Removing Head, looking for pointers

[98spydert]

I'm swapping head gaskets as soon as the new one arives from conicelle but I was wondering what the easiest way to get the cooling system componets out of the way? There's a small assembly on the pass. side of the head that the upper and lower radiator radiator hoses connect to, is the assembly just bolted to the head and can be pulled off or do I have to remove all of the single hoses.

Also, same thing with the timing belt? Should I just remove it as if doing a timing belt job or is there an easier way like using zip ties to attach it to the cam gears and removing those? Just looking for the most time efficient way of doing this job, thanks.

 

[girlieracr4g63]

Yes it can come off as a whole. Dont forget to drain the fluid. Also I suggest doing a timing belt job while your at it. Just my .02

 

[98spydert]

Is there a gasket I should buy for that coolant assembly?

Also, what's the best way to clean the head and block to prep it for the new gasket? Thanks for the reply

 

[girlieracr4g63]

You can use RTV for the housing. Did you blow a headgasket if so I suggest you have it machined. As far as cleaning it you can very lightly scrap it with a razor blade to get the stuck on gasket off, and very lightly sand it with some fine grit paper. Just be careful.

 

[turboholic]

same thing with the timing belt? Should I just remove it as if doing a timing belt job or is there an easier way like using zip ties to attach it to the cam gears and removing those?

-You can zip tie the timing belt to the cam sprockets, then hang it on the hood to keep some tension on the belt, but you must use the thread rod tool to hold down the hydrolic tensioner, you only do this short cut if you have confident on your skill, so if your timing belt screw up. it's your own fault!! Remove the head with intake manifold attach, it's almost impossible to unbolt the manifold while it's in the car.

 

[98spydert]

f**k it, I'll just do the hole timing belt/water pump kit also. I don't know if it was done at 60K anyways. Better safe than sorry
I'm gonna get started early and have the head machined before the parts get here. Thanks for the help folks, any more advice is welcome!!

 

[turboholic]

-Clean out the exhaust gas path (EGR valve) on both the head and the intake manifold, install used spark plugs on the head so you won't accidentally drop something into the holes.

 

[98spydert]

I've got a pretty good tool set (enough to do all the mods in my list) but is there any odd ball or specialty tools I will need for the timing belt/ water pump job and where can I pick them up?

 

[turboholic]

I've got a pretty good tool set (enough to do all the mods in my list) but is there any odd ball or specialty tools I will need for the timing belt/ water pump job and where can I pick them up?

-The thread rod tool (vfaq.com), "rachet open end wrench" for the water pump pullies, it's very tie in there, or you can jack up the motor alittle to lossen those 4 bolts, telescoping magnet to pick up loose part, long handle brushes to clean the intake manifold, anti-seize compound to put on the nuts and bolts when you reinstall them, masking tape to mark all the vacuum hoses.......

 

[1fast97gsx]

there's 2 bolts holding the intake manifold to a bracket connected to the engine which you have to get from underneath ... if you don't take those off you won't be able to lift the head off the block very far unless of course the manifold is removed from the head.

 

[98spydert]

^^ That sound like something that would have pissed me off Thanks for the heads up