Should I change my head gasket when I replace my timing belt?

[Alex Bland]

should i change the head gasket with the timeing belt im tryin to think of everything to do when i have the timeing belt off any idea will help

 

[DyNamiC]

I wouldn't unless you have reason to suspect it. I would however do the water pump while you have it in pieces.

 

[Alex Bland]

i figured water pump, balance shaft eliminator idk how hard thats going to be, timing belt so far and valve gasket cause i think its leaking

 

[tsiAWD91x]

deff do the water pump oem or napa brand only, and BSE is not too had if you know the drill with the motor in the car.. its easy with it out if you do the valve cover dont forget the half moon gasket piece i dont think its included

 

[DyNamiC]

I've seen gasket sets both ways for the valve cover, with and without the little half-moon piece. Nothing like working on yours or a friends car at midnight only to realize you are missing something.

 

[ag3nt_smith]

I would replace the rest of the belts as well. Since you already have it torn down to do the timing belt if you haven't already done so recently.

 

[snowborder714]

If you're doing a timing belt job, here is what I'd replace.

Timing belt
Tensioner
Tensioner arm (if you have little dimple where it sits on the tensioner pin)
Tensioner pulley
Idler pulley
Water pump/gasket/o-ring on water pipe (lube o-ring with water/coolant)
Accessory belts
Front case gasket
Oil Filter Housing gasket
Oil Filter Housing plunger gasket (have to remove plunger to port OFH because of eliminating balance shafts)


If you want to get fancy, you can use an Evo half moon seal as it's metal. You can search on here for the part number.

Check your harmonic dampener while it's off for cracking of the rubber or separation starting.

You'll have to drop the engine down on the timing belt side to do a install the BSE kit with the engine still in the car. I've read it's possible, just might be hard. Go to your local Auto Zone and rent a bearing race seal kit (or whatever they call it). It will make installing the new rear (inside front) bearing much easier.

 

[Alex Bland]

im doing timing belt and BSE

Front Balance shaft bearing
Rear Balance shaft bearing
Balance shaft cap
Balance shaft stub
Balance shaft spacer - do i really need this?
Timing belt
timing belt Tensioner
water pump

what else am i missing im also doing valve cover gasket what gaskets do i need in for the valve cover and for the whole timing belt/BSE kit? thanks alot

 

[rick_dsm90]

might aswell do an oil pump/cover while your in there.

 

[snowborder714]

See my post above for the list of parts I'd recommend.

Please don't start a new thread to ask the same question(s).