2G Head removal (what's all needed?)

[ishnish]

Hey guys, so I'm prepping for a removal of my head. And although I've found numerous threads with great info on the process, what I'd really like to know is everything needed once the head goes back on. As in what gaskets will need to be replaced? Etc. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

 

[SasaniFab]

What is required is dependent on your strategy. For instance, when removing the intake manifold are you going to separate the throttle body? When I do a headgasket I make sure I have everything I need even if I don't plan on needing it. For instance, I always order a spare manifold gasket and throttle body gaskets. Will you be changing the timing belt? If you Are , replace the water pump, tensioners and idlers. Do you have balance shafts? Replace the belt if you do as well as the tensioner and idler. You might want to change the valve cover gasket depending on its condition. This jobs turns in to a "while your on there" kind of situation.Good Luck.

 

[ishnish]

Thank you for the input. So the head needs to be taken off so I can take it to a shop for some work to be done to it and possible machining. I'm sure then that I need to separate everything from it and take only the head. I definitely understand the "while you're on there" kinda situation.
Background: The car sat for years and it was due to some leaky valve stem seals I believe. So that's why the head is coming off.

If it helps some more, here are the list of parts that I already ordered and the ones on my list to order

Ordered:
- OEM Kevlar Timing Belt
- OEM Tensioner
- OEM Tensioner Pulley
- OEM Idler Pulley
- OEM Balancer Pulley
- Balance Shaft Belt
- Gates Water Pump
- OEM Fuel Filter
- NGK-BPR6ES NGK Copper Spark Plugs
- Valve Cover Gasket Set

Order list:
- Accessory Belts
- Supertech Valve Stem Exhaust and Intake Seals
- ARP Head Stud Kit
- OEM Composite Head Gasket
- OEM Intake Manifold Gasket
- Exhaust Manifold Gasket
- OEM Thermostat housing-to-head Gasket

Keep in mind guys, I'm not trying to spend money where it doesn't need to be spent because, well, I don't have that kind of money . So I'm just trying to do what I know NEEDS to be done.

 

[1990TSIAWDTALON]

Looks like a good list. Please get a OEM tensioner so you have no problems. As @amsrn13 said, you might as well put a new valve cover gasket on it too. They won't break you. One thing on old heads is the exhaust studs, so look them over good as it is the right time to replace them also, much easier out of the car (if you can afford to).

 

[josh408]

as far as the head thing goes. you're going to need to take the head bare over to them (I leave the valves, valves springs and retainers usually since I don't have tools for that)

 

[ishnish]

Looks like a good list. Please get a OEM tensioner so you have no problems. As @amsrn13 said, you might as well put a new valve cover gasket on it too. They won't break you. One thing on old heads is the exhaust studs, so look them over good as it is the right time to replace them also, much easier out of the car (if you can afford to).

Sorry that I forgot to mention this but yes I have the valve cover gasket set. I do have an fp manifold so once the head is off and I prep the parts to go on, I'll order the hardware set (unless I have them sitting around somewhere) so that'll come with the new studs and what not. These parts have been sitting brand new for years so I forgot to mention them.

as far as the head thing goes. you're going to need to take the head bare over to them (I leave the valves, valves springs and retainers usually since I don't have tools for that)

okay yeah I thought they wanted the head bare. Thank you

 

[ishnish]

So I guess, so far, I have everything needed? Any type of rtv or sealant I should get for the gaskets? I feel like that's kind of a big deal.

 

[josh408]

I use copper spray on all the gaskets, and rtv on thermostat housing.

 

[ishnish]

Thank you. I think as for the etc, I'll use "the right stuff" because I've had great luck with it. Also, one the head is off, it'll be taken to the shop and obviously be resurfaced. But will that be enough to put the head back on. I've saw on other threads that it's a good idea for the block to be resurfaced too. The thing is I'm not going to be taking the block out. So would it really be necessary? Or are there any workarounds for it?

 

[jstory352]

When I did my head gasket I just made sure to clean the deck very thoroughly. Only time I would worry about the block is if you overheated severely and thought you warped the block or you plan on running a mls head gasket it is suggested to get the correct surface texture for sealing purpose. Just make sure it's clean and use a standard head gasket and you will be fine.