I've got a 2000 Grand Am w/ 3.4 L engine.It has about 135,000 miles on it but runs great, and love the car. It has developed a small water leak from the intake manifold at the rear of the engine. It leaks about a quart a day, my wife drives about 70 miles round trip to work/ day. The Mechanic wants about $650 to replace the gaskets. A little more than I can afford right now--Just had the trans replaced. I've turned a wrench on my own cars since I was 16 (LOTS of years ago), but have moved to Calif and don't have my 2 1/2 car garage any more!! I was burglarized last year and they took almost all of my mechanics tools. I've replaced almost all of them except for most of the specialty tools. Been collecting tools for 40 some years.
Question is... is this a task that I can handle? Any special tools needed? Any helpful hints I should be looking for? It's a little different than my 61 Bonneville that I pulled the lifters out on my lunch hour!!! lol Also years ago I rebuilt the trans on my MG without any manual if that helps to show mech ability.

Thanks a lot!!

 

Buy a Haynes repair manual for the car ($15); it will answer all your questions and includes pictures.