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Re: HEAD GASKET DIY
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Posted by Ben [Email] (more from Ben) on Sat, 29 Nov 2003 17:24:34 Share Post by Email
In Reply to: HEAD GASKET DIY, ASH, Sat, 29 Nov 2003 08:56:59
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I've not done that precice job, but investigated doing it on my '86 9kt. I will attempt to speak for doing a head gasket in general, and let others more knowledgable handle the details of this particular job on this particular engine...

This is a doable job for the DIY'er, and you can do the job with the engine in the car. Weather or not you actually want to do this job yourself will depend on both your comfort level with being a shadetree mechanic, and the facilities/tools you have available.

If the most extensive work you've done on your car is changing the spark plugs or oil filter, then you may want to think twice about doing this job un-aided. If you have a buddy who's done this sort of thing before (and by this sort of thing, let me specify an overhead cam type engine), and he's available to help, you should be in good shape.

I've heard of people doing this job out in the elements, and I mean freezing elements, but I'd strongly recommend having a garage available. You'll also need the appropriate torx bits to remove the head bolts, new head bolts to replace them (it's not worth the risk of re-using the old ones), and a good set of metric tools. Be sure you have the funky wrenches for getting around obstructions, etc...

Some things to consider doing 'while you're in there':

1. Timing Chain - you'll have to remove it anyway when you take the head off; why not replace it with a new one? Be sure and do the timing chain guides, etc... You may also want to change the chain and chain guides that drive the balance shafts. These can be prone to failure, I've heard. Very cheap insurance.

2. Water pump - again, you'll have the front cover off already, it's relatively little extra time and the new part is well worth the money.

3. Valve cover gasket - these are so cheap, it's a no brainer. It's also probably easier to install a new one than it is to try and stretch the old one back into place.

How many miles does your car have on it? You may also want to consider a port and polish, and to have the valves, and valvestems checked while you have the head off...


If you are comfortable with religning timing sprockets, bolt torquing patterns, and wrenching in a few tight spaces, and have a mind to do a few preventive maintenance items while you're in there, you'd be a good candidate to do this one yourself.

If, however, you are concerned about getting everything back together right, are forced to do this out in a parking lot somewhere, or simply don't want to make a fair investment in tools and equipment, then it may be best to take it to an indy shop.

posted by 24.2.11...
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