Head Gasket Replacement Questions

[jbillakdsm]

I've been doing some reading on here and I've come to the conclusion that my head gasket is the reason I'm dumping antifreeze after I shut the car off so I'm getting ready to replace it. I just want to get a few things straight before I start tearing this thing apart because this HAS to be a weekend project. I have easy access to a machine shop so that's not a problem.

1. I HAVE to machine the head to smooth again, but I can get away with leaving the block go?

2. I don't have to change my timing belt if it was done recently and I don't have any apparent signs of wear? I know we have to be religious about replacing these things, but mine was done 9K ago and I don't have the money to replace it again.

3. I'm not going to be running anything higher than 20psi ever in my car. Can I get away with using a OEM gasket or should I upgrade to a metal gasket? If I do go metal, is there a recommended amount I should take off of the head so that I keep my compression close to what it is right now?

4. The timing belt tensioner tool is a pain to get your hands on from what I can tell. Does anyone have one laying around that they are willing to rent out. I promise not to break it.

5. I'm still a little confused about the whole ringing the block deal. Do you have to use O-rings with the OEM gasket or is that only for the metal one?

If anyone can answer these questions or has any other advise to make this go as painless as possible, please let me know.

 

[candela]

1- Probably fine that way. I guess its overlooked a lot of times, most people dont machine the block to, but Im honestly not sure at what point it needs it in a HG replacement. Have you checked to see if its actually gone? Is there a post you made about your coolant problem that I can look at?

2- Na, just use that one...

3- Use the stock one

4- Just make one, I think its in www.vfaq.com if I remember right

5- dont have to with anything. If you are on a budget, just do the simple task and replace the HG with an OEM one. If you had a TB, WP, tensioner change and all that crap 9k miles ago then you'll be fine. Just make sure you go slow and don't skip little steps, make sure the timing is correct before you start. And when you do, set the tension nice a tight as that belt will prolly expand a little after starting.

 

[jbillakdsm]

Thanks, here's a link about my coolant problem. http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=46050

How do you check to see if the gasket is actually gone without pulling the head? Anyone know how to make or where I can buy a tool to check my compression?

I've only really noticed the problem since I put my 2.5" turbo-back on the car and removed the lower heat shield. I'm running the stock amount of boost on a 14b and I'm not getting any creep. I just can't figure out why sometimes it will blow a load out and then other times it is fine. At first I thought it was a bad thermostat, but I replaced that and the cap and it's still doing it. The only two things it could be are the head gasket leaking and superheating some coolant under boost or I've developed a radiator leak. Maybe I'll put in another radiator this weekend and see how it does and if it still leaks I'll replace the headgasket.

 

[candela]

Try a leakdonw test before you replace the gasket...

 

[jbillakdsm]

How do I perform a leakdown test?

 

[jbillakdsm]

I don't know if I ever asked, you, but how did those carbide bits work out for you?

 

[candela]

They work pretty good. Definetly worth the price!
Well you will have to know someone with the proper tools to do it. If you dont have a compressor than youll prolly have to go somewhere to do it.

www.vfaq.com explains how to do it.

 

[jbillakdsm]

Ok thanks. I actually think my neighbor has the gauge, so I'll stop by his house tomorrow and see if we can test it. I've never done a compression test so I'll probably do that tomorrow too.

 

[jbillakdsm]

Ok, I did a compression test and a leakdown test and everything came back good. My compression is idential in every cylinder surprisingly. After we were done with the test, we went out for burgers and I noticed it leaking again. I immediately crawled underneath and found my leak. The bottom crimp on my car is starting to let go. I got some leak stopper and got it to stop for mow till I can get a new radiator next week.