Hey guys, I have a really bad head gasket leak (also a rear main seal leak too, but one problem at a time here) and I was wondering how difficult it is to strip the 3.1L in my 92 down in order to do the job. I'm by no means a master mechanic and would be doing the work myself. I have access to any sockets and torque bits I might need along with a pair of ramps to drive my car up onto, but I have no lift. Would I be in over my head? I've stripped down an engine before, but it was a 350tpi and it was out of the car, I'm concerned that there will be bolts that I may not be able to get to. How many of you guys have done the job and how long would you say it took? Also, any special hints or tools that you can suggest for me? I'm on a very tight budget, so doing it myself is the only option. Thanks in advance.

 

The biggest PITA with the engine in the car is getting to the engine grounds on the backs of the cylinder heads. Other than that, if you can strip a TPI, you can do this. You can do this for less than $50. Or, with you being in Rochester, I could come up and take a look and have it done in an afternoon (provided I get a ride, of course, as my car is down for the count at the moment with metal cancer).

 

I'm actually in Syracuse right now, but should be returning to Rochester by mid July. Should I order the head gaskets for it? Worse comes to worse, I can send them back or resell them. Anything else I should pick up while I'm at it? And if I were to take you up on your offer to help, would I just drive out to your place and look at it there? Probably a more complete garage than what I have to work with.

 

LOL... My sister is in Syracuse where she was going to school up until a couple of months ago. Anyways, get the FelPro HS8699PT6 head gaskets and an MS93020 intake gasket set, and probably a GP Sorenson 800-9220 or eqivalent injector o-ring set.

My garage is a mess, but I do have the tools to do the job (2 sets, actually). Probably be easier if you came out here if you were going to because my car is down with metal cancer and I have no way of getting out there.