My Photo Essay N* Head Gasket Repair Job

SMS · #1 (**permalink**) 11-21-07, 03:52 PM

Recently wrapped up the repair with Timeserts on a 99 DeVille. I'm too lazy to type this all over again, so here is a link to my project on our sports car board. Several pictures and some narratives for the non-Caddy guys, but if you are thinking about getting into one of these, this may help to visualize some of the process.

Car was the textbook overheater with no other problematic symptoms.

Thanks,

Bill

Link to Northstar project:
http://www.midwestscc.com/viewtopic.php?t=205&page=1

kdcing · #2 (**permalink**) 11-21-07, 08:39 PM

Awesome, awesome, awesome. Thanks for taking the time to show
where many of us may need to go some day.

codewize · #3 (**permalink**) 11-21-07, 11:12 PM

Wow very nice project, very nice documentation.

Thanks for posting.

**Ranger** · #4 (**permalink**) 11-21-07, 11:57 PM

"70% will fail"? Where are you getting your figures from? Also, it is my understanding that the Northstar head bolts ARE NOT torque to yield.

BTW, Nicely done. Thanks for posting it.

zonie77 · #5 (**permalink**) 11-22-07, 02:05 AM

Great job SMS!

Cadillacboy · #6 (**permalink**) 11-22-07, 01:02 PM

That's a scrumptious job !

JN in CA · #7 (**permalink**) 11-23-07, 11:42 AM

Wow. Excellent photos and commentary. Really awesome. Thanks for taking the time to crosspost it here.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ranger

"70% will fail"? Where are you getting your figures from? Also, it is my understanding that the Northstar head bolts ARE NOT torque to yield.

Well, he wrote: "bolts are torqued to a low setting (30 on this one) then twisted 60 degrees of rotation 3 times for final tightening, rather than to a torque setting." So I think he is confirming they are not torque to yield.

As for that 70%, if it was that high I think Cadillac would've been forced to issue a recall. Let's hope he's not getting that number from a dealership.

**Ranger** · #8 (**permalink**) 11-23-07, 06:54 PM

I agree on both counts.

pjw315 · #9 (**permalink**) 11-24-07, 12:01 AM

Very nice write up.

**Playdrv4me** · #10 (**permalink**) 11-24-07, 04:38 AM

70 percent is probably an exaggeration, but for that body style of Deville especially, the rate seems to be pretty high.

97Concours1 · #11 (**permalink**) 11-24-07, 12:03 PM

SMS,

I think when you take on and successfully complete a Northstar head gasket repair, you join the ranks of those who have achieved other great feats like... climbing Mount Everest or winning the New York Marathon. Congratulations on your success!

**Ranger** · #12 (**permalink**) 11-24-07, 05:15 PM

Yeah, there should be a hall of fame section for that.

stoveguyy · #13 (**permalink**) 11-25-07, 12:06 AM

i noticed in some of your pics that it looks like the balancer pulley is pushed in about 1/8" too far so the serp belt is slightly misaligned. i did the same job on my northstar motor and i think my pulley is in too far. maybe its the angle of your pictures. its easy to see if you crawl under the car. of course you have to take off the balancer bolt again and than use your 3 jaw puller to tweak the balancer out slightly.

SMS · #14 (**permalink**) 11-26-07, 11:35 AM

Thanks guys for the Hall of Fame nomination, I'm flattered!

Ok, the 70 will fail is a bit of an exaggeration, it sure seems like it though because anybody talking about it has had an issue!

The serp belt alignment looks OK and is not showing any signs of wearing, but thank for the heads up, it is always good to triple check everything, like the steering coupling boot that did not seem to snap into place properly.

About 2000 miles racked up already, the car is fun again.

AJxtcman · #15 (**permalink**) 11-26-07, 02:44 PM

Take a close look at the pictures below