3.4L head removal

[Bravetex]

I have a 95 3.4L Camaro coupe, 153K mi. There is water in oil and it's like chocolate milk. So, I'm going to tear engine down to replace head gaskets after doing a valve job on both heads.
The engine is partially covered by body. I think the problem is blown head gasket, but know it could be an intake gasket, or cracked block.
What are the most likely causes in the 3.4L?
Do I have to remove engine to do a valve job?
Any comments you might have on oil in water will be appreciated?
I plan on doing a compression check prior to any tear down, but in any case would do a complete valve job, as well as having heads checked for cracks, milled, etc.

[Xbox2202]

Hey, mine is doing the same thing right now, but it's a 94. After asking many people online who know about Camaro's and my dad and uncle checking it out, everyone told me it was probably the head gaskets busted. I don't know about the valve job. My uncle who has owned muscle cars since they came out, and worked on them since he owned his first one told me to not run it any unless you have to, or it will seize up the motor.

Also, there has been a lot of discussion on whether or not you could take the heads out with the motor in the car when I asked. After looking for a while, I found a guy that did it to one of his relative's car a couple of weeks ago, and with some work you should be able to take the heads out with the motor in the car.

[Bravetex]

Hey, XBox, I found your thread about your engine.

Sounds like a combination of things on your engine. Depending on the miles you might need a complete overhaul, especially rings, as indicated by the smoking.
The main question I have is about dropping the engine or not.
It's relatively simple to break the engine down to the heads and then to reassemble, but I really, really don't want to drop the engine.

[Chevyracincamaro]

somebody go find a freakin chilton manual. i wanna know what they say to do. i stick to my answer of not being able to do it with the engine in, but i am willing (wanting really) to be proven wrong...

[Xbox2202]

Well, I'm gonna try to do it next weekend probably, so once I start, I'll let you know how it goes Chevyracincamaro.

[Chevyracincamaro]

good deal, im sure it can be done, i really hope it can be done. next summer i have big plans for my 3.4, but at the very least im sure it would be made easier by lowering the engine, not taking it out, but unhooking everything and lowering it a couple inches on a motorcycle jack or something...

[Bravetex]

I checked Haynes and Chilton. Both are non-descript in particular about whether or not to drop engine. And after checking with at least four mechanics, I got different opinions from all of them!
And a book on engine repair did not detail removal of the engine.
Tonight we are going to do a compression test and then attempt removal of upper and lower intake manifolds.

[Chevyracincamaro]

let me know how it goes...

[LT1 Kayker]

Originally Posted by Bravetex

Any comments you might have on oil in water will be appreciated?

You have more to worry about than your valves if your getting oil in your water. If its black, send it back, if its brown, drink it down! Haha im so gay ANYWHO...good luck on that, engine rebuilds are a bitch, let us know how it goes sounds like your in for a lot of work. Luck buddy!

[Bravetex]

I pulled the uppper and lower intake manifold without removing the engine. No problem!
I'ts obvious to me now that the heads could also be removed without removing the engine.
The most difficult thing was removing the fuel rail (the metal block that distributes the fuel to the injectors) which has the injectors clipped to it. Once that was done it was easy going.
Actually, the whole operation took only four hours and I was really taking my time.
The valve covers have to come off to remove the intake manifold(s).
Lot's of electrical to disconnect and label, and that took the most time.
So the answer to my question is that the engine does not have to be removed to prior to removing the heads.

[LT1 Kayker]

Sweet, good job on that. It's usually pretty easy to remove the heads, but anything past there usually takes time (fer meh at least haha) Hope it goes well.