any Problems after changing LIM/Head gasket?

[jpstajdl]

For those of you that have changed the lim and head gasket, have you had any troubles with the vehicle after doing that? I am trying to decide whether to keep the car or get out now before it goes bad. I know it's not a matter of if it will go, but when. I don't want to spend a lot more money for a newer car, but if all I will be doing is dumping money into a pit, I may as well get a different vehicle.

it's a 3.4-2001-se1.

thanks

[navybluese00]

I feel your pain man. I was in the same boat last year, and I did it. It's been running fine ever since. Only problem after that was that the alternator went, but I expected that. I know GM's alternators usually go at around 60K miles, and that's when it happened. Good luck man, I know it sucks having to shell out the cash for that...

[pokesmot]

the gasket itself is fairly inexpensive... i think between $50-100

the main problem is labour... if you dont know what your doing you will have to pay someone who knows and that will csot you big.

however, if your inclined, and have some time on your hands it can be done in a weekend.

[jpstajdl]

labor isn't the issue, so I guess i will probably give it a shot. No sense in tearing down the engine twice, so I'll probably do the heads and intake. Any opinions on machining the heads? Do they tend to need it?

[vwps1956]

If you replace your gaskets use the new felpro gaskets, there metal 3.4 part number is MS98003T comes with valve cover gaskets, about 70.00 dollars. Original GM gaskets are plastic, felpro came out with this new metal style, of gaskets about three months ago, for the 3.1, 3.4 engines. They also have a new gasket for the 4.3 chevy. All these original plastic intake gaskets are prone to failure. Wait and see if GM comes out with a metal gasket. My 1999 3.4 intake set was replaced twice from the dealer, and I just did it the third time at 146000 miles. The bolts comming loose is not the problem,like the mechanics say, so don't buy the new bolts with the dab of locktite on them, the problem is a bad designed gasket.

[jpstajdl]

Where can you buy the metal gaskets?

[Tommy00GT1]

I'm alao wondering where you can purchase the new Felpro gaskets.....
Anyone, please ? Thanks!

Tommy

[jpstajdl]

I did a search on advanceautoparts.com and found the MS98300T part number. There is a store close by for me.

Question. That is for the LIM. What about the head gasket?

Thanks
John

[cocobob]

Did it on my 97 GA LIM gasket job in 2000. Cost $550 IN LABOUR +TAX + parts. Put on an additionnal 140K km (now 268K km) and it has to be done again - selling it as is.
Just got it done on my 2004 SE1 with only 50K km (warranty).
yeah it sucks but at l4east its not the transmission that has to be replaced as it is the case for several friends who own Chrysler vehicles. All brands are designed to keep the dealerships and GM parts depots busy $$$$. I call it ``marketing engineering ``: make sure it all breaks down at the same time after warranty so they feel they have to buy another new car !