Head Gasket replacement 97STS

97 STS · #1 (**permalink**) 03-03-08, 01:07 AM

Thanks to the excellent thread put up by Tatoes and all of you pitching to offer help and advice, I'm embarking on the headgesket oddesey. I have FSM. am just about ready to drop the cradle. I have a Time Sert kit. I'm looking for feedback on Norm's vs. Time Sert.
Thanks, Bob

Mark C · #2 (**permalink**) 03-03-08, 01:03 PM

I used the regular timeserts in my 97 STS last year. Put 4000 miles on it so far, no issues yet.

zonie77 · #3 (**permalink**) 03-03-08, 02:04 PM

I've used timeserts and had no problems with them. If I was buying brand new I would go with Norm's because they are longer and should have better grip. If I was buying used I would buy whatever I found.

Timeserts are the Caddy approved repair. Norm's are newer on the market.

97 STS · #4 (**permalink**) 03-04-08, 02:43 AM

Thanks for the replies. Couple more questions. Radiator has a cracked side tank. Any suggestions on where to get a replacement? I've seen several on Ebay. Prices seem to vary quite a bit. Head gaskets & bolts. Should I stay with GM parts or are the aftermarket pieces OK?
Thanks, Bob

submariner409 · #5 (**permalink**) 03-04-08, 04:10 PM

There was a post in here a month or so ago about aftermarket head bolts breaking on the final degree pass.

tateos · #6 (**permalink**) 03-04-08, 09:43 PM

I also blew the radiator side tank when my FIRST Northstar engine blew the HG. I would buy this radiator - it is original equipment:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/OEM-9...em290210932230

I was the one who broke the head bolt - I think it was a freak thing - they were FelPro bolts bought from Rock Auto - made in USA. When I called them about it, they said they had not heard of that, and they sent me a full set of 10 new bolts at no charge and no questions asked - did not even need to return the broken bolt or the other 9 that did not break. So, I installed and torqued a total of 30 and only 1 broke - I do think it was a fluke.

I used the FelPro gasket sets - they are excellent - I bought the Cylinder Head and the Conversion the nice thing is they contain every possible gasket and seal and o-ring and whatever

If you call them, call 866-762-5288 ask for Jim X 206 nice guy and knowledgeable. Tell him Richard Moore referred you - maybe he will give you a discount like he did me?

zonie77 · #7 (**permalink**) 03-05-08, 01:20 AM

Here's an old thread I did after the first one I did. Some good info in it.

http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums...ir-part-i.html (N* Head Gasket repair part I/ Remove engine)

97 STS · #8 (**permalink**) 03-05-08, 02:38 AM

Thanks for the replys. You guys on this forum are great.
Bob

JC316 · #9 (**permalink**) 03-05-08, 06:35 PM

I used normal timeserts and I have 10,000 miles without issue.

97 STS · #10 (**permalink**) 03-06-08, 12:30 AM

Another question. when I pulled the PCM, I noticed that the air intake box surrounding it seems to be partly full of water. Is this normal? Should it be drained?
Thanks, Bob

submariner409 · #11 (**permalink**) 03-06-08, 11:51 AM

NO, it's not normal. Drill several 3/8" drain holes at the low points, and figure out if someone tried to mod the airbox, allowing rain/spray to enter from the front/fender areas.

97 STS · #12 (**permalink**) 03-07-08, 01:19 AM

Sub, as far as I can tell the box does not look modified. There are 2 very small plugs on the mating surfaces between the halfs. I've pulled those and it is draining.
Thanks, Bob

pearlwhite97sts · #13 (**permalink**) 03-08-08, 03:40 PM

is it possible to replace the head gaskets without removing the whole engine? if so what is the best stop leak for my 97 sts, i dont trust additives but i dont have the tools to remove the engine.

zonie77 · #14 (**permalink**) 03-08-08, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pearlwhite97sts

is it possible to replace the head gaskets without removing the whole engine? if so what is the best stop leak for my 97 sts, i dont trust additives but i dont have the tools to remove the engine.

1) Supposedly possible but extremely difficult. It would take MUCH longer than dropping the cradle.

2) Do NOT use any stop leak product. They do NOT work and they cause problems if you decide to fix it right.

3) If you don't have the tools to remove the engine you can buy an engine hoist for $100-150 and resell it when you are done for at least half of that.

You lift the body off the cradle with the engine hoist.

http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums...ir-part-i.html (N* Head Gasket repair part I/ Remove engine)

pearlwhite97sts · #15 (**permalink**) 03-08-08, 04:57 PM

how long do you think this would take me. iv done this once before but on an old v8 about a year ago