hey whats up i have a 2004 toyo corolla, i want to tackle this project with my dad but as soon i i popped the engine cover off i saw the timming chain and well its scary a bit heard alot about them, wish it was as easy as ur automobile so what do u suggest i do? people say just get a used engine but my pops and i say wat the hell lets try and then if we dont succeed then the engine, any advise: ? rubenstarq@gmail.com thanx
Ignorant statments containing profanity are not welcome on my channel. If you wish to intelligently restate your question I will be more than happ to answer it.
Hi, I have 2000 Chevy Venture with the 3.4 in it. I'm going to change the head gasket in a couple weeks. What did you soak your push rods and valves in? Great video.
Thanks for taking my call Peter. I am going to tackle this tomorrow. I am ASE Certified in Brakes and Parts Specialist and have worked on many motors, just wasn't sure if I wanted to tackle this one. Not due to difficulty but rather time. From you video I think it won't be all that bad. Thanks.
It's not that tough....only 5 sockets, a torque wrench and angle gage. Just remember to use new head bolts and buy the better gasket set from Fel-Pro. Take the valves out of the head and clean them remembering to put them back in the same location.
and what you are segesting to buy? HONDA? TOYOTA? so for them its ok to change head gasket on 100k mark, to change transmittion on 70k mark? and to change head gasket on GM on is crappy car? i have equinox 150k. did not changet head gasket yet. i have equinox. and the only hing iv changet is wheel hubs. 150k KM LOL
All I can tell you is this; I lived overseas for awhile and worked on junk from Mercedes, BMW, Fiat and Jaguar...they just don't sell it in the US. No auto maker is immune from defects. If you want to pay $70k for a Mercedes go ahead. I am not defending any brand, but for the price I have been satisfied with the value of the Equinox. Everyone has their preference. Since you are able to express your opinion freely...thank a veteran.
The 3.4 L LNJ is a 204-cubic-inch (3,350 cc) modified version of the normal 3400 engine. It includes a modified intake manifold, oil pan, engine cover, and fuel system as well as electronic throttle control. It is built in China and imported to Canada for use in the Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent. The LNJ makes 185 hp (138 kW) and 210 lb·ft (285 N·m).[3] <---- Wikipedia also agrees with sbakar. Quoting GMs media website.
I think everyone is missing the point. Head gasket failures have nothing to do with where the engine is built; it is a design flaw. This engine is a bit too small for this vehicle. Modifications were made to get more power out of it. That resulted in a narrow gap between the cylinder wall and water jacket. The fire ring for the gasket straddles both causing a hot spot. Heat combined with the acidity of DexCool causes the gasket to break down. The problem is solved with better stainless gasket.
@CoolCarsHotGuitars@CoolCarsHotGuitars Cool video. I have a 96 3100 and I'm wondering if the intake gaskets are going bad - Very slow loss of coolant but occasionally when I start it I get the unmistakable burning coolant smell. Also has a very slight idle random misfire that could (in my mind) be tiny amounts of coolant getting pulled in at high vacuum
Would I be able to pressurize the cooling system and listen thru the throttle body to verify the intake leak diagnosis?
An easy way to check for intake leaks is to spray starting fluid around the area where you think the leak is. If the engine speeds up there is a leak.
They designed it to be easy to service.. lmao. I guess they knew it would require servicing quite frequently, that's very thoughtful of them; typical GM junk. I drive a 13 year old Acura that regularly gets the snot beat out of it with over 200k on the clock and still runs like new with all of the original engine components.. enough said...
Yep, GM hasn't changed a bit. Still churning out junk for a premium price and then wonder why people buy Hondas and Toyotas. Any vehicle that has been well cared for shouldn't need engine work if it has under 150K miles on it. JUNK!
I'm having the same problem. I don't have all the right tools and I don't think I can do this myself. I can do all the basic stuff, I change my own oil. One shop told me it will cost atleast $1000. He said the cost is mostly all labor, does this sound right or can I do better?
For $200 in parts and $100 in tools you can do it yourself. I think it took only 5 different sockets, a torque wrench. a fuel line release tool and a couple different screwdrivers. If you have any mechanical ability you can save a ton of money. If not, $1,000 is a pretty good price...but I would get both head gaskets changed....it's already apart and easy to do and well worth the money.
This is very informative, but not having the heads resurfaced is a mistake. Yes the heads will seal, but not as long as they should. I run an engine machine shop and while most of these heads look straight, it takes at least .006" to clean the head surface up. The aluminum is softer than you'd think & burns away in the absence of the head gasket, The lower intake manifold should be resurfaced as well as the manifold mounting side of the cylinder head. Get rid of the Dex-cool too, Hope this helps
Excellent point raceace. Dex-cool becomes acidic over time and actually chemically weakens gasket material. Always change to the green stuff after rebuild. You have a great amount of expertise, thank you for sharing with everyone. How can people contact you for machine work? I would recommend upgrading to the dual stainless gaskets instead of the single filament coated gasket. Aluminum expands different so mating surfaces should be flat as possible. Measure with a straight edge and feeler gages.
- Sorry, I didn't realize my first comment posted - Don't get me wrong, what you've shown in your video is very factual and very informative, but for the cost of a resurface job, valve job, and shimming up the valve springs about .060" ( because that is what those springs usually give up in the first 50K miles ), the extra $300 is money well spent in my opinion. The guides tend to wear out of specs in The Equinoxes too for some reason - probably because of Ethanol & the lean fuel fuel mixture
No problem, I value all of your input, it helps everyone. I rebuilt a Chrsyler 3.8 for a client. It cracked a rod and the owner did not want to pay for a complete head job even though I strongly recommended it. It dropped a valve after 4,500 miles. Being cheap upfront never pays. There is only way to do the job, the right way as you describe. You are a great resource, you should start a page and share you expertise like I am trying to do. Thank you so much for your help
This is very informative, but I think it is a mistake not having the head resurfaced. I run an engine machine shop and while most of these heads look straight, it takes at least .006" to clean the head surface up. The aluminum is softer than you'd think & burns away in the absence of the head gasket, The lower intake manifold should be resurfaced as well as the manifold mounting side of the cylinder head.
I was a cylinder head machining engineer for Powertrain, on the iron L29-454/502, & the aluminum I4/5. Actually the aluminum is harder then you think. Carbide fly cutters for valve seat inserts and valve guide bores needed to be changed every 150 cuts. I agree with you no doubt, clean up any part exposed to high heat. According to the design drawings the head surface could vary .005" over 6". The gasket makes up for that variance. Thank you for your expertise. Post your shop name if you'd like.
@CoolCarsHotGuitars The gasket can make up for .005" for a while, but not as long as it would on a flat surface - especially with the torque-to-yield head bolts .Surface finish is also critical for the aluminum. A RA finish rougher than 20 to 30 will literally cause the head to grate the graphite head gasket because aluminum expands at almost two times the rate that the cast iron in the block does. I've seen numerous folks try it both ways - resurfacing the heads always makes it last longer.
I have the same problem with my impala. What most Assistant Service Managers at your local Dealership won't tell you is that this is a common problem and that you the consumer can call GM directly for help covering the cost of the repair. If you have this same problem with the 3.1 L or 3.4 L get the last 8 digits of your Vin number and have it handy when you call GM. The number is 1-800-222-1020. Good luck everyone and thank you Peter for info.
No. Take the head apart keeping valves, springs, rocker arms, and push rods in the same location. Look for bluing or burnt valve seats. You can do minor seat repair by hand with some valve grinding compound. Replace the valve stem seals. If a valve sticks coming out DO NOT forse it, you will crack the guide. Lightly file the valve tip to reduce to mushroom and remove. The gasket is thick enough to make up for minor warpage. You have to replace the head bolts, they are torque + angle to yield.
I can barely keep up with this channel. I have people waiting for car work...I am buried. Maybe I can make a simple home theater basics movie. I have built many and it is not that difficult when you follow some simple steps.
I should make vids on everything....building home theaters, custom bars, finishing basments, building decks, contracting buildings and additions, cooking (I use to own a restaurant), installing sound systems, smart homes, home electrical, plumbing, roofing, and yes...sewing and custom auto interiors...lol
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hey whats up i have a 2004 toyo corolla, i want to tackle this project with my dad but as soon i i popped the engine cover off i saw the timming chain and well its scary a bit heard alot about them, wish it was as easy as ur automobile so what do u suggest i do? people say just get a used engine but my pops and i say wat the hell lets try and then if we dont succeed then the engine, any advise: ? rubenstarq@gmail.com thanx
rubenstarq14 9 hours ago
Ignorant statments containing profanity are not welcome on my channel. If you wish to intelligently restate your question I will be more than happ to answer it.
CoolCarsHotGuitars 5 days ago
Hi, I have 2000 Chevy Venture with the 3.4 in it. I'm going to change the head gasket in a couple weeks. What did you soak your push rods and valves in? Great video.
gotsnow1970 3 weeks ago
Purple Power
CoolCarsHotGuitars 3 weeks ago
Peter, just wondering, did you have to have the heads milled for straightness or anything? Thanks and it is a great video.
lotiontownservice 1 month ago
I did not. However, if your motor overheats for an extended period it would be a good idea to get them checked.
CoolCarsHotGuitars 1 month ago
Thanks for taking my call Peter. I am going to tackle this tomorrow. I am ASE Certified in Brakes and Parts Specialist and have worked on many motors, just wasn't sure if I wanted to tackle this one. Not due to difficulty but rather time. From you video I think it won't be all that bad. Thanks.
navEg8tr 1 month ago
It's not that tough....only 5 sockets, a torque wrench and angle gage. Just remember to use new head bolts and buy the better gasket set from Fel-Pro. Take the valves out of the head and clean them remembering to put them back in the same location.
CoolCarsHotGuitars 1 month ago
What you do is you sell car like this and you get some other decent car.
freak777power 2 months ago
@freak777power
and what you are segesting to buy? HONDA? TOYOTA? so for them its ok to change head gasket on 100k mark, to change transmittion on 70k mark? and to change head gasket on GM on is crappy car? i have equinox 150k. did not changet head gasket yet. i have equinox. and the only hing iv changet is wheel hubs. 150k KM LOL
oleg1981 3 weeks ago
GM Junk, no offense.
freak777power 2 months ago
All I can tell you is this; I lived overseas for awhile and worked on junk from Mercedes, BMW, Fiat and Jaguar...they just don't sell it in the US. No auto maker is immune from defects. If you want to pay $70k for a Mercedes go ahead. I am not defending any brand, but for the price I have been satisfied with the value of the Equinox. Everyone has their preference. Since you are able to express your opinion freely...thank a veteran.
CoolCarsHotGuitars 2 months ago
The 3.4 L LNJ is a 204-cubic-inch (3,350 cc) modified version of the normal 3400 engine. It includes a modified intake manifold, oil pan, engine cover, and fuel system as well as electronic throttle control. It is built in China and imported to Canada for use in the Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent. The LNJ makes 185 hp (138 kW) and 210 lb·ft (285 N·m).[3] <---- Wikipedia also agrees with sbakar. Quoting GMs media website.
abzdefg321123 2 months ago
I think everyone is missing the point. Head gasket failures have nothing to do with where the engine is built; it is a design flaw. This engine is a bit too small for this vehicle. Modifications were made to get more power out of it. That resulted in a narrow gap between the cylinder wall and water jacket. The fire ring for the gasket straddles both causing a hot spot. Heat combined with the acidity of DexCool causes the gasket to break down. The problem is solved with better stainless gasket.
CoolCarsHotGuitars 2 months ago
I repaired many of these and they all fail in the same location. If it were an assembly problem the gasket would fail at random locations.
CoolCarsHotGuitars 2 months ago
@CoolCarsHotGuitars @CoolCarsHotGuitars Cool video. I have a 96 3100 and I'm wondering if the intake gaskets are going bad - Very slow loss of coolant but occasionally when I start it I get the unmistakable burning coolant smell. Also has a very slight idle random misfire that could (in my mind) be tiny amounts of coolant getting pulled in at high vacuum
Would I be able to pressurize the cooling system and listen thru the throttle body to verify the intake leak diagnosis?
brakedd 2 months ago
An easy way to check for intake leaks is to spray starting fluid around the area where you think the leak is. If the engine speeds up there is a leak.
CoolCarsHotGuitars 2 months ago
@CoolCarsHotGuitars The 3.4L LNJ V6 engine used in the Equinox till 2008 was made by GM Shanghai in China.
sbakar 2 months ago
They designed it to be easy to service.. lmao. I guess they knew it would require servicing quite frequently, that's very thoughtful of them; typical GM junk. I drive a 13 year old Acura that regularly gets the snot beat out of it with over 200k on the clock and still runs like new with all of the original engine components.. enough said...
abzdefg321123 2 months ago
Comment removed
abzdefg321123 2 months ago
Comment removed
abzdefg321123 2 months ago
Yep, GM hasn't changed a bit. Still churning out junk for a premium price and then wonder why people buy Hondas and Toyotas. Any vehicle that has been well cared for shouldn't need engine work if it has under 150K miles on it. JUNK!
ga1999 2 months ago
I'm having the same problem. I don't have all the right tools and I don't think I can do this myself. I can do all the basic stuff, I change my own oil. One shop told me it will cost atleast $1000. He said the cost is mostly all labor, does this sound right or can I do better?
mbjr2586 3 months ago
For $200 in parts and $100 in tools you can do it yourself. I think it took only 5 different sockets, a torque wrench. a fuel line release tool and a couple different screwdrivers. If you have any mechanical ability you can save a ton of money. If not, $1,000 is a pretty good price...but I would get both head gaskets changed....it's already apart and easy to do and well worth the money.
CoolCarsHotGuitars 3 months ago
How were the lower intake gaskets were they bad ??
05fordgtx1 7 months ago
They were in pretty good shape. The head gasket was the only one that looked really bad.
CoolCarsHotGuitars 7 months ago
This is very informative, but not having the heads resurfaced is a mistake. Yes the heads will seal, but not as long as they should. I run an engine machine shop and while most of these heads look straight, it takes at least .006" to clean the head surface up. The aluminum is softer than you'd think & burns away in the absence of the head gasket, The lower intake manifold should be resurfaced as well as the manifold mounting side of the cylinder head. Get rid of the Dex-cool too, Hope this helps
raceace24 10 months ago
Excellent point raceace. Dex-cool becomes acidic over time and actually chemically weakens gasket material. Always change to the green stuff after rebuild. You have a great amount of expertise, thank you for sharing with everyone. How can people contact you for machine work? I would recommend upgrading to the dual stainless gaskets instead of the single filament coated gasket. Aluminum expands different so mating surfaces should be flat as possible. Measure with a straight edge and feeler gages.
CoolCarsHotGuitars 10 months ago
- Sorry, I didn't realize my first comment posted - Don't get me wrong, what you've shown in your video is very factual and very informative, but for the cost of a resurface job, valve job, and shimming up the valve springs about .060" ( because that is what those springs usually give up in the first 50K miles ), the extra $300 is money well spent in my opinion. The guides tend to wear out of specs in The Equinoxes too for some reason - probably because of Ethanol & the lean fuel fuel mixture
raceace24 10 months ago
No problem, I value all of your input, it helps everyone. I rebuilt a Chrsyler 3.8 for a client. It cracked a rod and the owner did not want to pay for a complete head job even though I strongly recommended it. It dropped a valve after 4,500 miles. Being cheap upfront never pays. There is only way to do the job, the right way as you describe. You are a great resource, you should start a page and share you expertise like I am trying to do. Thank you so much for your help
CoolCarsHotGuitars 10 months ago
This is very informative, but I think it is a mistake not having the head resurfaced. I run an engine machine shop and while most of these heads look straight, it takes at least .006" to clean the head surface up. The aluminum is softer than you'd think & burns away in the absence of the head gasket, The lower intake manifold should be resurfaced as well as the manifold mounting side of the cylinder head.
raceace24 10 months ago
I was a cylinder head machining engineer for Powertrain, on the iron L29-454/502, & the aluminum I4/5. Actually the aluminum is harder then you think. Carbide fly cutters for valve seat inserts and valve guide bores needed to be changed every 150 cuts. I agree with you no doubt, clean up any part exposed to high heat. According to the design drawings the head surface could vary .005" over 6". The gasket makes up for that variance. Thank you for your expertise. Post your shop name if you'd like.
CoolCarsHotGuitars 10 months ago
@CoolCarsHotGuitars The gasket can make up for .005" for a while, but not as long as it would on a flat surface - especially with the torque-to-yield head bolts .Surface finish is also critical for the aluminum. A RA finish rougher than 20 to 30 will literally cause the head to grate the graphite head gasket because aluminum expands at almost two times the rate that the cast iron in the block does. I've seen numerous folks try it both ways - resurfacing the heads always makes it last longer.
raceace24 10 months ago
I have the same problem with my impala. What most Assistant Service Managers at your local Dealership won't tell you is that this is a common problem and that you the consumer can call GM directly for help covering the cost of the repair. If you have this same problem with the 3.1 L or 3.4 L get the last 8 digits of your Vin number and have it handy when you call GM. The number is 1-800-222-1020. Good luck everyone and thank you Peter for info.
tcorbiser 1 year ago
Great info...thanks for sharing! I hope it helps allot of people!
CoolCarsHotGuitars 1 year ago
do the heads have to be sent to get shaved?
tezgaa84 1 year ago
No. Take the head apart keeping valves, springs, rocker arms, and push rods in the same location. Look for bluing or burnt valve seats. You can do minor seat repair by hand with some valve grinding compound. Replace the valve stem seals. If a valve sticks coming out DO NOT forse it, you will crack the guide. Lightly file the valve tip to reduce to mushroom and remove. The gasket is thick enough to make up for minor warpage. You have to replace the head bolts, they are torque + angle to yield.
CoolCarsHotGuitars 1 year ago
I can barely keep up with this channel. I have people waiting for car work...I am buried. Maybe I can make a simple home theater basics movie. I have built many and it is not that difficult when you follow some simple steps.
CoolCarsHotGuitars 1 year ago
I should make vids on everything....building home theaters, custom bars, finishing basments, building decks, contracting buildings and additions, cooking (I use to own a restaurant), installing sound systems, smart homes, home electrical, plumbing, roofing, and yes...sewing and custom auto interiors...lol
CoolCarsHotGuitars 1 year ago