1998 Achieva Head Gaskets

[CNCguy]

Just wanted to provide an update. I had the push rods in correctly, but a couple of the rocker arms were loose. I torqued them and the engine ran much better.

However, there is a bad engine knock and I fear the lower end is gone. I don't know yet what I'm going to do with it- crank kit, another used engine, or bag it all together and get another car.

I would like to thank everyone here for their help. This was my first journey into the 60 degree V6 realm and it was nice to have you here. I do alot of work on the old air cooled VW engines, and contribute to a forum devoted to them. Sometimes, after working on something for a long time, like I have with VW's, things can become second nature. Then I got this project and I suddenly realized that I knew NOTHING about these V6 engines. It was quite a wake up call.

Thanks again
Steve

Good to hear that the pushrods were in correctly. Mixed up pushrods have been so common lately that I rushed to that conclusion.

Good low mileage used engines are plentiful, reasonably priced and fairly easy to put in. I always factor in the value of my time when deciding on repairs and usually lean towards swapping in a complete engine (either new, used or reman). If you go with used, be sure to do the LIM gaskets first.

This is a great site for learning. I have learned much about the 60V6's and continue to learn daily.

Good luck on you project.

[Bowtie70SS]

Before you condemn it make sure the flywheel/flexplate isn't cracked or the torque converter bolts aren't missing. There is an inspection cover but you may be better off just removing the starter to look. It also isn't a bad idea to take the serpentine belt off and run it for a minute to rule out a water pump or accessory making the noise. Those engines are definately easy to swap.

Dave

[IsaacHayes]

and there was no 3100 in 92. 94 I believe was the first year.

[SteveG]

Thank you for the support!! I will check the flexplate and run the engine with the serpentine belt removed as suggested.

If these actions don't show me the problem, I would like to remove the engine and put a crank kit in it. My daughter (me neither) can afford to go out and buy another car.

I have the Chilton and Mitchell manuals that cover this car. Both of them say I need to remove the engine and trans as a unit thru the bottom of the car.

Is the true??

I know there is not alot of room at the front of the engine, but I was hoping I could remove the engine by lifting it out of the engine compartment and leave the trans in the vehicle.

Thank you
Steve