually go bad. The valve cover gaskets go bad all the time though.

[@wesleybrabant3595]

great video..I own a 02 Buick regal n had a recall on the front valve cover leaking n the cover . I have a question..I have a leak on the bottom and losing coolant..going to change upper n lower gaskets, but only finding toque wrenches that start at 50 pounds. what kind are you using or what kind do you suggest?. Also what are you using to clean your parts..looks a lot easier than what I'm using (brake cleaner)

[@PetesGarageandperformance]

Wesley Brabant look for 3/8 drive torque wrenches. They go a lot lower. I just brake cleaner to clean everything. I would use it to clean my bathrooms at the house if my wife would let me! I like CRC or 3m brake cleaner. O’reillys brake cleaner has fouled out spark plugs on me before so I stay away from it on intake jobs. Check out my intake gasket videos if you haven’t already done so.

[@cppresley7015]

Do I put the valve cover gasket 1990 Buick regal custom 3.8l the same way thanks god bless

[@PetesGarageandperformance]

Pretty similar. Maybe a couple of differences with the alternator and bracket.

[@WayneTooNice]

Very helpful

[@HeartlessHopelessRecords]

So it's the same thing for a 2001 Chevy impala ?

[@PetesGarageandperformance]

Yes if you have a 3.8.

[@memeblock5665]

Is it safe to just crank the wrench it until you can’t crank it anymore when putting the cover back on?

[@PetesGarageandperformance]

No. It would be too tight.

[@RandomLuckk]

hey would it be a pretty similar procedure with the 5.3 ls4 wbody cars?

[@PetesGarageandperformance]

Kind of similar. But a little different since they’re entirely different engine families.

[@RandomLuckk]

Pete's Garage ok thanks trying to find out if i can get away without taking alternator and belt off to do the back valve cover haha

[@daakrolb]

At the start of the vid you already have the "intake" off. Is that required to replace the front and back valve cover gaskets? I'll be doing a 2008 impala soon. Thanks.

[@PetesGarageandperformance]

No. I was doing the intake gaskets also on this vehicle. It made it easier to film and also do the job when the intake was off.

[@daakrolb]

@@PetesGarageandperformance Thanks man. My son's car needs this done and we want to save money doing it ourselves. And what better skill to learn than fixing. A REQUIREMENT of any true male.

[@PetesGarageandperformance]

Enough with the PC I couldn’t agree with you more. You can save yourself so much money by being able to fix things for yourself.

[@memeblock5665]

Hi. What powertool are you using in this video? I have never had to calibrate a wrench before for ft-lb torque

[@PetesGarageandperformance]

I was using a Matco 3/8” impact. You can get electric ones too.

[@DerindaHahn-v3n]

Do you have to take the intake off

[@PetesGarageandperformance]

No you don’t have to. I was just resealing the intake too when I made the video.

[@hawkmaster381]

I appreciate the vid, but next time you might want to consider using a tripod. lol Got dizzy!

[@ramongonzales1631]

Does the lower intake have to be removed to change rear valve cover gasket?

[@PetesGarageandperformance]

No. Neither the lower nor the upper intake needs to be removed.

[@Dan-ns3uq]

@@PetesGarageandperformance just loosen front mounting bolts for motor, hook a ratchet strap to hoist brackets on top of motor and wrap it around bumper, rachet slowely and the engine will rock forward and give lots more clearance for rear valve cover..

[@poema_smallz5678]

Does this cause the car to over heat and also misfire my 2004 monte carlo keeps doing that

[@PetesGarageandperformance]

Ruby Palacios valve cover gaskets will absolutely not cause overheating and most likely not a misfire.

[@Tha2ndComing]

Probably coil pack

[@wackyfox5046]

Just picked up a 99 Grand Prix with the 3800 and of course it’s the rear valve cover gasket leaking 😞

[@PetesGarageandperformance]

I would do the coolant elbows while you have that tensioner off!

[@terrellwroten7596]

I would let him work on my car any day

[@GixxerRider1991]

Does the 3800 series 3 have iron or aluminum heads?

[@PetesGarageandperformance]

I’m 99% sure they have iron heads

[@mitchspurlock3626]

135k views? Wow this really is a common issue.

[@PetesGarageandperformance]

Well the vehicles that these engines come in are close to 30 years old now. They are really getting up there in mileage. If it’s a low mileage one, it must’ve sat for a long time. Which is also not good for seals and gaskets.

[@mitchspurlock3626]

@@PetesGarageandperformance well you were right the gaskets were the orange ones, but after doing the valve gaskets I can't help but think the intake gaskets need replaced as well.

[@PetesGarageandperformance]

@@mitchspurlock3626 at this age they all probably need replaced.

[@dellatest4450]

i am doing the lft side valve cover not the right

[@stephenhuggins1388]

I own a 2001 firebird , recently I had a valve cover gasket replaced due to a leak , now recently it has been stalling and dying at idle any ideas on what could make it stall at idle thanks

[@PetesGarageandperformance]

If it ran fine before the work then I would retrace the steps to take off the valve cover. I would bet there is either a vacuum leak somewhere caused by leaving something unplugged or maybe the spark plug wires got crossed. Check those two things first.

[@stephenhuggins1388]

Well it started to act up before I got the valve cover fixed maybe a month before it started to stall and then I got the leak fixed but it still stalls sometimes

[@PetesGarageandperformance]

It could be anything then. Hard to tell without having the car in front of me. Is the check engine light on? These things did have issues sometimes with the mass air flow sensor or the crankshaft position sensor.

[@stephenhuggins1388]

No the only things that comes on is the check gauges light and that comes on as soon as the car starts to stall .

[@stephenhuggins1388]

I think it's actually the camshaft position sensor because I while back I got a code for that but just ignored it are they pretty easy to replace?

[@blackmacgyver9965]

How much is this repair ?

[@miguelavila8472]

How much would be good for labor?

[@PetesGarageandperformance]

Probably about $100 or so for the front one and $200-$250 for the back one.

[@qgear]

This should be easy, it's only 4 bolts per cover, but... On my 2007 G6 GT 3.5, looks like the alternator mount (covers 1 of the 4 bolts) stretches across the front of the engine and requires removing a lot of parts and i'm not sure it's even removable (can't find it listed anywhere). Yes I broke mine (jb weld is a wonderful thing) and I'm 5 hours into replacing the back cover and I'm still not sure what to do. Thinking about drilling out the bracket just enough to get a socket on the last bolt. Sadly it might not even be leaking at the cover, it could be the oil filter mount, it seems to be a common failure point as well. My advice if its 2007 or newer, pay somebody or buy another car.

[@PetesGarageandperformance]

The 3.5 is part of what GM calls “High Value V6”. It is similar to the 3.1, 3.4, and the 3.9. As you’re finding out, the coolant crossover/alternator mount is in the way. Those crossover gaskets tend to leak coolant so it’s probably a good thing to replace while you’re in there.

[@qgear]

@@PetesGarageandperformance finally finished and it was hellish but i did change the crossover gaskets. The front was torn so I guess it was a good thing I had to take it off. Funny thing is the front one still has a rubber strip connecting the main hole to the bolt hole (yes that's where the tear was) but they reengineered the back one and isolated the bolt hole. There was a serious lack of any consideration for repair, terrible car to work on. That said, I changed the valve cover and oil filter mount gaskets (not fun either) and it's still leaking oil while it's off. Of course you can't see where the oil is coming from. The only thing left I think is the oil pan gasket, might tackle it at the next oil change.

[@PetesGarageandperformance]

Yeah I’ve had to do a few oil pan gaskets on those engines. I think you’re going to have to remove the oil filter adapter again to get the oil pan out if I’m not mistaken. Also the rear bolts of the pan are a royal pain to get to.

[@skylerstorm527]

If you're new to working on your own car like me and aren't familiar with the difference between inch pounds and foot pounds, 89 INCH pounds (like he says to use in the video) is NOT 89 FOOT pounds, it's 7.4167 foot pounds. I just really messed up. Didn't even know there was such a thing as inch pounds, so my brain just heard "foot pounds" without processing it. Gonna spend more money getting two snapped bolts removed and the holes rethreaded than I would've spent just getting the gasket changed at a shop in the first place. Save yourself the headache and hundreds of dollars, set your torque wrench correctly.

[@michaelwoods3799]

Will this work for a 93 lasabre?

[@PetesGarageandperformance]

I think the 93 is the series 1 version of this engine. Things will be very similar to this but some things may be a little different.

[@darnellavery1545]

Is this the series 2 or series 3 I need series 3 video

[@PetesGarageandperformance]

Darnell Avery this is the series II but the series III is very similar.

[@Ghostsamuel]

Did this work today and now I have no power to anything

[@JonnyTeMoni]

I pity you pete. here in australia we had a rwd design of this motor and rocker covers were super easy. on the holden commodore

[@qgear]

update #2, drilling would not help because it almost sits on top of the valve cover and there is no way to remove the cover with the bracket in place. Might as well replace the bracket, jb weld isn't holding anyway.

[@PetesGarageandperformance]

Yeah you have to remove all of the bolts. I’m not a fan of JB weld on engine parts.

[@raymondedge8889]

I thought this would have been a great video but I got motion sickness with the hat camera waving all over

[@PetesGarageandperformance]

Sorry about that. My newer videos are better.

[@johnjoyce7705]

1994 to 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix /3100 v6

[@PetesGarageandperformance]

What about them?

[@johnjoyce7705]

@@PetesGarageandperformance might buy one what do you think ?

[@gordonliddy9418]

just don't forget to keep that head greased on the air ratchet. There is a small grease port on them.

[@calvinwilhite228]

Funny story, I was doing this job on one of buicks I owned and noticed somebody had changed the front, but not the back. people being lazy LOL..

[@Dastardly_X]

🤘 🌟 🤘🏻

[@Jackboyy4709]

Where are you located ??

[@PetesGarageandperformance]

Right here. Missouri

[@vizznizz]

Pete, thanks for the vids! I was curious where your shop is located also, and what you would charge for labor to do a new plenum and the valve cover gaskets on a 02 lesabre if you are interested. Thanks either way

[@ElderHarveyBOJC]

👍💯

[@dellatest4450]

my engine in my camaro is straight in this vidieo is not mine

[@ozflyer1]

Why did you take the manifold off... ha ha ha

[@PetesGarageandperformance]

I was replacing the intake gaskets too.

[@JohnMSD]

1:48 me to my girlfriend

[@qgear]

update, the penny pinchers combined the alternator mount with whatever and created the COOLANT CROSSOVER BRACKET. It will require a new gasket, maybe two and looks like it will take another hour or few to get it off. Seems like a common failure point as well and is probably where my current coolant leak is, the vid says it fails every 8 to 10 months. I think I'm still going to drill it. Here is a link to remove it kzbin.info/www/bejne/oIKkiIiDipp7nac All this just to replace a valve cover gasket, times like these make me feel they should have just let them go out of business.

[@Adamz678]

1:49 careful with what again? lol

[@PetesGarageandperformance]

Your dickstick. Dipstick. Doh!

[@Adamz678]

@@PetesGarageandperformance I'd just say "Sorry guys, I was just with the wife before this video and I told both of you to be careful of two different stick and since the two." yeah.

[@hairylarry6167]

Thanks for making this video. It helped a lot!