Head gasket - first big project

[slorocco]

I tend to use one like the Lowes picture but with a piezo electric lighter on is so you can just light it with one hand when needed. A bit more expensive but much more convenient.

[amcordo]

Awesome post to follow!

If using a torch have a fire extinguisher nearby (you should have a good one in a rover at all times anyway).

Also, you mentioned Dremmel. I have one of those and it's good for a few jobs, but make sure you go out and spend $30 at Lowes for a full size power grinder. You'll love it whenever you have to take anything apart on the Rover.

[2manykids4a7]

slorocco. Thanks for the tip. I picked up one of these this morning.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_299446-717-2880088_0__?productId=3133747&Ntt=torch&pl=1&currentURL=%2Fpl__0__s%3FNtt%3Dtorch&facetInfo=

Tony. I'm glad that you are enjoying following the post. Doing something like this for the first time, I find the advice and the moral support from everyone both helpful and encouraging. I will have both the Rover and the house fire extinguishers close at hand. I do have a power grinder that if necessary I don't mind putting to use. I do plan on replacing all the nuts and bolts etc, so if I can keep as many intact on the way out as possible, I think that will help me when getting new ones to match.

Not sure when I will have a chance to try out the new tool. Work is fairly busy right now and the kids have stuff all weekend.

[2manykids4a7]

Progress!

Had some time this morning and with the help of the torch to loosen the more stubborn bolts the wing is now off. I now have plenty of room to get to the head and start in on that.



Although this was not completely necessary I am glad that I have done it. At some point I will be taking the wing off again in order to repair some rust in the bulkhead and may even be replacing the wing itself. The rust can be seen here.



The only bolt that I was not able to get undone was on the lower pipe from the oil cooler but I was able to take off the bracket and detach the whole thing at the oil pan. I assume that this will not cause me any problems so long as remember to put oil back once everything is done!

Next step is to get stuck into the originally planned head gasket job.

If anyone has any input or comments at this stage I am more than happy to hear what you think.

[2manykids4a7]

Head is off!

Having followed the manual and enjoyed all the room and easy accessibility that the removal of the wing and grill afforded me, I feel I made real progress.

The head is off and here is what I found!



If you click the photo there are other various angles of the head (plus step by step pics of the process to get to this point).

Even a complete novice like me can see the blown head gasket but is there anything else that I should be looking for?

I may be displaying my ignorance here but should I be concerned about the fact that 3 of the cylinders are a dark grey while the other is all nice and shiny?

Now that I am here and I am going to be ordering parts, what other things make sense to do now?

As of right now my plan is to replace the gasket and put everything back together with new hardware whenever possible, but I am very welcome to hear thoughts on other things that should be done.

Thanks, Steve..

[SafeAirOne]

I may be displaying my ignorance here but should I be concerned about the fact that 3 of the cylinders are a dark grey while the other is all nice and shiny?

That's probably the piston that was getting a regular steam cleaning by the coolant.

[siii8873]

Just completed a head job on my SIII. I took the head to an engine rebuilder and had it shaved flat and a valve job. Should at least have it checked for warpage.

[2manykids4a7]

That's probably the piston that was getting a regular steam cleaning by the coolant.

That makes sense. Thanks. Is there any point in trying to "clean" the other cylinders while I have access? Or would this just make it pretty to look at right now, but once it is back together it will make no difference at all.

[2manykids4a7]

Just completed a head job on my SIII. I took the head to an engine rebuilder and had it shaved flat and a valve job. Should at least have it checked for warpage.

Thanks. Good idea. This is the sort of advice that really helps me. I have time right now so if I can make sure I have covered all my bases before reassembly I would like to do as much as possible.

If anyone else has other recommendations please chime in.
Are there other parts I should replace while I am here (new gaskets etc.)?
Any other little jobs that now is the time to take care of?

[SafeAirOne]

That makes sense. Thanks. Is there any point in trying to "clean" the other cylinders while I have access? Or would this just make it pretty to look at right now, but once it is back together it will make no difference at all.

I personally wouldn't bother. I'd just take a good look at them to make sure there isnt anything obviously abnormal with them (cracks, melted spots, damage, etc.)

[2manykids4a7]

What to buy?

I now need to buy the parts to actually repair this thing rather than just leave it all in pieces! So here is my latest set of questions.

1. Head gasket - Genuine part or not? I assume the genuine is the copper one like the one that is on there and my gut says go with that but I'm open to opinions.

2. Other gaskets - What should I do? Buy a set (genuine or not)? Get individuals as I see fit? Use something else (I have read various posts about hylomar etc.)?

3. The only part I broke that I cannot simply replace from the local hardware store is this one (not sure exactly what to call it).



It is part 13 in the following diagram



I couldn't find it when looking in the parts section from RN. Does anyone have a good source?

Thanks, Steve..

[bkreutz]

I usually get a gasket set, every time I try to "individualize" it I end up forgetting one (or more) and then have to either make one or wait until one arrives. Hylomar... I only use this for metal to metal sealing, I use Ultra Black, or #3 Permatex every where else. I've always used Genuine gaskets, but that's probably a holdover from the days I worked for the dealer.

[2manykids4a7]

OK so it is time for another one of those questions that I feel like I should know the answer to but don't so I'm going to ask it based once again on the principle that it is better to look like a fool now rather than later!

Do I need to replace all the different gaskets?

In my mind I have a sort of hybrid plan where I spend the extra to replace the head gasket with a genuine part (does that mean it will be copper like the one that blew?) and then buy a complete set of all the other gaskets (the cheaper non-genuine ones) and replace the ones that don't look so good while leaving the better looking ones alone.

As always I am open to anyone's thoughts on the wisdom/foolishness of this idea.

Steve..

[SafeAirOne]

How many gaskets did you disturb?

Off the top of my head, I can only think of a few that NEED replacing when you remove the head--Head gasket, oil feed pipe (all 4), rocker cover, and either intake/exhaust or exhaust/downpipe, depending on which method you used during disassembly.

Did I miss any?

If you go with a copper head gasket, you might consider ordering 2 rocker cover gaskets, since you'll need to re-torque the head bolts and the rocker cover gasket is often a single-use item.

Also, composite head gaskets are available for the 2.25 petrol. If you use a composite head gasket, check with your parts supplier to see whether you need to use the thick (~3mm, IIRC) hardened washers under the head bolts (if you aren't already using them).

[siii8873]

I ran my truck for the first time after I completed a head job because of a blown head gasket
I had it inspected by a motor shop, ended up having it shaved, valves and seats ground, seals, and exhaust guides replaced per recommendation from shop.
I will say this made a big difference in the engine performance, well worth it!!