Re: replace broken camshaft (GM 3.4L V6)

Thank you for your reply. Yes indeed, coolant has entered the engine. I am now in debate with GM regarding warranty repair. The engine failed without any warning. The only thing is the low coolant light turned on a while back, and coolant was added. Oil seemed normal during last oil change. It has only 36K miles on the odometer. I can still start the engine, but it will stumble and stall right after. Any chance that the block not damaged ? Cost to replace engine is $4000 - $5000. Any way to lift vehicle 4 ft off the ground that a "do-it-yourself' er can ?

Oil looks quite normal. Would you see any oil sludge on the dip stick and the oil filler cap ?

"DL" wrote

Usually you will see it as a thin layer of brown gunk on the inside surfaces of the engine. Inside the valve cover, for instance.

Ian

I don't know of any way to do much of anything on that vehicle/engine without pulling it out. It's really wedged in there. To get at the camshaft, I think you'll need to take the engine out.

I don't think this a realistic job for anyone without a lift. In order to get the engine out, you'll need to adjust the lift and a floor/transmission jack to take the the weight off the engine mounts. Then raise the car a little and lower the floor jack so they separate out and then you just adjust the height of the lift to allow everything to drop down safely. I just don't think jack stands are going to be tall enough or provide the flexibility you'll want.

I'd guesstimate (and it's a guess) you'd need about 3 feet of clearance at the bottom to let the engine "Drop-down". I can't really imagine trying this at home. If anyone does, please send pictures, I'd like to see it.

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