softailFXST2004

how hard is this to replace? I'm pretty good with a wrench ...I've done some oil pumps on mopars,brakes, shocks, water pumps, alternators and stuff...is this over my head? what all do I have to remove...intake manifold....what else?
thanks

softailFXST2004

ok Im replying to my own post just a question....how can I tell if it really is the head gasket that is blown?thanks!!

superfret78

Never worked on the 3.4....so can't tell you how hard it is.

If you want to test for a blown head gasket, look to see if oil and coolant are mixing...also do a compression test. If you find 2 adjacent cylinders with lower compression than the others, its a safe bet the head gasket is blown between those two cylinders.

xeroinfinity

do a compression test. with all the plug removed. remove the fuel pump fuse and disconnect the wires to the ignition control module so it doesnt start when you turn it over(you'll need a helper).put the comp tester in the #1 sparkplug hole. turn the engine over several times(8-10) and record the results then continue with the next cylinder. You should be around 100 psi.

The pressure should rise quikly, low comp reading on the first stroke, that doesnt rise with more strokes of the piston, indicates the valves are leaking or a blown headgasket, but if the head is crack'd you will get about the same reading and dirty valves will too.

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1999 Grand Am SS 3.4 OHV

xeroinfinity

Oh i forgot about how hard this job is. Well it requires a manual of some type, with all the torque specs and tightning sequences. Other than that its time consumming(6-8 hrs) depending on how familuar you are with the mechanics of the engine. Mosstly just removing everything you see on top of the motor and behind by the fire wall.

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1999 Grand Am SS 3.4 OHV