Removing Cylinder Head

[GrandAmMN]

There are gazillions of threads about removing the cylinder heads for changing the gasket, but one simple fact seems to be glossed over: Are you people removing the engine from the car, or removing the heads with the block in place? I am contemplating an all-out gasket job (head, exhaust, re-replace intake, grind-job on the heads, etc.), but do NOT want to be in a position to remove the engine. Thanks!

P.S. The 3300 forum seems pretty quiet! For a tough SOB engine :mad:

[MantaGreen97]

Most people remove the heads with the engine in the car, however with the 3300 I'm not sure if you have to "rotate the engine" or not... It's a 90 degree V6 but the 60 degree V6s are sometimes harder to change the spark plugs on, but I'm not sure about how hard it is for the GA w/3300.

If there is simply no room to remove the rear head you will have to "rotate the engine" at the very least. Removing it altogether probably isn't necessary...

[93gagt3300]

this engine does have some room in the backt to get to the heads bolts in the rear, but you will have to loosen the motor mount and rotate it forward. if going through the hassle of changing all the gaskests, it would be an easier job to remove the engine. it's not that bad. the worst bolt there is, the one that runs the opposite way from the engine block to the transmission. once everything is loose, it takes a few tugs to get it loose. remember to remove the balancer if going this route. it is a tad tight in there......

[GrandAmMN]

Thanks for the reply, '93. I foresee an unstoppable chain-reaction here. Remove the engine to replace gaskets, refurb. the heads.......and then a brilliant decision to engage in a complete overhaul (as long as the engine is out, and conveniently on a stand). Ever done it? I've not, but this engine seems pretty straightforward.

[93gagt3300]

yep, to a couple of different engines. not as intimidating as you thought though depending on your level of mechanical experience. your best friend will be a repair manual with all torque spec's. it'll be good to answer questions when you run into trouble. yet, the most important rule. use common sense, and when in doubt find out!!!. if you need a hand walkng through the rebuild, just keep sending messages and i'll help you walk through it as much as i can without being there........

[pokesmot]

I agree to everything that has been said so far.

if you have an air compressor and some air tools this job will be alot easier; I couldnt get my harmonic balancer bolt out because the crank kept turning and I had no way to lock it, so I called one of those mobile tractor trailer repair guys and they popped it off in 2 seconds with their 3/4" drive impact gun.

cost me $30 or so IIRC, but once i got the bolt out the engine slid right out.


another thing, there is 1 bellhousing bolt that will be a PITA to remove. its at the back of the engine, I had to crawl back there with an assortment of extensions and swivel adapters to crack that sucker and get it out. I was unable to see the bolt at all form any angle, had to rely on feel for everything.

[GrandAmMN]

Thanks for the ideas, guys. The 3300 seems to be an easy engine to work on - I especially noted this when replacing a leaking intake manifold gasket last year; working with the one-piece manifold was a snap (compared with the other GM V-6 engines with a plenum, and lower manifold component - monkeying with push rods, etc.) This may be my last engine I would consider rebuilding. After this one dies, I will buy new, and the wife has an '04 vehicle, and it is so sensor-oriented, bizarre component laden, DIY maintenance unfriendly, that I won't touch that for fear of damaging something electronic. Will keep the forum updated!

[93gagt3300]

funny, the statement you just made about the motor being unfriendly to work on...... the factory wants to put that notion into everyone's mind. yet, i always felt, if one man put it together, then i can take it apart and put it back together. hang in there. the rebuild shouldn't be that bad.....

[GrandAmMN]

It is crazy about new cars being unfriendly. I agree that a moderately competent DIYer should be able to perform a ton of procedures on their own cars. But something as routine as changing spark plugs in a 'modern' engine seems impossible because they are located under layers of hoses, wires - and up against the firewall, etc...I would enjoy shadowing a mechanic sometime just to see their 'tricks' at doing things. Oh well, at least on the 3300 you can see and reach just about everything by just opening the hood!