Help w/ 3.4 heads

[pontiac nino]

Well I got a head gasket thats on it's way out. Just had a couple of questions if you guys can help.
I pulled out the head bolts from another motor I had and they seem to be in real good condition can I use those or do they have to be new?

How do I do the adjustment once i install the pushrods and rocker arms (don't remember)?

Uhm I think thats it for right now Im sure I'll remember some questions later.

Thanks guys [img]smile.gif[/img]

[viper98885]

As far as the head bolts...you need to use new ones. The others may look like they are in good condition, but it is better safe than sorry.

I will look up the instructions for setting valve lash and repost.

[StudlyCamaro]

do not reuse the head bolts , they are torque to yeild bolts, once they have been torqued once they are useless... (well they might work for a few miles but they will give away in due time)

[viper98885]

The 3.4L and 5.7L engines use press fit studs.
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the rocker arm cover as outlined in this section
3. Remove the rocker arm nuts, balls and rocker arms. Place components in a rack so they can be reinstalled in the same location.

To install:
4. Coat the bearings surfaces with a thin coating of Molykote(ft) or its equivalent.
5. Install the push rods and make sure the rod is in the lifter seat.
6. Install the rocker arm, balls and nut. Tighten the nut until all lash is eliminated.
7. The engine must be on the No.1 firing position before proceeding. This may be determined by placing your fingers on the No.1 rocker arms as the mark crankshaft damper is rotated towards the "0" on the timing tab. If the arms did not move, it is in the No.1 firing position. If they did move, turn the crankshaft one full revolution to reach the No.1 position. Remember, the mark on the crankshaft balancer must be aligned with the "0" on the timing tab.

8. Adjust the valves as follows:
V6 ENGINES
With the engine on the number 1 firing position, exhaust valves 1, 2 and 3 and intake valves 1, 5 and 6 may be adjusted. Back out the adjusting nut until lash is felt at the pushrod. Tighten the adjusting nut until all lash is removed, then tighten the nut an additional 1 1/2turns to center the lifter plunger. Turn the engine one revolution until the "0" timing mark is once again aligned. Exhaust valves 4, 5 and 6 and intake valves 2,3 and 4 may be adjusted.
VB ENGINES
With the engine on the number 1 firing position, exhaust valves 1.. 3, 4 and 8, intake valves 1, 2, 5 and 7 may be adjusted. Back out the adjusting nut until lash is felt at the push rod. Tighten the adjusting nut until all lash is removed, then tighten an additional 1 turn to center the lifter plunger. Turn the engine one revolution until the 0 timing mark is once again aligned. Exhaust valves 2, 5, 6 and 7, intake valves 3, 4, 6 and 8 may be adjusted.
9. Install the rocker arm cover.
10. Connect the negative battery cable.

[94TeaL]

Get ARP head studs like me.NEVER ever reuse head bolts..

[pontiac nino]

Man thanks for all the help guys, is there anything else I should replace while I have the heads off?

[pontiac nino]

Head is off, looks ok.

Went to buy the head gasket, called first the guys says "Yeah we have it in stock come on in" get there he tells me sorry we don't have it, it's a special order. I get pissy :mad:
I then ask for the head bolts, I give him the part number he says he can't sell them to me without first looking at the bolt size (I didn't have one w/ me) he showed it to me but did not sell it, says the same thing again "Sorry sir please come back with bolt next time" and walks away.

****!!!!! ****!!!! ****!!!! ****!!!!
No bolt, no gasket, WTF? [img]graemlins/rant.gif[/img]
Gonna have to wait another day.

[StudlyCamaro]

thats odd... if the customer wants to buy, the store should sell it... its got a part # why do they need a bolt.. odd

BTW i had to order my head gaskets as well

and and a side note you might wanna bring in one of the long head bolts and one of the short ones for this comparison that they wanna do

[pontiac nino]

finished, but car isn't starting :(
It cranks and turns over but don't start, kinda afraid that i didn't properly adjust the rocker arms.

Thanks guys

[viper98885]

It wouldn't be because of the rocker arms, it is most likely a ignition problem such as a sensor that is not hooked up pr something.

[pontiac nino]

Ok car starts now..........
IT HAD NO GAS [img]graemlins/rofl.gif[/img]

It has a light ticking from the drive side so im gonna have to put the car under the knife again and tighten those loose rocker arms. [img]smile.gif[/img]