Head Gasket

I have a friend with a 2001 Alero that needs a head gasket changed.... any pointers from anyone on special things I should do, or avoid doing when completing this task? Every car IS different after all.

2 words, GOOD LUCK.. I could see an amatuer doing an older car before all this emissions crap and electronic bullsh.it but just looking at the engine and all that crap would scare me from doing it.. I'd probably have about 6 bolts and a couple of wires extra when I'd get finished....

My advice would be sure you have somebody help you that's either done this before or have somebody w/ lots of experience.

-It's about 15 hour job.
-Take some digital pictures before you start tearing stuff apart. There are lots of wires.
-I removed and replace the valve cover gaskets. Ease of access.
-You need a special tool to disconnect the fuel lines from the intake from the lines leading up from the gas tank.
-I removed the valve push rods. Make sure you keep them in the same order for replacement.

These are things that stood out for me. Hope this helps.

Excellent thanks for your help

When you put the head cover on, you will use in. LB. not ft. lb's.

Is the head gasket and LIM gasket the same thing?

No, they are different.

- Jeremy

what is the difference, are they in the same location?

The head gasket is a little deeper into the engine than the LIM gasket. i.e. between the head and the block.