Head Gasket Advice

[jinxltd]

hello,
i have to replace my head gasket & while looking online i noticed there seems to be a few different versions i can buy. i have the 420a/NT & it is unmodded i was just woundering i see there is a kit or a individuall gasket, the question is do i need the kit or can i just buy the single head gasket & be done with it that way. also wich one would be the best for me OEM? i dont plan on modding this motor beyond the basic bolt on's i have read that i should also do the timming belt & waterpump while i am at it, is there any thing else that should be done? keep in mind i am not a mechanic by any means i know the basics of wrenchin but have never preformed anything this in depth before any advise wil be appreciated
thanks

 

[91FORLIFE]

if you arent too well into the knowledge of mechanics you should go with the individual to save you some coin. you can probably go either way with this. if you are making some modifactions (bolt ons) then go ahead so it can handle the rpms and you wont have to wry about a crack. after all, performance is always better unless you are going for the stock look and feel.

 

[jinxltd]

anything i should beware of or just follow the book?

 

[trav0910]

Any more info? I also am currently looking to replace a headgasket myself.

 

[laserwitpsi]

Any more info? I also am currently looking to replace a headgasket myself.

Yes, be sure to use new head bolts because they stretch and the old ones will not work.

 

[flacopower]

My friend just got his head gasket replaced by a mechanic (420a) for a grand total off $1100. Got choice on doing it yourself.

 

[hereitcomes]

If you get the headset kit it will come with all of the nesessary components and replacement parts for maintenance, like intake and exhaust manifold gaskets, EGR material, cylender head gaskets, and misc o-rings and things like that. The kit was about $34 bucks from nappa, and I had everything replaced becuase i was going to school at the time. Nothing leaks now and I know that nothing will leak for a while. Its really worth the extra time and the little bit of money considering your head will be apart anyway.
PS> also might want to change belts when everything is off the head too. good luck man!

 

[DSMGSX95]

It is very important to replace the head bolts when you do the head gasket replacement. Mitsu uses a blot that 'stretches' when torqued and it is not meant to be reused. If you're not going to mod the car get replacement head bolts from the dealer.

 

[Doug99RS]

MLS is the way to go on the 420A engine. There was quite a bit of problems with the original gasket tearing at the driver's rear side of the head. These problems no longer exhibit themselves with the use of the multi-layer steel Headgasket.

Also, make VERY certain that your cam sensor seal is replaced at the same time. They will leak as well as the headgasket and leak down the side of the head to the headgasket line. Once the oil hits the hg line it will follow it back to the same spot as the oil leak and then go downward and look just like a headgasket leak. This frequently has been the cause for multiple headgaskets being installed, cylinder heads being replaced and lots of headache.
Doug

 

[plaiboiprophet]

Definately make sure its the MLS gasket. Otherwise you will need a torque rench, gear puller *for crank pulley*, possibly a torch *for crank pulley*, 5/16 or 8mm socket for rockers, a new timing belt, possibly timing belt tensioners, valve cover gasket and preferably gromets, head bolts, lock tight for head bolts!! a hoist works nice to get the head off the block, i don't have a timing cover on mine right now because setting the tensioner piston sucks with the timing cover on, you will need a small allen wrech and vise for that too, its not a easy job, ive done 4 420a head gasket swaps, finishing one right now actually, took me like 16 hours if you dont have time or arent a pro, its not a good thing to mess with, if you do it wrong you could ruin your cam bearings, rod bearings or just have a leaky gasket, which isnt good either