Head gasket instructions

[callum]

I'm thinking about replacing the head gasket on my silvertop 20v. Since I've never replaced a head gasket before I'm a little bit nervous about it. Does any one know where I can find a manual or some other list of instructions on how to do this? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Also if any one knows how to do it and needs some machining done I would be keen to trade time.

Cheers

[touge_ae101]

silvertop repair manual would be the place to start. just chuck it in google and you should find a pdf on the interweb somewhere. i got a blacktop one but not sure if they are identical in that respect

[Bling]

Has the head gasket blown or just looking for something to do?

[callum]

I'm pretty sure it's blown. Probably need a tk? Test to confirm

[levinguy]

don't believe everything Magn1t tells you

[Bling]

Get it tested for sure, post the symptoms in here that make you think its blown.

[Dell'Orto]

Or take it to a mechanic and get a leakdown test done.

[allencr]

...can find a manual or some other list of instructions on how to do this?

Yes you can but it won't be the Factory shop manual, that's an list of steps/procedures for skilled/experienced mechanics, there's more useful but generalized stuff in a High School auto shop training book.

Google DIY headgasket Toyota for lotsa hits.
Wiki http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_do_you_re ... ead_gasket
Why HG's fail http://www.aa1car.com/library/2005/ic010532.htm
magic in a can http://www.rxauto.com/?gclid=COuH9p2fsKMCFQhGnQodT1Na3Q

[sik_gt_starly]

is it overheating, using water, does underneath of oilcap look like your jizzrag in the morning?

Ive always gone by the theory if it aint broke dont fix it, but definatly get it checked out to confirm its the headgasket

[sergei]

where is MAGN1T?
it is his kind of thread.

[callum]

Bubbles in the coolant, small amounts of water in the oil, using water and getting a bit warm.

[callum]

How difficult is it? In my head all I can really see that needs doing is. Taking off intake, exhaust, cam cover etc. Unbolt head. Check head for warping and cracks. Then clean every thing up and bolt every thing back together. How far off am I?

[levinguy]

get it skimmed and tested as well.

[callum]

Is it worth getting skimed if it's still flat? Also what can you use to skim a head? I'm a machinest so can surface grind it flat but do you need a machined finish? Also how much can you plane off before you start to cause interferance issues?

[Anth_555]

well if you think its blown a head gasket then the head will probley no longer be flat so you should always get it cheaked.
not to sound rude or to offend you but your a machinest and if your not sure how to do it then its best to take it to some that knows and has done it be for.
from my own experience and im sure others will agree its best not to take short cuts or save money cos 9 times out of 10 it cost more and makes a hole lot of hasel

[loudstealthGT-Four]

Yip definatly get it skimmed. As its better to have a clean machined surface for the new gasket, and get the head hardness tested amd crack tested. Do it once and do it right, or it'll end up being more of a headache and more expensive down the track

[callum]

Cheers guys, this is all good stuff. Does any one know roughly how much each of the things I need to get done costs?

[loudstealthGT-Four]

$30-50ish for hardness test, $70 to mill head, pressure and crack test head $95.

Just general prices, may vary slightly

[Anth_555]

the head has to be completely stript to be crack tested so youll need more then just a head gasket also replace headstud too

[allencr]

You'll see what kind of surface it already has, so IF it needs to be made flat again or to refinish a spot/s where the combustion gas has eroded the metal, just cut it the minimum with that same surface finish.
Forget the crack/pressure testing. It hasn't SERIOUSLY overheated & melted plug wires, so if the gasket looks bad that's what it is. It's only SOP to run up a bill$$.
Hardness testing seems to be for some sort of Australian(New Zealand too??) old wives tale, forget that too.
The head bolts are re-usable, they are not TTY one use bolts but the do happen use the torque-angle method for tightening. I would re-torque the head after a dozen or more heat cycles and then you cannot use the factory torque-angle method on the already compressed gasket.