Head Gasket replacement 97STS - Page 3

zonie77 · #31 (**permalink**) 03-10-08, 02:47 AM

Usually you can get away with a manual a year or two off from your car. The changes were usually minor. The cam timing procedure and almost all the disassembly is the same. The wiring changed the most and you probably won't need too much of that.

If you can get the right year that's the best.

97 STS · #32 (**permalink**) 03-16-08, 02:59 AM

Well I've finally got the cradle on the floor. Only snag I encountered was the right front brake line from the ABS unit was routed across the cradle. Once that was repositioned it dropped right out. Is that the normal route or should it be attached across the bottom of the radiator support? I'm sure I'll have more ?'s as I get into disassembly.

tateos · #33 (**permalink**) 03-17-08, 02:00 PM

The brake line is attached to the cradle with plastic retainers

97 STS · #34 (**permalink**) 03-18-08, 02:33 AM

Thanks, I'll have to figure out how to get it back in there on reassembly. I have seen a couple of references to Cometic head gaskets. $120 each. Are these the way to go? Anyone with any experience with them?

IXSLR8 · #35 (**permalink**) 03-22-08, 09:54 PM

I bought a set of Cometic gaskets for the Northstar last week. They are not here yet.

I'm a little concerned about them sealing as my 1996 block surfaces are not perfect and smooth like new machined aluminum where the heads will meet. You can still see the wear pattern from the old GM gaskets. I'm thinking that I will use Hylomar and then use the Cometic gaskets.

Anyone else used these?