planning on changing head gaskets soon, need help

[93fordturbo]

I possibly am going to change head gaskets soon if i can get the funds up. (im in college yet). I have never done head gaskets and was wondering how extensive of a job this would be. Weekend for two guys? Like i said i have never done this, but im not new to tinkering with things. Also, i found some head gaskets for around 120 on the internet. What kind of head gaskets should i get. Im going to do a full rebuild when im done with school, but that will be a few years, and i want to drive it before then. I guess i want just a basic head gasket that will last regular driving for a couple years. Also, what all will i need? any special tools or anything other than a head gasket... valve cover gaskets etc... thanks in advance.

 

[OLDBULL8]

What makes you think you have to replace the head gaskets?

It's no easy job if the engine is not pulled. It can be done over a weekend, but it would be intensive job. Fel-Pro or Reintz gaskets are both good.
If you don't pull the engine, the rear head bolts have to stay in the head, as they won't come all the way out. You have to loosen the bolts in the reverse order of torqueing them down or the head may warp. The heads and block deck have to be really scraped clean before re-installing the heads.
The intake manifold gasket is a one time crush gasket and it also should be replaced, cost about $60.
You are really futher ahead to get a whole gasket set, about $200 to $250, and the Haynes Diesel manual $16, that tells you about replaceing the gaskets, too many details to type about it on here. It gives all the bolt torque specs. It would take me another two hours to type all you need to know.

Haynes Techbook Diesel Engine Repair Manual

 

[OLDBULL8]

You can also search on here for gasket sets, occasionally u-haul has them, also go to the International truck parts.

http://stores.ebay.com/uhaul-truck-...58198014&_sid=655722354&_trksid=p4634.c0.m322

 

[93fordturbo]

The gasket is bad. I blew it pulling hard up a hill...I'm still young and I will learn someday... I will definitely get the manual and the full gasket set. Thanks for the info!

 

[RLDSL]

Make sure to get a bottoming tap to clean out all the head bolt holes so you will get a proper torque reading when putting the heads back on ( you will not find a bottoming tap at ANY parts store, you will have to go to a specialty industrial machine shop supply thankfully, they are not expensive ) and even though the manuals all say the bolts are reusable, dont. get a new set of head bolts. THey have a habit of being over stressed from age etc and can pull through on you while torquing down. Just avoid that headache and get a new set , if you strip out the block, you'll likely end up pulling the block for a trip to a machine shop. For a solid HG installation, get a set of Victor Reinz or Factory gaskets ( one and the same) and shoot them down with about 3 light, even coats of aerosol spray Hylomar on each side before installation, be sure not to slide them around, or the heds on them, set everything down square and you will have a very tight , leak free installation.

On your exhaust manifold bolts , look at the manual carefully, you cannot reuse the factory bolts, and there are 2 torque specs listed, one for using a set of expensive new factory prevailing torque bolts, and the other for a set of new grade 8 bolts with locktite. I'm not sure how they think another set of prevailing torque bolts is going to hold after the first set has already distorted the threads in the heads, so I just get the grade 8s and locktite and save a few bucks

 

[yARIC008]

Make sure when you use the tap to clean the threads you dont accidently drop the tap into a coolant passage hole, you will not be able to fish it back out. The holes are right next to each other and are the same size.

 

[RLDSL]

Make sure when you use the tap to clean the threads you dont accidently drop the tap into a coolant passage hole, you will not be able to fish it back out. The holes are right next to each other and are the same size.

Actually, it is completly possible to fish a tap out of those holes with a strong pencil magnet, but I dont recommend trying it out just for the heck of it . I've had to do it for others who just werent able to wrangle the blamed things out. It can be extremely tricky.

 

[idi_econoline]

Thank you for the reminder about Hylomar, RLDSL.

I remember you've posted it before, but, with another week till I get my heads back, I have just ordered a couple cans to arrive Friday.

BTW, I went to the local speed shop today, and they told me that Hylomar aerosol has been discontinued. NOT TRUE! Looks like Permatex is no longer carrying Hylomar products, but they are still available in new packaging. Many sources online, including Grainger.

 

[yARIC008]

Actually, it is completly possible to fish a tap out of those holes with a strong pencil magnet, but I dont recommend trying it out just for the heck of it . I've had to do it for others who just werent able to wrangle the blamed things out. It can be extremely tricky.

Well i guess given enough patience and luck anything is possible. I had mine on an engine stand when it happened and turned the engine upside down and was shaking it and still couldn't find it. Finally it wiggled loose and started rattling around and I was able to get it out. It would be best to not have to deal with all that though if possible.

 

[OLDBULL8]

A cheap substitute for Hylomar is hair spray, four coats each side, your choice of fragrance.

 

[89greendiesel]

if i had to replace the head gaskets i would do a full top end and plan on the motor being out of the truck for a while so i could go through everything while it is out. Give it a good cleaning and replace anything that is leaking.

just pull the motor and tranny together and do a mini overhaul

 

[89dieselbko]

if i had to replace the head gaskets i would do a full top end and plan on the motor being out of the truck for a while so i could go through everything while it is out. Give it a good cleaning and replace anything that is leaking.

just pull the motor and tranny together and do a mini overhaul

^ is what i will be doing thanks to my IP popping its cookies, if you have the time and room to yank the motor, it would be the best way to go.

Head gaskets are more... intimadating than anything. i have done 3 sets, and have been worried/scared to do the job each time. Being as they are among the most important gaskets you have. Did a 408 stroker for my uncle, did my old 302, and my wifes exploders 4.0. As long as you take advice of the above people, and buy the proper manual so you have all the pertinent information laid out of you. It will be slow and tedious, but done right.

all in all 2 guys, case of beer, country music on the radio, easy weekend job. Just watch the level of consumption prior to actual head removal and replacement.

 

[IDIBRONCO]

From my experience, if you pull the heads in the truck, all of the head bolts and pushrods usually won't come out. I used rubberbands to hold them up enough to get the heads off and out. Getting them back on without damaging the new gaskets is a REAL trick. If you're doing both heads, I'd recommend pulling the engine out. That way you stand a far better chance of not damaging the head gaskets. Just my advice.

 

[93fordturbo]

Wow...all very good info.I sure appreciate it and can see the benefits in pulling the motor and not having to. I have much to think about. I kinda wanted to get her running again as I miss driving it around. But doing a full rebuild or tune up is definitely in the picture sometime. Just need some money

 

[ADV]

if you cant find a tap let me know i might be able to get you one