Holy Crap I'm Screwed!

[FattyMcBaggins]

Hey guys. I've never really done any mechanics work on my car. I just bought a '90 hatch, and have been hearing that clicking noise that everybody talks about. I decided that I'd try to fix it. With all of the walkthroughs on NICO I figured I could make my way through it. Well, in the process of prying the timing cover off, I think I royall screwed myself. This is probably a dumb question, and I'm sure I'll get flamed for it...but that is my head gasket right? and it being broken on the right means that I'm screwed right? AHHH! On top of all of that...the guides both look like they might be pretty new. I haven't pulled them off yet though.

[Oatmealman]

yup thats the head gasket

[schyawn]

no you're not screwed. That portion of the headgasket doesn't see high pressures, just put some liquid gasket in the corner when you put the front cover back on. I did pretty much the same thing, and i've been fine for 2 years.

[Hijacker]

gasket maker will work fine for that part.

Here's a tip so you won't accidentally crunch up that part of the head gasket like i did. Don't install the oil pump drive spacer. You can work with the cover so all you have to do us push it up into the head and you'll avoid crunching the gasket.

One note I'd like to double check on is did you pull the upper oil pan? Since the front cover has been removed, the gasket for the pan has been broken and needs to be relayed in a single bead.

[gumby]

wow! never did any mechanics work and your screwing around with the timing chain.

that takes some balls

[s13sucksalot]

yeah, that timing chain is a NIGHTMARE!! Even for a seasoned mechanic. just don't put in the upper chain guide. It'll break soon. i do hope you removed the oil pan to get the lower chain cover off. if not, you could be needing a new oil pick up line....