head gasket

[rockcrawler31]

after much faffing around and replacing/checking everything in the cooling system it has been decided that 1HZ has done either a head gasket or head.

so some q's

i know how to reset timing, so if take off the head and replace the gasket, how hard is it to retorque it and not f..k it up. I'd like to do the job myself and learn another skill in the process, but if it's something that is too technical or easy to screw up i will pay someone to do it.

how hard is it to match port the headers while i am at it, and is it worth doing.

if the head is ok after crack testing (who in brisbane would you recommend to do this) i will have it checked for straightness and machined if needs be, does it need to be stripped down for this process?

can you recommend anything else i should get done at the same time.

if the head is cacked, i'm up for big bikkies i spose.

is it worth going genuine gaskets or are aftermarket just as good.

cheers.

MILO

[plowy]

you could go to a mechanic and get a co2 test done they test for exhaust gas in the cooling system to be definate for head or gasket

is it using water ,is the eng oil milky

to take the head off start on the outside and spiral in

to do it up start in the middle and spiral out like in a snail shell pattern

or get a manual ,as you will need torque specs and a tension wrench too

after market gaskets are ok i use holymar on head gaskets you can get that from most spare part shops ,its just a spray on selant

and as for the head a replacement is big $ not sure how much and if its diesel there is not much benifet on match porting but it cannot hurt to try

at worst get a manual before you start goodluck

[Yumsylux]

I had suspicions that I had a cracked head when I had all the overheating troubles. Take your car to a radiator shop and they'll be able to test your head and cooling system. The pressure from a cracked head will be quite evident in your cooling system should there be one.

In Brisbane take your car to Smaus radiator house. He's in Earle st WINDSOR. He can do this test in about 15mins. Tell him Alex with the Hilux sent you.

regards

[Yumsylux]

With seals belts and thermostats etc. Stick with the genuine ones. I went through two thermostats before buying a genuine one and sorting out those troubles. REPCO stands for rips every poor c*^t off. The aftermarket belts and thermostats are shyte. Also found out genuine toyota parts dont cost too much more...

[rockcrawler31]

well, after a bit of calling around, i decided that i didn't trust driving to melbourne on a suspect head. i was also advised by one or two folks that if i put a reco'd head on a tired motor i'd prolly flog out the bottom end. any comments on this.

after much discussion i decided to let landcruisermart at rocklea fit a new engine.

121 thousand kays, 2000 model, exchange for $2500, fitted with new clutch (mine was cacked), new timing belt, exchanged accessories and fuel pump, exchanged my water inverter, drive in and out in 2 days for $4100 total. Compared to $2050 for head plus labour on a 300k motor, it sorta made my mind for me.

does this sound reasonable. either way, landcruiser mart boys have done alright by me in the past so i don't really suspect any dodgyness.

[Julian_4x4]

Dont forget to torque the head bolts to exactly 118 NM

To do this just get a torque wrench, just looks like a power bar with number on a turnable dial at the end.

From there you'll should figure everything else

Good things take time-thats one thing i have never learnt