tips/tricks for head gasket replacment

[BrianO]

I've found all the part numbers and I've done head gaskets before, just not on a 2.3T motor. I want to knock it out in a day.

Any hard to reach coolant lines? hidden fasteners? Didn't find a whole lot with a search

I'm planning on doing the LA3, #35, and head gasket at the same time, and replace any rusted/old lines as well.

any tips would be cool
TIA
B.

[NavySVO]

If you haven't ever replaces the hard coolant lines and hoses, and they look original, don't be surprised that you may find some items to replace.
-You might as well replace the thermostat, gasket.
-New cam cover gasket
-Step torque the head bolts when tightening. Chase the threads super-clean too for accurate torque.
-Soak all the exhaust and turbo fasteners you plan to remove with penetrating fluid the night before to let them soak in good.
-Take the turbo off with it still bolted up to the manifold

[BrianO]

the coolant lines look original and look rusted. I have newer ones to replace them with.

torque sequence I found was 30/60/90 starting in the middle and going out.
already done thermostat and gasket and water pump.

cam cover gasket..I'll have to look that one up. valve cover gasket too I guess..not sure if it's the cork kind or the blue one. wait, are these the same thing?

[NavySVO]

wait, are these the same thing?

yes. get the rubber one with the steel insert.

[NY eric]

cam cover gasket and valve cover gasket are the same thing. Go with the ford one not the failpro blue one.

When I do the headgasket I usually leave the lower intake and exhaust manifold on and pick the whole thing up with the cherry picker. But Iam lazy.

[BrianO]

lol.. yeah I read to leave the lower intake on so it helps to remove the head easier.

are there any bolts/nuts behind the head by the firewall or anything hidden like that? I hate to find these things out right as you almost have something apart..

the valve cover gasket I meant the blue rubber one with the wire.. the reusable one, unless they are black for this application.

[BrianO]

cam cover gasket and valve cover gasket are the same thing. Go with the ford one not the failpro blue one.

When I do the headgasket I usually leave the lower intake and exhaust manifold on and pick the whole thing up with the cherry picker. But Iam lazy.

not lazy...smart.......if I had a cherry picker I'd use one..gave it back long time ago. wish I had it when I did the head gasket on the friends 2.2L...good lord that head was heavy.

[NavySVO]

head with all internals and exhaust manifold weighs 87 pounds.....

[BrianO]

good lord!

what about cam position/timing... as long as I don't move it and mark where it was I shouldn't mess that up eh?

[BrianO]

ok, I'm thinking a weekend..instead of a day. lots to do while the head is off..

1. pressure wash engine bay and block
2. pressure wash intakes
3. paint intakes
4. clean/wash valve cover
5. paint valve cover
6. replace coolant lines if needed - replace any rusted ones
7. possibly valve stem seals while it's off
8. find/fix any coolant leaks
9. replace head gasket
10. replace valve cover gasket
11. instake gaskets

geez.. list keeps getting longer. Maybe I should take the monday off as well..lol

[NY eric]

My freind you now have opened the can of while you are there.

Timing belt, acc belts, water pump and thermostat, upper rad hose and lower rad hose. so much for a 30 dollar head gasket.

[Alex L]

if you're cleaning up the engine bay, get some simple green, get the engine hot, and spray everything down with it, wait 5 minutes, and rinse. its amazing how well it works. then hit it with the pressure washer to get all the nasty crud thats left over.

[BrianO]

already done timing belt, water pump, thermostat, radiator hoses, etc.. now it's just those little pesky ones that are rusted through.

I'll do the engine bay clean up before taking it apart so everything dry's before running power through any wires.

I have simple green, good stuff..

[NavySVO]

what about cam position/timing... as long as I don't move it and mark where it was I shouldn't mess that up eh?

You could preset the crank at TDC and go from there. Here is a sticky to help....and we will get you fixed if you get snagged along the way.
I would replace the tensioner and belt while you are there.

http://svoca.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1959

My freind you now have opened the can of while you are there.

Timing belt, acc belts, water pump and thermostat, upper rad hose and lower rad hose. so much for a 30 dollar head gasket.

funny you mention that.....I started with a belt and ended up with a thermostat, belts, water pump, tensioner, upper/lower hoses and radiator...
BRIAN look here too. This was my little journey...

http://svoca.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9834&highlight=tensioner

[BrianO]

Step 1. My name is Brian and I'm an SVO addict.