Hi there,

I need to replace the head gaskets on my '93 3.4LV6. with 195K on the motor. It's slowly leaking coolant and oil in the cylinder head gap closest to the firewall. It's not burning oil so the leak is an external leak and not apparently getting into the cylinder.
The question I have is, due to the configuration of the 4th generation F Body's engine compartment, is this something a weekend mechanic can take on without having to pull the motor? Is it a reasonable task for the weekend mechanic. Let's face it the 4th gen looks cool but compared to the Gen1's and Gen2's the engine compartment is not nearly as easy to maintain with half the motor shoved under the cowl. All I've got currently is a socket set, breaker bar, and standard crecent wrenches. Does anyone have experience doing this with the motor in the car? I appreciate and experiences or advice. If it is possible what am I going to need besides the head gasket to do this? I have a Haynes manual but you know there's always something left out. If I'm going to do this I'd like to have everything I need handy. Again thanks for the help!

Thanks,

Tom

 

You can pull the head w/o pulling the motor. All metric on wrenches. Head might be warped and need resurfacing. Take it from there.

 

Having never done a head gasket before how can you tell ifthe head iswarped and/or needs resurfacing. I'm sure it's fairly obvious but just want to make sure.

Thanks!