Head Gasket replacement 97STS

[zonie77]

It is a long tedious job, longer than on the old V8. It would take several weekends and it is very helpful to have a second person for parts of it. It's not rocket science, it's just a more involved job because you have to drop the cradle, then pull the timing cover and crossover. Just more parts. If you did an old V8 you can do this, if you have some perseverance!

[pearlwhite97sts]

i dont have a few weekends to do this shes my ride to work, could i run it till i get some time off or will i kill it. would alldata have the procedure?

[submariner409]

Pearl, No, Alldata will not have the full procedure, other than to give the various components to be disconnected/removed in sequence. Somewhat less info than a real OEM Helm Factory Manual.

Over the last 2 years there have been 3 or 4 lengthy threads on removing Northstar engines, transmissions, and cradles. You might consider doing a little homework. Look in Seville, Deville, and Northstar performance. The labor rate sheet allows a LOT of hours for the procedure: it is NOT a piece of cake, by any means.

97STS, Sorry......forgot you were the OP.......

[pearlwhite97sts]

im sure i can handle it if alldata tells me what sequence i has to be done in, and if i get stuck i have some very experienced help. im not expecting this to be easy as i have done a lot of homework already. what do you mean by "forgot you were the OP"?

[submariner409]

You hijacked someone else's thread................as in 97STS, the Original Poster.

[zonie77]

Pearl, if you did an old one you can do a new one...like I said, long tedious process. Nothing exceptionally hard, just a lot of steps.

How long you can drive it varies. Make sure no coolant is getting in the oil, change oil real often. If coolant gets in the oil it can ruin the bearings quickly.

[zonie77]

If you are waiting to do it start looking for a used manual and timesert or Norm's inserts on ebay. The manual is worth the price, especially at an ebay price.

[pearlwhite97sts]

gotcha, is hijacking frowned upon?

[pearlwhite97sts]

i ordered a munual at canadian tire for $25, but nobody has timeserts. arent norm's inserts better anyways.

[97 STS]

pearl, make sure you get a factory service manual. The others leave out too much info.
Good luck, Bob

[97 STS]

pearl, here's a link to norm's inserts on ebay.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...223115196&rd=1
Bob

[pearlwhite97sts]

thanks a lot

[zonie77]

If you ordered a Haynes or Chiltons' manual cancel it unless you need a doorstop. They are not worth buying for what you are doing.

[pearlwhite97sts]

so i ask for a factory manual or is there any particular brand?

[97 STS]

as zonie said, If you ordered a Haynes or Chiltons' manual cancel it unless you need a doorstop. Find a factory service manual. They are usualy available on ebay or you could check with a good used book store or there is always the dealer.