Re: 2.8 Headgaskets, please help!

Gromit · 2003-07-23T00:49:13+00:00

Start off with a good book on your engine/make/model vehicle(presuming you don't have one). Invest in a torque wrench, and followthe torque pattern -usually two or three patterns -they torque down atdifferent values for each pattern, progressing each time. Make sureyou have your numbers and patterns right (the books are usually veryclear on this) or you will be doing another head-gasket job soon.Make it quick, especially once you start. These parts (cylindersespecially) will rust quicker than a chevy in a small town. (grin).Hmm, while we're at it, be sure to clean ALL of the gasket materialoff both parts. I use a scraper, and then polishing wool to finishthe job, but get it clean in any case.Its not a hard job, but it must be done correctly or you will re-do itagain relatively soon.

Jul 23, 2003 4 Replies

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Gromit 22 years ago

Thanks to all who responded to my previous post (2.8 Kicking the bucket),

>You guessed correct.
>
>Compression check today made it offical, one cylinder has 0 compression
>(mechanic says burnt exhaust valve), and another one has water blowing out
>the spark plug hole when cranked (but strangely, it has good compression?).
>I will be changing the head gaskets next week, and the mechanic (a trusted
>friend of mine) will be fixing the burnt exhaust valve.
>
>I have never done a headgasket, but I can turn a wrench. I would really
>appreciate any kind of how-to guide or any tips anybody might have, or, if
>anybody is willing to help (haha, yeah right).
>
>I'll put my flamesuit on for this one. The mechanic that tested the truck
>said he is too busy to do the headgaskets, and I can't afford to pay any
>other mechanics, and I would like to do this job myself.
>
>TIA for any help.
>
>Carl
>

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Carl Saiyed 22 years ago

Thanks, Gromit. I have the Chilton's manual for my truck and I will be following it to the T, marking where each bolt, hose, and wire goes, ect.

Do I need to remove the lifters? The pushrods must be put back in the same holes they came from, correct? Will I need any special tools besides sockets, wrenches, scraper, ect?

Do I need a new intake gasket?

Do I need to clean the top of the pistons while I have the heads off? If so, how do I clean them? Carb cleaner and steel wool? Will a wire brush on the end of my drill work well?

I do have a garage to perform the work in so I am not concerned about getting things wet, as I plan on spending 1-2 days on this (I plan to take my time to make sure I do it as well as I can).

Is there anything else I am missing?

Thanks again for any insight.

Carl

compression?).

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Gromit 22 years ago

Hmm, I'm honestly not familiar with your engine (more into older diesels myself) but as for the other, probably not on the lifters, as for the gaskets, if you remove it, replace it with a new one (if for no other reason than piece of mind) as odds are, the old one will either be damaged upon removal, or crushed due to wear. I NEVER try to reuse old gaskets. Its just not worth saving a little bread. As for the pistons, unless you have a marked amount of buildup, I wouldnt bother, but thats really up to you. Offhand I can't think of any special tools besides the torque wrench. If you were gonna remove pistons (you will not) I'd say a ring-compressor would make life easier. But I digress. The only problem I can see otherwise is that the head may be stuck due to age, and for that, a hammer and wood block (never never hit the metal parts of the engine with the hammer, use a block of wood in between) may be used to 'break' it loose. Anyways, I'm going on too far. The book will tell you precisely what you need. Good luck.

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Carl Saiyed 22 years ago

Thanks again. I think I'm going to dig in tomorrow morning.

Carl

compression

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Gromit 22 years ago

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