What is your question?
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What is your question?
I'm going to tear apart my 2004 Grand Am GT to replace the head gasket, and want to make sure I handle all recommended replacements/cleanings while I'm at it. I'm getting a full gasket replacement kit, and I'll be doing the plugs and wires. Thermostat and water pump are already very new. It has 190,000 miles on it and I have no repair records to confirm whether anything else has ever been done to it. Anything else recommended?
1 Reply
Hello, The full gasket kit is great, at 190k I would probably flush the oil and coolant before the repair, inspect the valvetrain for wear, especially the rocker seats, and consider replacing the timing set while it is all apart (not really necessary in most cases unless you find wear or damage). Don't attempt to clean the exhaust manifold out, it will just cause your catalytic converter to plug up, but cleaning the exhaust ports on the head is en excellent idea. Don't clean the carbon off the tops of the pistons with any sort of abrasive wheel, use something that won't damage the surface of the piston, and ensure the pistons are at TDC before cleaning them so you don't scar the walls. After that, standard maintenance as outlined in your owner's manual.
Cool, thanks very much @casey40510