My ’94 non-supercharged 3.8 with about 215,000 Kilometers (Approx. 134,000 Miles) on it is starting to require lots of oil top offs. I took it in and was told that it was the Valve Cover, Manifold (Intake), Upper CPR & Head Gaskets that were all leaking a bit.

I can change those myself but am wondering if I do that if it will affect the ‘Bottom End’?

As that I’m not technically rebuilding the ‘Top End’ I’m wondering if I can just get away with changing the Gaskets?


Or is it time to send it to the Bone-yard as that a rebuilt engine will cost more than what I spent to buy the car?

Get a compression check. My guess is the head gaskets are fine. Do the lower intake, upper intake, and valve cover gaskets.

Well I just had similar post although I head the upper intake and value coverrs leaking plus tranny pan leak. The value covers were easy to do the only one that was little tough was that steer pump is in the way yours 94 so it might be differnet. I have yet to do the upper intake my car rarely has time to cool all the way down. Hopefully this summer will do the upper. The hanes manuel actual has much detail do the upper intake and value covers. IT does have much detail about the fuel injector but you ject my post about that from what willren wrote isn't really that hard

I was thinking of just doing the Manifold & Valve Cover gaskets and skipping the Heads; and then seeing how much oil was still leaking.

The mechanic did say that the Head Gaskets were also leaking and I’m noticing a slowing down when going up big hills, so I think that I’m loosing some power out of them.

Can you test compression?

I could buy a compression tester and check; but I'm of the attitude, that if I'm going to replace the Gaskets, then I should replace them all. I want to solve the problem in one shot if I’m going to attempt it.

That'* why I'm interested in knowing if changing the Head Gaskets will adversely affect the bottom end?

Intake manifold gaskets are not that hard to do. If you take your time (and you are new at it) then you are looking at a 4 hour afternoon with ordinary tools. Two hours if you are more experienced with engines. It'* a very methodical disassembly and you will probably never have to do it again. Drop me a line if you have any specific questions, I still remember doing it last summer on my 94SE.
Also a good time for plugs and wires as you will be moving the wires during the job....
Bad head gsakets are pretty rare on 3800'* unless you overheat it a few times...

Rob

I doubt it'* head gaskets. Testing the compression will tell you if they are bad.

Oil leaks are usually LIM, but you might as well do UIM and TB while you're in. Clean everything and the car will run like new.

A '94 motor is set up just like a '93 motor, the PS pump will be annoying but doesn't have to be removed.

Could someone compile a list of all the parts one would need for this job?

Obviously I'll need LIM gasktet, UIM gasket, Valve cover gaskets, and sealant, and an 02 sensor while i'm there, but anything else?

those oil leaks are commen i have the same problems