Head Gasket Questions, and advice please

[Jay-Sliver]

Ok, so, im just gonna take all my questions I have right now, and throw them in the 4.3L section, because, their all 4.3 related for the most part.

To start, my 05 Jimmy now has 220,000Kms (136,700 Miles), and is in need of head gaskets. My #6 plug at 180,000Kms had a slight white crusty deposit on it, and I continue to have no heat, which I believe is due to the cooling system being pressurized and having air introduced ever so slightly and very slowly. When I punch the loud pedal, you can hear gurgleing from the heater core. All in all, its about head gasket time before the snow flys and the cold weather hits. I believe I will be buying the 50 something dollar head gasket kit from our partner, RockAuto, and paying the boarder fee's and tax's to ship it into canada. I just got back from pricing the identical FelPro kit from our local parts store, and its 156.xx dollars (Canadian auto parts are always sooooo much more expensive :( )

Now, for the questions...

1. Should I be replacing the head bolts at the same time.. I dont believe these are torque & turn bolts, just torque to a specified torque...either way the bolts become streached, and re-torqueing them may not be a great idea..

2. Since I have the motor half apart at this time, would it be wise to replace the plastic timing cover? Is there a replacement timing cover that is made from a material other than plastic? Like them chrome ones? They add horsepower, right? lol. Ok, but seriously..plastic timing cover....hundreds of heat/cool cycles, its gotta warp and leak sometime soon...

3. Any special tools required? I know the AC Compressor can be unbolted and set aside.. but are there any special inverted torque sockets or anything that I need to get?

4. Anyone find an online repair manual for these trucks? Primarily the engine section, for all the torque specs and patterns?


For the guys that have done head gaskets already..
1. About how long did it take you?

2. is it necessary to remove the exhaust manifold from the head to pull the heads?



Any other tips and tricks are welcomed...I wanna hear it all, good and bad.

Im gonna go tour the HT section on head gasket replacement..if there is one...

Jay

[XTREME80]

Cylinder Head Replacement - Left Side
Special Tools

J 45059 (http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/showTif.do?image=1197696) Angle Meter
Removal Procedure

(http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/showDoc.do?laborOpCode=&docSyskey=1545581&cellId=42842&pubObjSyskey=1545581&from=sm&pubCellSyskey=42842#ss1-1545581)

Disconnect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection (http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/cellHandler.do?cellId=37733&refDoc=1545581&from=sm).
Drain the cooling. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling (http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/cellHandler.do?cellId=37226&refDoc=1545581&from=sm).
Remove the drive belt. Refer to Drive Belt Replacement (http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/cellHandler.do?cellId=42661&refDoc=1545581&from=sm).
http://gsi.xw.gm.com/image_en_us/gif/000/000/340/340090.gif
http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/images/tif.gif (http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/showTif.do?image=340090)
Loosen the nut holding the power steering pump rear bracket to the side of the engine.
Remove the nut holding the power steering pump rear bracket to the front of the engine
Remove the three bolts and the nut holding the power steering pump mounting bracket to the engine.
With the power steering pump and the A/C compressor still attached, slide the power steering pump mount bracket off of the stud and set aside.

[XTREME80]

http://gsi.xw.gm.com/image_en_us/gif/000/000/475/475833.gif
http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/images/tif.gif (http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/showTif.do?image=475833)
Remove the power steering pump mounting bracket stud from the cylinder head.
Remove the lower intake manifold. Refer to Lower Intake Manifold Replacement (http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/cellHandler.do?cellId=42839&refDoc=1545581&from=sm).
Remove the exhaust manifold. Refer to Exhaust Manifold Replacement - Left Side (http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/cellHandler.do?cellId=62243&refDoc=1545581&from=sm).
http://gsi.xw.gm.com/image_en_us/gif/000/000/317/317450.gif
http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/images/tif.gif (http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/showTif.do?image=317450)
Remove the spark plug wire harness and the spark plug wire support.
Remove the valve pushrods. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm and Push Rod Replacement (http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/cellHandler.do?cellId=42712&refDoc=1545581&from=sm).

[XTREME80]

http://gsi.xw.gm.com/image_en_us/gif/000/000/555/555709.gif
http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/images/tif.gif (http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/showTif.do?image=555709)
Remove the ground wire bolt and the ground wire from the rear of the cylinder head.
Secure the ground wire out of the way.
Remove the bolt holding the fuel pipe bracket to the rear of the cylinder head.
http://gsi.xw.gm.com/image_en_us/gif/000/000/387/387769.gif
http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/images/tif.gif (http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/showTif.do?image=387769)
Remove the engine coolant temperature sensor.
Remove the spark plugs. Refer to Spark Plug Replacement (http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/cellHandler.do?cellId=28372&refDoc=1545581&from=sm).
http://gsi.xw.gm.com/image_en_us/gif/000/000/480/480533.gif
http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/images/tif.gif (http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/showTif.do?image=480533)
Remove and discard the cylinder head bolts.

[XTREME80]

Notice: After removal, place the cylinder head on 2 wood blocks in order to prevent damage to the sealing surfaces.


Remove the cylinder head.
http://gsi.xw.gm.com/image_en_us/gif/000/000/334/334299.gif
http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/images/tif.gif (http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/showTif.do?image=334299)
Remove and discard the cylinder head gasket.
http://gsi.xw.gm.com/image_en_us/gif/000/000/330/330548.gif
http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/images/tif.gif (http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/showTif.do?image=330548)
Remove the dowel pins (cylinder head locator), if required.
Clean the engine block and the cylinder head sealing surfaces.Notice: Clean all dirt, debris, and coolant from the engine block cylinder head bolt holes. Failure to remove all foreign material may result in damaged threads, improperly tightened fasteners or damage to components.
Clean the cylinder head bolts and the engine block bolt holes.
For further service to the cylinder head refer to the following:
• Refer to Cylinder Head Disassemble (http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/cellHandler.do?cellId=42669&refDoc=1545581&from=sm).
• Refer to Cylinder Head Cleaning and Inspection (http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/cellHandler.do?cellId=42727&refDoc=1545581&from=sm).
• Refer to Valve Guide Reaming, and Valve and Seat Grinding (http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/cellHandler.do?cellId=42769&refDoc=1545581&from=sm).
• Refer to Cylinder Head Assemble (http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/cellHandler.do?cellId=42799&refDoc=1545581&from=sm).

[XTREME80]

http://gsi.xw.gm.com/image_en_us/gif/000/000/334/334303.gif
http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/images/tif.gif (http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/showTif.do?image=334303)
Inspect the dowel pins (cylinder head locator) for proper installation.
http://gsi.xw.gm.com/image_en_us/gif/000/000/334/334299.gif
http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/images/tif.gif (http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/showTif.do?image=334299)
Important: Do not use any type sealer on the cylinder head gasket, unless specified.
Install the NEW cylinder head gasket in position over the dowel pins (cylinder head locator).
http://gsi.xw.gm.com/image_en_us/gif/000/000/480/480536.gif
http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/images/tif.gif (http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/showTif.do?image=480536)
Install the cylinder head onto the engine block.Guide the cylinder head carefully into place over the dowel pins and the cylinder head gasket.

http://gsi.xw.gm.com/image_en_us/gif/000/000/480/480533.gif
http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/images/tif.gif (http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/showTif.do?image=480533)
Apply sealant GM P/N 12346004 (Canadian P/N 10953480) or equivalent to the threads of the NEW cylinder head bolts.
Install the cylinder head bolts finger tight.Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice (http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/cellHandler.do?cellId=10105&refDoc=1545581&from=sm) in the Preface section.

http://gsi.xw.gm.com/image_en_us/gif/000/000/005/5132.gif
http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/images/tif.gif (http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/showTif.do?image=5132)
Tighten the cylinder head bolts in sequence on the first pass.Tighten
Tighten the bolts in sequence on the first pass to 30 N·m (22 lb ft).
Use the J 45059 (http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/showTif.do?image=1197696) in order to tighten the cylinder head bolts in sequence.Tighten

• Rotate the long bolts (1, 4, 5, 8, and 9) an additional 75 degrees.
• Rotate the medium bolts (12 and 13) an additional 65 degrees.
• Rotate the short bolts (2, 3, 6, 7, 10, and 11) an additional 55 degrees.
Install the spark plugs. Refer to Spark Plug Replacement (http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/cellHandler.do?cellId=28372&refDoc=1545581&from=sm).

[XTREME80]

http://gsi.xw.gm.com/image_en_us/gif/000/000/387/387769.gif
http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/images/tif.gif (http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/showTif.do?image=387769)


If reusing the engine coolant temperature sensor (if applicable), apply sealant GM P/N 12346004 (Canadian P/N 10953480) or equivalent to the threads of the engine coolant temperature gauge sensor.
Install the engine coolant temperature sensor.Tighten
Tighten the engine coolant temperature sensor to 20 N·m (15 lb ft).
Install the valve pushrods. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm and Push Rod Replacement (http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/cellHandler.do?cellId=42712&refDoc=1545581&from=sm).
Install the lower intake manifold. Refer to Lower Intake Manifold Replacement (http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/cellHandler.do?cellId=42839&refDoc=1545581&from=sm).
Install the exhaust manifold. Refer to Exhaust Manifold Replacement - Left Side (http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/cellHandler.do?cellId=62243&refDoc=1545581&from=sm).
http://gsi.xw.gm.com/image_en_us/gif/000/000/317/317450.gif
http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/images/tif.gif (http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/showTif.do?image=317450)
Install the spark plug wire harness and spark plug wire support.Tighten
Tighten the support bolts to 12 N·m (106 lb in).

http://gsi.xw.gm.com/image_en_us/gif/000/000/555/555709.gif
http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/images/tif.gif (http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/showTif.do?image=555709)
Install the bolt for and the fuel pipe bracket to the rear of the cylinder head.Tighten
Tighten the fuel pipe bracket bolt to 30 N·m (22 lb ft).
Install the ground wire and the ground wire bolt to the rear of the cylinder head.Tighten
Tighten the ground wire bolt to 35 N·m (26 lb ft).

[XTREME80]

http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/images/tif.gif (http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/showTif.do?image=475833)
Install the stud for the power steering pump mounting bracket to the cylinder head.Tighten
Tighten the power steering pump mounting bracket stud to 20 N·m (15 lb ft).

http://gsi.xw.gm.com/image_en_us/gif/000/000/340/340090.gif
http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/images/tif.gif (http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/showTif.do?image=340090)
Slide the power steering pump mounting bracket with the power steering pump and the A/C compressor on the stud.
Position the power steering pump rear bracket on the studs.
Install the power steering pump mounting bracket three bolts and the nut.
Install the nut for the power steering pump rear bracket to the front of the engine.Tighten
Tighten the power steering pump mounting bracket and the power steering pump rear bracket bolts and the nuts to 41 N·m (30 lb ft).
Install the drive belt. Refer to Drive Belt Replacement (http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/cellHandler.do?cellId=42661&refDoc=1545581&from=sm).
Fill the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling (http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/cellHandler.do?cellId=37226&refDoc=1545581&from=sm).
Connect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection (http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/cellHandler.do?cellId=37733&refDoc=1545581&from=sm).

[Jay-Sliver]

wholly hell, thanks man..there's some info..lol

Jay

[Mikz86TA]

Weird...says discard head bolts but these arent the strech tq type to my knowledge. Just like SBC arent they?

[Jay-Sliver]

Weird...says discard head bolts but these arent the strech tq type to my knowledge. Just like SBC arent they?

Well, I was wondering that too, but given the milage on the motor, and the fact that when you torque a bolt your actually streaching it, I may just install new bolts for good measure. Re-streaching already streached bolts just dont sound like something I wanna risk doing on my own vehicle..

Jay

[XTREME80]

LOL! As far as i know "all" the newer stuff is torque to yield stretchy bolts so on my customer cars i always replace them. If you need something further, Just hit me up Jay.

[12sws27]

Before pulling your distributor mark it so it can be put back the same way it came out. This is very important. Don't turn the engine while it's on or you'll have to go through the whole finding TDC procedure.

I'm about 100% sure the timing gear is not plastic. I think that was a 305 thing back in the 80-90s.

Probably wouldn't hurt to get a timing chain and gear. I hear good talk about the Cloyes roller. You'll need a new timing chain cover too (they about $30) and you'll have to drop the front of the oil pan. I think, if it were me, I wouldn't mess with the timing chain unless I knew I needed it.

Search the rockauto site for literature. I think they sell books. You might be able to find a Chiltons/Haynes for your truck.

BTW, the heater cores on these trucks seems to really suck. Mine on my 2000 hasn't worked since I bought the truck. It had 58K miles at the time.

With mine I'm sure it's just so clogged up it's fukt. I've Blasted water through it with the hose like 3x in the past and still haven't got it to blow hot. So IDK WTF. Just something to think about I guess.