2003 chevy venture p0304

[srmofo]

No need to buy a new, just send it to a machine shop and have them install a steel insert. I recomend doing all of them at the same time.

 

[Trievel]

No need to buy a new, just send it to a machine shop and have them install a steel insert. I recomend doing all of them at the same time.

i can get new heads for $170 each,the machine shops will probly ask nearly the same. i'll look into it though.

 

[MattT]

The good news is I have"repaired" several of those with heli-coils when the customer couldnt afford a proper repair. I ve never had issues with helicoils although its not an ideal solution.

What's less than ideal about a helicoil for this repair? I've not seen any issues with helicoils, 1 1/2 diameters or longer, except on stuff that's regularly disassembled. Steel inserts are definitely better for stuff that gets tore down frequently.

I recomend doing all of them at the same time.

Since this appears to be a known issue it makes sense to do all of 'em while you're in there. The helicoil kit will probably come with enough inserts to do the whole head so it won't cost anything but time.

 

[srmofo]

What's less than ideal about a helicoil for this repair? I've not seen any issues with helicoils, 1 1/2 diameters or longer, except on stuff that's regularly disassembled. Steel inserts are definitely better for stuff that gets tore down frequently.



Since this appears to be a known issue it makes sense to do all of 'em while you're in there. The helicoil kit will probably come with enough inserts to do the whole head so it won't cost anything but time.

Professionalism. So many forget the business aspect of it. I dont view them as a proper repair, IMHO its more of a last ditch effort before things get really expensive. However I am more than comfortable with them as long as I make sure to cover my *** thoroughly with well documented invoices explaining the situation.

You will not not find "insert helicoil" in any repair manual with the exception of those damn dodge knuckle assemblies with the caliper slide that bolt into them. They actually issued a TSB where you basically installed helicoils to hold the caliper on. Thats another story though.

I am perfectly aware that helicoils can and do work, however the next person that has to removing that rocker may or may not be cussing me depending on if the helicoil comes out with the bolt or not.

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

busted valve spring bent the valve ?

 

[Trievel]

busted valve spring bent the valve ?

nope,valve spring is good,as are valves. just the rocker arm bolt backed out,slightly stripping the bolt.

 

[Trievel]

so,after the heli-coil for the rocker arm bolt,couple miles of driving,all codes cleared,runs super,like a brand new van,compression now reads 160-162 on all 6 cyls. cyl 4 specificly,is now 162.

and thank you everyone who chipped in with thoughts/opinions, you all helped alot,kept my mind jogging,even when it was stupid cold out!

 

[B&H]

Good job! I wouldn't even consider replacing the cylinder head. Nothing "unprofessional" about a Helicoil. I would rather have a Helicoil than a cheap, reman cylinder head. Again, way to stick with it and see it through!

 

[mrbreezeet1]

Oh got it all done already, good job.You got it done quick.
Was the valve cover hard to get at?
Had to take off the UIM?
Was it easy to get to the bolt hole to drill/tap it for the H-coil?

 

[srmofo]

Oh got it all done already, good job.You got it done quick.
Was the valve cover hard to get at?
Had to take off the UIM?
Was it easy to get to the bolt hole to drill/tap it for the H-coil?

You only need to remove the water pipe and disconnect the o2 sensor and possibly the torque mounts depending on year to get the front valve cover off those engines. The front heads are easy to get at, but the rear gets a little more time consuming.

Good job OP, I wish I would have chimed in a little earlier and saved ya some time. Dont be surprised if another pops out in a couple of months. At least you'll be prepared this time.

 

[mrbreezeet1]

What motor is this? Is this the 3.4L.
I have a 3.4 L in my Alero, hope this is not a problem with my motor. Intake gaskets were already replaced.

 

[Trievel]

Oh got it all done already, good job.You got it done quick.
Was the valve cover hard to get at?
Had to take off the UIM?
Was it easy to get to the bolt hole to drill/tap it for the H-coil?

wasn't bad. UIM stayed on. had to remove the left side engine strut-mount,coolant by-pass. but being the front side,it was pretty good access.

 

[Trievel]

You only need to remove the water pipe and disconnect the o2 sensor and possibly the torque mounts depending on year to get the front valve cover off those engines. The front heads are easy to get at, but the rear gets a little more time consuming.

Good job OP, I wish I would have chimed in a little earlier and saved ya some time. Dont be surprised if another pops out in a couple of months. At least you'll be prepared this time.

yeah,i won't be stumped if it happens again,haha. this is one of those you don't forget.

 

[Trievel]

What motor is this? Is this the 3.4L.
I have a 3.4 L in my Alero, hope this is not a problem with my motor. Intake gaskets were already replaced.

yep,same 3.4l engine. i think it's a bigger problem in the vans,alot more stress on the engines pulling all the extra weight around.