I am getting ready to do a head gasket job on my 2005 Chevy Equinox with 125k on it. I was looking for some advice to what else I should replace while I have it apart. Also if anyone has done this then any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

I would replace the thermostat and water pump. I would spray some carb cleaner into the PCV valve and shake it to clean it. The PCV valve is built into the left (facing front of car) valve cover and cannot be replaced without replacing the entire valve cover. I would also replace the spark plugs (only use OE iridium AC Delco 41-101) and wires if they haven't been changed yet. Be sure to mark your push rods as you remove them and insert each one in the exact same location during re-assembly.

 

I thought my 05 needed head gasket too.Mechanic called today to say head was cracked.Any ideas how many of these had problems?Was leaking coolant into cyl 1,check engine light said misfire.Now I know why.3.4L under 76000on it.Where is that GM service member I see posting on here?

 

I'm sure it was a lot of them. I read about these things having nothing but problems. Now I am nervous for mine when I get into it.

 

I had a blown head gasket too, basically the same symptoms (misfire reported, it ran rough for a while when started, and after a while of that started drinking antifreeze.

My mechanic machined the heads, put in new plugs (I had new plugs and wires not 6 months earlier, grrrr) and also found I needed the egr and evap solenoid replaced.

Not a happy day, but I'm glad I don't have an '06 after hearing about the air blend door issues with it.