GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Saturn 🢒 2001 🢒 L300/LW300 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Mechanical - 3.0L (L81) 🢒 Replacing Engine Gaskets
    • Gasket reuse and applying sealants:
       - Do not reuse any gasket unless specified.
       - Gaskets that can be reused will be identified in the service procedure.
       - Do not apply sealant to any gasket or sealing surface unless called out in the service information.
    • Separating components:
       - Use a rubber mallet to separate components.
       - Tap the part sideways to loosen the components.
       - Only tap in the components at bends or reinforced areas to prevent distortion and/or damage.
    • Cleaning gasket surfaces:
       - Remove all gasket and sealing material from the part using a plastic or wood scraper (if required).
       - Care must be used to avoid gouging or scraping the sealing surfaces.
       - Do not use any other method or technique to remove sealant or gasket material from a part.
       - Do not use abrasive pads, sand paper, or power tools to clean the gasket surfaces.
   • These methods of cleaning can cause damage to the component sealing surfaces.
   • Abrasive pads also produce a fine grit that the oil filter cannot remove from the oil.
   • This grit is abrasive and has been known to cause internal engine damage.
    • Assembling components:
       - When assembling components, use only the sealant specified or equivalent in the service procedure.
       - Sealing surfaces should be clean and free of debris

Gasket Reuse and Applying Sealants
    • Do not reuse any gasket unless specified.
    • Gaskets that can be reused will be identified in the service procedure.
    • Do not apply sealant to any gasket or sealing surface unless called out in the service information.

Separating Components
    • Use a rubber mallet to separate components.
    • Bump the part sideways to loosen the components.
    • Bumping should be done at bends or reinforced areas to prevent distortion of parts.

Cleaning Gasket Surfaces
    • Remove all gasket and sealing material from the part using a wood or plastic gasket scraper make from aluminum surfaces.
    • Care must be used to avoid gouging or scraping the sealing surfaces.
    • Do not use any other method or technique to remove sealant or gasket material from a part.
    • Do not use abrasive pads, sand paper, or power tools to clean the gasket surfaces.
       - These methods of cleaning can cause damage to the component sealing surfaces.
       - Abrasive pads also produce a fine grit that the oil filter cannot remove from the oil.
       - This grit is abrasive and has been known to cause internal engine damage.

Assembling Components
    • When assembling components, use only the sealant specified or equivalent in the service procedure.
    • Sealing surfaces should be clean and free of debris or oil.
    • Specific components such as crankshaft oil seals or valve stem oil seals may require lubrication during assembly.
    • Components requiring lubrication will be identified in the service procedure.
    • When applying sealant to a component, apply the amount specified in the service procedure.
    • Do not allow the sealant to enter into any blind threaded holes, as it may prevent the bolt from clamping properly or cause component damage when tightened.
    • Tighten bolts to specifications. Do not overtighten.