3.1 Head Gasket Replace - Looks like I can leave the Exhaust Manifolds on the heads..

[97oldscutlas]

Hi guys,

Back again.. into this 3.1 for the 3rd time.. getting too easy to take this down to the heads

 

Got a blown rear cylinder head gasket.

Disassembled down to the heads.

on jack stands.

 

* * Can i get away with not -needing- to remove the exhaust manifolds and engine mount brackets from the heads before removing the heads from the block???

 

Sure looks like i got enough room to remove them intact, but not sure if it may interfere with reassembly, maybe too darn heavy to handle, etc.. anybody left them intact? Of course, all the manuals say to remove them, but they all say to remove the fuel rail too...

 

Reason for not wanting to is the obvious, don’t want to take the time if I don’t have to and you guys all know what a booger exhaust manifold bolts and gaskets can be.. no doubt I’ll end up spending an extra 2 evenings on stripped bolts, threads, or just jack the head up some how.

[19Cutlass94]

You don't have to remove the exhaust manifolds or the motor mount brackets to remove the heads.

 

However, if the heads need to be resurfaced, all that needs to come off.

[OneBadCutt]

You can get away with pulling the head and the manifold on the rear. Should be able to on the front. Do you have the front wishbone motor mounts? The bracket has to come off for shear convenience I do anyways.

 

The way I do it on these is separate the exhausts manifolds and the rest of the exhaust. I pull the heads off with the manifolds, take off manifolds, have heads checked and decked, clean the block of real good and check it for Inconsitancies, put new exhaust manifold and gaskets back on the heads. Even install new plugs I ya want to while its out and reassemble. Don't forget new head bolts.

Edited July 31, 2013 by OneBadCutt