so my headgasket blew, was going swap in the ka24e out of my 240, but that cant happen.

im just going to change the headgasket. sure i can unbolt the head and leave everything on pretty much, but i dont know how to approach the timing chains. i havent taken my motor apart yet, but from pics ive seen, there are two chains..(?)

is there a way to remove those without messing anything up? im sure the easy way out would just be to swap, but i simply cant do that right now.

Get a timing chain wedge from your local parts store and hammer it in place to keep the chain in line its a pretty straight forward deal should only take a few hours with the right tool's.

Get a FSM or Haynes/Chilton manual. You need a dowel to keep the chain up while you change the gasket, if you don't the chain could fall to the oil pan and then you have to do a ton of work to get it back.

Use a wedge between the ladders, then remove the cam shaft gear. Once the wedge is in properly the chain wont fall in and the tensioner wont have any effect on the chain. All you need to do is to ensure the gear goes back in the right way.

i agree, get a chilton's, since it shows the dimensions and size of the wedge needed. It also has the the torque specs and tightening order for the bolts. There should be a timing mark on the chain and gear, but mark them where they were when you take the valve cover off. Definitely try not to let the chain "fall in" like i did. I ended up having to disassemble the front cover to pull the chain out. That was a royal pita!