Changing Head Gasket

[TheDrumAndTheBass]

Just bought my first 240 (1989 5speed). One of the things wrong with it is that it needs a new head gasket. I've allready bought the gasket but need help getting it installed. It's not that I don't have the mechanical knowledge, just that I've never performed this particular task before. If anyone knows of a web site where I may be able to find some good info, of possibily even a step - by - step I'd greatly appricate it. TIA

[yellow_jacket]

Get a service manual. It's really not that hard, just time consuming. If nothing else, go to a shop and ask them to print out the procedure for changing the head gasket from Mitchell on Demand. The service manuals should have it spelled out pretty well for ya though. You will need it anyway because it will have all of the torque specs. and sequences.

[surf]

You will be better off to buy a head set and get the head job done at the same time. It's not that much more, and if it needs a head gasket a valve jobs only going to help.

[TheDrumAndTheBass]

What do you mean by a head set?

[wanabe240esx]

a head set is the term that refers to the complete set of gaskets required to remove and replace the cylinder head

Ie it has intake manny, exhaust manny, valve cover, grommets, throttle body etc.

[surf]

If you go to your local auto parts store and ask for a head set you will get the complete gasket set needed to change out the head gasket. There's a lot more gaskets needed than just a head gasket, such as the intake, exhaust, water pump,valve stem seals, dist o-ring, injector seals, valve cover gasket, and so on. In the long run you will get off cheaper buying the whole set than just buying single gaskets, seeing as you will have the head off anyway it just makes sence to get the valve job at the same time, I payed $80 to get my sohc head done, and $125 to get the dohc head done on the car i'm driving now. If the car has been sitting for a while with a blown head gasket there should be some rust in the cylinders and on the valves. put marvel mystery oil in the cylinders and use a green scotch brite pad to clean the cylinder walls, the valve job will take care of the rust on the head, make sure they also surface the head to take out the warpage from the overheating that occured when the head gasket blew out. Sorry for writting so long but it will be worth it when you get it back together. oh yeah dont forget new hoses as well, GOOD LUCK!

[yellow_jacket]

Checking the head for cracks and making sure it is flat should cost about $100. To have a machine shop do a valve job will cost about an extra $400. If they do they valve job they will replace the valve stem seals and check the guides for you. But be carefull, if you motor has a lot of miles you do not want to do a valve job.