1hotls1

iTrader: (6)

Yesterday, I was driving aroung and stopped for gas. When I started the car back up, it blew a cloud of white smoke out the tail pipes. I shut it down and visually checked around for leaks, but sure enough its coming straight out the pipes. I could smell the antifreeze, but just wanted to know if a blown head gasket is the only possible cause for this. My heads have been on the car about 2 years now with no problems at all. What would cause it to suddenly blow the gasket?

brad8266

iTrader: (23)

More than likely its the head gasket, although a cracked head can cause this too.

**** happens man.

1hotls1

iTrader: (6)

Could I have cracked a head and not know it? The car was running great and no symptoms other than the white smoke when I restarted it. Do you have to drop the K member to pull the heads?

jinxedz

iTrader: (5)

You dont need to drop the K-member, you can pull the heads from the top pretty easily.

Pull them off and get them inspected imo

1hotls1

iTrader: (6)

So, even with headers I can pull these heads off in the driveway? I paid someone to install them, but I'd rather do it at home if it can be done. Several people told me I couldn't get them off without dropping it out the bottom. Any of you that have done it before, how long would this take?

RoastEmSS

You can do it in your driveway with common hand tools, with the motor in the car. go to ls1howto.com and they have a complete head swap guide

jinxedz

iTrader: (5)

Depends on the headers. I have pacesetters and we got the heads unbolted with some manuevering of the headers (extra pair of hands come in handy). Once the heads are un-bolted you can slide them up, forward, and theyll come off just fine. They are very light, maybe 25lbs. We will need to take the headers off to put the heads back on. Im not sure about your setup up, but from the looks of it you will probably need to do the same.

We took the entire top engine apart, down to the block, in about 5 hours (with breaks). The biggest PITA are the Head bolts, as they are the hardest to break loose and are at odd angles ... patience is all you need.

1hotls1

iTrader: (6)

Thanks man. That's what I wanted to hear. I guess I'll get to work tonight and at least get it tore apart. Might as well swap to a bigger cam while I'm in there!

brad8266

iTrader: (23)

yeah man heada are pretty easy to pull off in the driveway. Make sure you have a PS pulley puller too since it will have to come off.

1hotls1

iTrader: (6)

Thanks, I have one. It may take me a week working on it in the evening, but it'll get done.

cowboysfan

I did my H/C in my two car garage that only fits one car for now. remove headers before heads and should be no problem. by the way I did not remove the ps pully, I used one of them wrenches for bicycles cause there thin and fit in there better then normal wrenches. so yes you can remove heads without dropping the motor from underneath.

1hotls1

iTrader: (6)

Well, i'm just glad to hear that it can be done. I'm sure it'll be a pita but it beats the labor charges on a job like this. I don't know what caused the gasket to blow, but at least i have an excuse to put in a new cam now.

1hotls1

iTrader: (6)

My heads have been on for about 30,000 miles. Is it a must to replace the springs or can they be tested? Anything else I should look at while it is apart?