Head replacement

[Ryan2ill]

Hi,
A couple of weeks ago my timing belt jumped pretty bad and siezed up the head, " cams wont move", so I am planning on putting a new freshly built head on.
Due to the cost of having a shop put the head on for me I was thinking about tackling the head myself and then having the shop put the new timing belts on. I have some mechanical experience, but I have never done a head job before. After reading through the Haynes manual and head articles on plymouthlaser.com, I feel I could do it myself.
So my question is, Is this a job a newb like me should be able to accomplish or is it so complex I need to have a shop do it?

 

[Pure92TSi]

Same thing happened to me, but not quite as bad, the other day so i'm am also goin to do the same thing that you are. I have talked it over extensively with a mechanic buddy of mine that has built around 50 DSMs and he said that getting it back in time in the hardest part. So he told me to just do it myself and he would walk me through the timing over the phone. As long as you have your haynes manual and some basic knowledge you should be fine. But you do need to check your timing belt tension and all the pulleys in there to make sure they are still spinning freely and if not they need to be replaced or you will be doin all this again before long. Also be sure to check the pistons to make sure they aren't severely damaged. Hope this helps.

 

[sherwinz28]

I'll tell you my story quickly. I bought my 92 Eagle Talon TSI AWD turbo for $250 and it had a broken timing belt and messed up head. I am definately an amatuer mechanic. It took my a really long time to get this car going but partially due to the fact that my cylinder head took so long in coming back from a certain shop. It took me about 2 weeks to remove the head...I spent like an hour or so. It was mainly working outside on the car till the sun went down so I only had an hour or so after work. Luckily on these 4 bangers you can take the cylinder head/intake mani/exhaust mani out all together. If you have the haynes manual and help from this site you should be able to do it without too many problems. In fact I just dropped the transmission for the first time in any car and it wasnt' all that bad...doing a clutch job. Luckily this is a spare car for me. If you have another mode of transportation do the job yourself and save some money for mods.

http://www.dsmtuner.com/forums/showthread.php?t=140632
Best thread for this problem below
http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=139290&highlight=face

 

[wallyman]

Hi,
A couple of weeks ago my timing belt jumped pretty bad and siezed up the head, " cams wont move", so I am planning on putting a new freshly built head on.
Due to the cost of having a shop put the head on for me I was thinking about tackling the head myself and then having the shop put the new timing belts on. I have some mechanical experience, but I have never done a head job before. After reading through the Haynes manual and head articles on plymouthlaser.com, I feel I could do it myself.
So my question is, Is this a job a newb like me should be able to accomplish or is it so complex I need to have a shop do it?

If you plan on taking of the head you will be more then qualified to do put on a timing belt. There is a lot of work involved, dont kid yourself. This is definitly a challenging task if your new to cars especially turbo cars due to the intricate plumbing. Dont be affraid to due a timing belt if you plan on tackling everthing else. I recommend finding a friend that noes their stuff about cars so he can point out little odds and ends that need to be replaced. (motor mounts, high pressure lines, etc). Good Luck and don't be affraid to ask for advice even if the question may seem dumb.

 

[Pure92TSi]

just another quick note that you may already know, you are most likely goin to need another person to help you get it back in time.

 

[girlieracr4g63]

I most def. give you props for wanting to attempt this job. It really isn't that bad once you have done it a time or two. However like others have stated. Timing is going to be your biggest challenge. It may take you several trys, but don't give up, and if you feel better about having a shop do the belt. At least you can honestly say YOU did most of the work yourself, and I fell thats something to be VERY proud of.
Plus you own a DSM, and its required you know how to work on cars if you plan on having it for any length of time. Just an FYI tho, the job will not be complete once the belt is on. So I hope this shop is allowing you to do the job there. Also, the biggest advice I can give is. Take your time, and don't forget where everything goes. The first time I did this years ago. I got the grand idea to use masking tape, and write on it where everything went. Then I taped it onto the part wire etc. Made things sooooo much easier. Good Luck!


Wendy

 

[95blackGsTurbo]

Hey man. Look me up on MSN or AIM. There are a lot of people in your area that are heavy into DSM's that would be more than willing to help you for a small charge. I would come help you with it but I am EXTREMELY tied up until I move. Changing a head isn't as scary as it looks. Timing is the only difficult part.

 

[Ryan2ill]

Thanks everyone for your replys. Its giving me enough confidence to do it myself.
To 95bLaCkGsTuRbO I will AIM you on my next days off.