Help! head gasket replacement (KA) + pictures

[U2Kent]

so a friend is helping me out bigtime with replacing the head gasket on my car, we worked on it today but didn't get too far because we encountered some stumbling blocks and needed to ask some advice... after removing the valve cover it was immediately apparent how bad the head gasket crack was by the thick oil/water/coolant sludge all over... some people told us this is worse than they'd seen before, some people told us this was quite common from a head gasket crack... we have yet to determine if there are any other problems inherent... here are the pictures:



it drained for about 2.5 hours and was still dripping a very little bit... some people we've asked have said this is indicative of a shot piston ring, but others have said this is just a sure sign that the gasket's bad and has been driven like that for a while, it doesn't necessarily mean there's anything wrong with the piston rings... hopefully this is something that will be alright if we clean the head up well and change the oil several times right away, any advice?

the big questions we have though are regarding the timing chain, releasing the fuel pressure, and if you have any advice on getting the o2 sensor out....

the timing chain question is this:

we're wondering when we loosen the bolt that holds the camshaft to the timing chain sprocket, how will we line that up again? We've marked the link between the Chain itself and the sprocket, so that's not a problem, but is there some sort of notch in the cam that will line that up automatically?

then what's the best way to release the fuel pressure, and what is this necessary for exactly? the Chilton says to release the fuel pressure but nothing beyond that.

also, does anyone have any good reccomendations on how to get the o2 sensor out? it just seems like a total pain in the *** trying to get at it with a crescent wrench. This isn't a HUGE deal in comparison to my other problems, but I have a new o2 sensor already so I'd like to try and do this at the same time.

Thanks in advance for any advice offered.

[C-Kwik]

First thing. Check the front timing chain cover. If the timing chain guides gave, then the chain will have contactd the front cover sawing a nice hole for water from the water pump to pass into the oil pan. While you still have the head on, you may want to perform a leakdown to see if the headgasket is even a problem or not. You'll likely see bubbles coming out of your radiator if you do.

As far as lining up the chain, you'll notice the sprocket has a dimple next to one of the teeth on the front. The lower sprocket has one too. The chain has two silver links. one should line up with each. I believe the Chilton's will explain it in more details.

Fuel pressure should have been released first before the valve cover was removed. Normally, you just pull the fuel pump fuse and run the car until it dies. Then crank it a few times to make sure the pressure is gone. Remove the gas cap temporarily as well as the tank can be pressurized and continue to push fuel out.

For the 02 sensor, find a good penetrating lube(Not WD-40) and then get an O2 sensor socket. It has a notch where the wires can stick out. I can't remember how it sits in the SOHC, but on most cars I've worked on, removing the heatshield helpd to gain access.

[yellow_jacket]

If it was run for a long time with all of that coolant in the oil it will tend to destroy the bottom end.

As for releasing the fuel pressure. I never do it. The reason they tell you do to it is so that you don't get sprayed with fuel and start the car on fire.

Like C-Kwick I would definetely pull the front cover and check that also as it is fairly common on the sohc to have them get rubbed through.