2002 Chevy Malibu
3100 or 3400 V6

Repairs this problem = i just changed the t-stat

question = i just changed the t-stat and still overheated i took it to a shop and  
was told it was a blown intake manifold gasket.I,m going to change this myself  
but would like to know what kind of precautions i should take to prevent this from  
happening again and should i change the head gasket too because i have read  
that this engine is prone to overheating.


JK:
Thank you for the generous tip/donation.
There is no special valve adjustments on this motor as was the case with the
chevy small block. Rocker arms are just torqued to specs. The most important
thing is that the push rods are installed correctly. They are different lengths.  GM
recommends new lower intake bolts, and have updated the torque specs. On
rocker arms and lower intake bolts.
The intake and exhaust rocker / push rod location is in the picture below.
Bolt part numbers -
11588914 long
11588915 short
Torque spec on rockers is-  14 NM (124 in lbs.) plus 30 degrees
lower intake is                   -   long- 13 NM (115 in. Lbs.)
                             short- 25 NM (18 FT. Lbs.)
Replacing GM intake manifold gasket advice. 3.1 and 3.4l V6.
Rocker and Pushrod Torque procedure and Torque Specification.
2- Intake rods are in this
position.
1- Exhaust rods are in this
position.