Good morning, my daughter in law has a blown head gasket on her 2005 Equinox. For all intents and purposes this looks like a pretty straight forward job.

Has anyone done this job before? If we take it on vs. spending the money to have a shop do it we have a very short window. Any help on what tools, what parts (if anything beyond the gasket set) and so for that we would need would be great. I want to have everything lined up so I am not spending half of my time running to town and back.

Anyone have a procedure doc on this?

I think the good news is, this seems like a pretty traditional V6 configuration. Cam shaft is in the "right" spot, no timing belts to mess with, etc.

Anything anyone can provide for information would be greatly appreciated.

 

It's not a difficult job, but care needs to be taken in making sure the heads are true (not warped) and that the failure point was in fact a gasket, and not a defect in a head or the block. The 3.4 is an easy engine to work on, but getting to exhaust manifold bolts on the rear head can be trying. Use good gaskets and a manual with proper torque values as well as a good torque wrench are a must. I'd also recommend having the radiator cleaned/flushed and replacing a thermostat/gasket at the same time.

 

the guy is a pro!