head job

[98 venture]

I just took my heads off of my van and i was wondering if there is gasket kit I could get or do i have to get them separate?

[discnik]

When you removed the push rods did you keep them in the order you removed them ? Had a customer whose friend of a friend did the job for him and switched the push rods around and luckily only bent one valve. As far as the gaskets order a head gasket set from Napa or Carquest. It should come with bothe head gaskets, intake gasket, etc..

[98 venture]

No I did not, I called one of the local shops to ask. I was told it didn't matter that they were all the same length. I'm thinking that was wrong?

[SLJ2137694]

Originally Posted by 98 venture

No I did not, I called one of the local shops to ask. I was told it didn't matter that they were all the same length. I'm thinking that was wrong?

Was he wrong? Go check the length of the pushrods yourself?!? It's always a good idea to keep those components arranged in the order they are removed. As far as gaskets, there has been alot of updating of gaskets and I would get them at the GM Dealer if I were you.

[wafrederick]

Dorman sells the intake gasket kit with new bolts and the gaskets are Fel Pro gaskets.The Dorman kit has metal gaskets instead of plastic gaskets.GM should learn not use plastic intake gaskets.The push rods are two differant lengths,long and short(6 long,6 short) and put them in the right spot or the valves will bend if you do not.Also get the heads checked if they are warped and have them milled if warped

[98 venture]

Is there anyway I can find out how they go back? I just checked the length of the rods and you guys are right. They are different lengths. Now what can I do so I dont bend any valves.

[discnik]

I would strongly recommend getting a Chilton's repair manual for your vehicle. It should cover the push rods. Your are going to need torque specs and sequences anyway. So just do it .