General Motors introduced the 3.1-liter V-6 engine into production in 1988. Over the years, GM designed several different variants of this motor, such as the L82 found in the Pontiac Grand Am and the LH0, standard in the Chevrolet Camaro. While some versions of the 3.1-liter V-6 were fuel-efficient, naturally-aspirated motors, GM offered turbocharged powerhouses in some of its vehicles. Replacing the cylinder head gasket in your engine will prevent any existing leaks from reoccurring during operation. Regardless of which model engine is in your car, changing a head gasket can be done at home with the right tools.
Open your hood and unscrew the bolt that holds the negative cable to the car's battery. Move this cable out of the way so that it does not interfere with the rest of this procedure. Halting electrical flow throughout the engine will ensure a safe environment at all times.
Remove the power steering cap at the end of the fuel rail to relieve the pressure in the fuel system. Set this cap aside for later use.
Place an empty container underneath your engine's radiator. Twist off the radiator filler cap until it has been removed. This will allow the coolant inside to flow more easily. Pull the drain plug from its hole with your hand and let all of the engine coolant drain into the container. Replace only the drain plug when all of the coolant has drained.
Label all of the hoses and electrical wiring so that there is no confusion when reinstalling these parts. Pull the water pump hose with a pair of pliers slowly until removed. Disconnect the wires that exit the alternator, remove the alternator bolts and set this part aside for later use. Unfasten any remaining electrical wires that connect to the intake manifold of your vehicle.
Unscrew the bolts that hold the intake manifold to the engine block and lift up. Pry the head gaskets off the cylinder heads and lift off slowly.
Scrape any grime or other build-up with a plastic scraper. The area where the new head gasket will mount must be completely clean before installing. If necessary, use engine degreaser with a linen cloth. Apply liberally until clean.
Coat the top and bottom of the head gaskets with gasket sealant to prevent any leaks. Position the new head gaskets, one at a time, on top of the cylinder ports of your engine. Make sure that all of the holes align perfectly.
Position the old intake manifold back into position on the engine block. Tighten each of the bolts one turn at a time to ensure even stress placed on the engine. Tighten the upper bolts to 18 foot-pounds of torque and the lower bolts to 9.5 foot-pounds of torque to secure.
Reattach all of the electrical wiring, hoses and engine parts that were removed during this process.
Pour the engine coolant back into the radiator and replace the filler cap when this is complete. Replace the power steering cap.
Screw on the bolt to secure the negative connection to the engine's battery.
