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Looking to see if anyone has some guidance or specifics about replacing the head gaskets on the 3.5l M276.957 engine.
I'm having to replace the front timing cover because my A/C compressor bracket snapped which is attached to the cover... Unfortunately on the top of the cover on each side there are 2 head bolts that need to removed (see pic) Head bolts
So I'm going to have do the head gasket. Just looking for any info from anyone that has maybe done this job before? I'm pretty mechanically capable but I've never pulled a head at all so I just wanna make sure I'm not missing anything.
My biggest question I've got now is timing related. I've got the tool which locks the flywheel that I used to pull the harmonic balancer but obviously when I pull the heads the cams will not be connected from the chain. Is there a certain tool I can use to lock the cams while the heads are off the block? I'm also going to have to pull the VVT sprockets/Cam adjusters whatever you wanna call them. Any information in general or things I may need to know are greatly appreciated!
If it's just the 2 front bolts I have to remove would removing the cam adjusters and just pulling the 2 bolts to drop the timing cover be a bad idea? I'm assuming this may cause a leak eventually due to things like improper torque sequence, reusing TTY bolts, taking pressure off the gasket, etc.. I guess with this question I'm kind of trying to convince myself that a bad idea is a good idea...
I really have no idea. But are those two bolts part of the torque sequence for tightening the cylinder head? Meaning they can be removed without causing any issue? Photos I come across of the timing covers removed still have the heads on.
I really have no idea. But are those two bolts part of the torque sequence for tightening the cylinder head? Meaning they can be removed without causing any issue? Photos I come across of the timing covers removed still have the heads on.
Im just thinking out loud.
here’s another pic with the 2 bolts and then the circled spot seems to be a portion of the head gasket. So it looks like it’s pretty close to the head gasket which makes me assume it may cause a problem if I remove and try to re torque without replacing… this has turned into much more of a nightmare than I had assumed. Luckily I’m confident in my ability to do it because I can’t imagine what a shop would charge for this with all the work it entails.
I came across a video about setting the timing, they replaced a cylinder head and then removed the timing cover to set the timing. I just skimmed thru it.
Min 29:25 he addresses those two bolts that go down into the timing cover. Im guessing he routinely has the timing cover off while the heads are sill on? No need to remove the cam adjusters?
10-03-2024, 01:37 PM
