tips/tricks for head gasket replacment

[jayG]

Step 4: Repeat last half of step 2, rinse and repeat with an emergency beer!

[NavySVO]

Heck, just skip to step twelve and go into rehab......

[BrianO]

LOL..

thx all.. think I got all I need and will be doing it in another week or so.

[ryans89notch]

I'm getting ready to swap heads out and put on a header. I'm use to working on the car now more than driving her and really enjoy the working on part. Do I have a problem?

[BrianO]

should I replace the valve stem seals while the head is off? I've read all the threads on how to do it with the head on, but is it any easier with the head removed? same tools, etc...

[NavySVO]

When you buy a new car just to take it apart and take pics, then you will definitely need professional help.

My mother likes to quilt. She says that quilters are clinically insane. They take fabric, then cut it up....just to sew it back together

should I replace the valve stem seals while the head is off? I've read all the threads on how to do it with the head on, but is it any easier with the head removed? same tools, etc...

Yes
Yes and
Yes

[BrianO]

cool.

forced4.. you have mail.. lol

[NY eric]

cool.

forced4.. you have mail.. lol

You should have a DHL # by now.

[BrianO]

got it thanks

[chalkys_explorer]

+1 Ask me how i know!!!!

[BrianO]

well, removed the head today getting ready for the head gasket that comes in on Monday. it was pretty straightforward removing everything.. unlike the last one I did on a Sunfire..

the pistons have SO much build up on them..check this out. the shiny part is what it's supposed to look like. I'm going to clean the pistons up and also the valves and chambers while the head is off.

I didn't see too much wrong with the head gasket that was on there accept for a few cracks in the metal rings.

the way it looks.. it's not been removed in a VERY long time.

[Bouncer88]

Just take a wire wheel to the piston, thats what I did with mine and everyone asked me if I bought new ones lol.

Anyway, if your head is cracked or warped I do have one with only 53k miles on it.

[BrianO]

I sure like those clean aluminum ones up there!!!

well, here's after a bit of cleaning and power wash

[SVOinDC]

Uh-oh. It's starting.

There are SOOOO many stories on this board about people taking their SVO apart to fix some little thing and then doing just a few things, little things, "while they were in there" extra and suddenly, four+ years later having a completely restored, NOS-part laden car.

I see the signs. Get professional help NOW.

If you want to borrow the cherry picker and engine stand, come on by. I can use the storage space.

Oh Lord, I now know that I too have a problem.

Head gasket blown = cam, studs, ported intakes, ported E6, adjustable cam pulley, new tensioner, bigger throttle body, upgrader intercooler and chip right? Hey, it's to help the economy, what else were we going to do with the taxes? Pay off debt? Increase the kids 529?

[BrianO]

my obsession started when I opened the radiator cap... the rest is debt...I mean history!!