Top end job procedure - 3.6L

tkosier · 01-11-2012, 03:43 PM

Newbie doing a top end job on a 3.6 from a '91. Motor had 68K miles when I got it. Just got my heads back from machine shop with new guides, seals, etc.

Is it routine to replace the through bolt seals (one at a time as I understand it) while the heads are off and I can move the cylinders out of the way?

The seals between the cylinders and heads will be replaced. How about replacing the sealing rings between the case and cylinders?

Any sort of sealant between the top of the heads and the bottom of the cam tower?

Thanks,
Tom

wnewbold · 01-12-2012, 05:23 PM

Hi Tom, How's your project coming? I am doing same thing on my 1990 c4. Have you decided to replace head studs? I have had this recommended but am not sure this is necessary on my engine with 74.000 mi. and only street use. The original studs appear to be in great shape. This whole job was started because of typical oil leakage.

Thanks,
wnewbold

tkosier · 01-13-2012, 02:25 AM

My head studs (steel) are in good shape and I'm not going to replace them. I saw very little evidence of oil leaks except for the top of the engine (crankcase breather and themes tat housing). At 68k miles my exhaust valve guides were shot hence the valve job. The exhaust port ceramics we're a bit chipped/cracked, but I'm using them anyway.

porterdog · 01-13-2012, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tkosier

At 68k miles my exhaust valve guides were shot hence the valve job.

What was your oil consumption like?

tkosier · 01-14-2012, 05:11 AM

This is an engine from a wrecked '91 that I bought for a 3.2 to 3.6 conversion. I did see it run (appeared to run nicely - no smoking) before is was removed from car - but don't know the oil consumption prior to my ownership. Several knowledgable P car wrenches advised a close look at the heads while I was cleaning it up. Removed the heads and took them to Bill at "Extreme Cylinder Heads" here in south Florida. He disassembled the heads while I was at the shop and it was obvious the guides were shot as the valves would move laterally in the guides. Turned out the valves themselves were within spec so they were re-used. Bill indicated that 50 - 60K miles was as long as the guides would last anyway.