GM 3400 Head gasket replacement or not.

[Josh]

Hey everyone!

I have an 02 Monte Carlo with the 3.4L engine and 124,000 miles on it. The wonderful intake gaskets have gone to crap, so it is pumping all the oil into the coolant. I am curious to know how long the head gaskets are known to last on these engines. Should I spend the extra money and time to replace them as long as I have it torn down that far? Or would it likely be a waste of both?

Thanks in advance!

Topic

[Glenn]

I didn’t read every reply on your post, so please forgive me if I’m repeating something, or going against someone else’s advice. Be sure you use the metal backed intake gasket as opposed to the plastic ones. I attached a photo of one on my 3800 (similar to the 3400). Otherwise you’ll be facing this job again. I agree you don’t need to replace the head gaskets just for good measure. However, there is another consideration. Valves are known to stick on these engines with higher mileage especially exhaust valves. If you have dug this deep into the engine, you might consider pulling the heads, replacing the valve seals and cleaning the valve stems. I did this the last time I went into the engine on my 3400 which is now approaching 300k miles. Decisions, decisions. Best of luck.

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• image-2-3-4-5.jpg

[Josh]

Hey I was wondering is there a drain plug on the block that I should pull to help get all the junk out? If so where is it?

Also for the reverse flush kit it says install in the heater inlet hose. Which one is that?

Thanks everyone!

[Richard Kirshy]

Hey I was wondering is there a drain plug on the block that I should pull to help get all the junk out? If so where is it?
[color=#00bbff]If there is, I could not locate it.
I just disconnected the the lower radiator hose.[/color]

Also for the reverse flush kit it says install in the heater inlet hose. Which one is that?
Doesn’t really matter which of the two hoses you install the Tee on to.

Attachments:

• hoses.JPG

[Author]

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