Head gasket replacement

1997 CADILLAC DEVILLE
Avatar
SASNGANG
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
The car listed above is a Deville Concours, 4.6L DOHC.
Well, I've confirmed the worst, but what was expected. Bad head gasket. The car puts exhaust into the cooling system but runs fine once it has started. Verified coolant in #1 and #3 rear cylinders (after sitting for a couple hours with the cooling system pressurized). The question is... Can the head gasket on the firewall side be changed without engine removal? I expect to have to put in Timeserts for all head bolts.... Second question, I would like to use Fel-Pro gaskets, would you suggest otherwise?

Thanks in advance for the input.

Steve
Jan 16, 2006 at 5:01 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
SQM
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 6,383 POSTS
Hello,

In order to remove the head, you will have to remove the engine first.
Unfortunately, without removing the engine, you will not have room to do the removal and installation of the cylinder head.

As for Fel-Pro, they make top quality gaskets for many make and models and are very reliable.

I have attached diagrams of the replacement procedure as well and head bolt torque specification and sequence below.

Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/head-gasket-blown-test
Images (Click to enlarge)
Attached Media
Attached Media
Attached Media
Attached Media
Attached Media
Attached Media
Jan 14, 2022 at 5:41 AM
🔧 Tools & Auto Repair Parts
Find automotive tools, diagnostic equipment, and replacement parts for your next repair.
Shop on Amazon →
Paid affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Suggested Repair

Remove the engine before replacing the firewall-side cylinder head and head gasket, as there is not enough room to remove and install the head with the engine in the vehicle. Fel-Pro head gaskets are a reliable choice. Follow the proper head-gasket replacement procedure and head-bolt torque specification and sequence.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1997 Deville Concours with a 4.6L DOHC engine confirmed a bad head gasket, with exhaust entering the cooling system and coolant found in rear cylinders 1 and 3 after a pressurized cooling-system test. The owner asked whether the firewall-side head gasket could be replaced without removing the engine, mentioned expecting to install Timeserts for the head bolts, and asked whether Fel-Pro gaskets were suitable. The expert advised that the engine must be removed to access the cylinder head and said Fel-Pro gaskets are high quality and reliable, while also referencing the replacement procedure and head-bolt torque sequence.

Add a reply
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.

Ask a new question

Frequently Asked Problems for This Vehicle