[mckrishes]

Start with the free stuff first:

Battery/Alternator checks
Ignition timing
Vacuum leaks
Coolant check (for air and levels)
Throttle body cleaning

If those don’t work, you’ll have to move on to more invasive stuff.

[mckrishes]

I think it’s a good idea. Have the head serviced at the shop for resurfacing and valve inspection, etc.

[mckrishes]

If you don’t have a tire valve stem what you can do is take some tape and wrap it around just a little bit below the end of the straw stick. As you are wrapping it, taper it so you have a good seal. Put enough tape there to fit tight against the opening. Then connect to a 9 volt battery and spray away. Worked like a charm for me.

[mckrishes]

So you were able to confirm that the head gasket has failed?

[mckrishes]

Before you pull the head, I would definitely check the water pump first.

[mckrishes]

That stuff might makes things worse. Are you sure you have a head gasket problem? Compression test results look pretty good. Did you do wet and dry tests for compression?

[mckrishes]

Has the timing belt been done recently?

[mckrishes]

I would definitely check the water pump, especially if the one replaced at 113k was an aftermarket. Most of those are chinese water pumps that don’t last at all.

[mckrishes]

Where about the engine is the noise the worst?

[mckrishes]

Can you show us a picture of the pulley and bolt and the way you are installing it.

[mckrishes]

Look at number 13. Is that the way you are installing it?

Attachments:

• camshaft-timing-belt-v6-2508140.png

[mckrishes]

Try installing it with the old pulley. If that works out, then there may be a problem with the new pulley. I am assuming you are installing it the correct way.

[mckrishes]

It might not be the valves. It could be a worn timing belt tensioner.

[mckrishes]

Could be water pump if not the cap. Water pump might not be strong enough to circulate the coolant properly.

[video width=425 height=344 type=youtube]bt7_DhsTG_Q[/video]

[mckrishes]

Just tried it that way. Seems good. Vacuum was at 22 in at idle and 25 in at 2000 rpm which it stayed at after going back to idle. Needle was very steady. Never went down at all.

[Author]

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