I've done this job a few times on both the 3.0 and the 3.5. I would say there are more than one way to skin a cat. That being said, get the mating sufaces as clean as you can. I like to use a razor blade scraper to get as much as I can off before resorting to any powered devices. On my last job I was able to get the block really clean without any power tool use. The goal being not to distort the mounting surface. I like to Use RTV as well but in a very minimal ammout to reduce the amount that will squeeze out and get into the coolant. Pay close attention to the condition of the water pipe that connects to the back of the housing. If its corroded you should replace it.


Good call on replacing the Crank bolt. Be carefull when installing the cam seals. If you punch them in too far on the passenger side, it will go all the way in and off the mating suface, and you'll ruin it trying to get it out...Good luck. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />