Car Experts -- Head Gasket Replacement on DOHC Engine.... tips?

N8Magic

Lifer
Dec 12, 2000
11,624
1
81
I am going to replace my head gasket (and other asst'd parts while i'm down there) this week on my 3 days off. I have my trusty Chilton's manual, but sometimes they can be vague on some of the finer details.

Is there any tips I should know BEFORE jumping into this project? I'm leaving myself plenty of time, and my roommates will be around to help me and to drive me to Parts Source should I need any more stuff.

BTW, the engine is a 2.3L DOHC I4 (1995 Cavalier Z24 engine).
 

N8Magic

Lifer
Dec 12, 2000
11,624
1
81
Oh, and do any of you know of a car repair forum where I might get more responses?
 

CraigRT

Lifer
Jun 16, 2000
31,440
5
0
tips?
here's my tip :)

I wouldn't replace it unless you have to.. on my friends Sunbird GT (2.0L Turbo) the head gasket is a pain in the arse to replace.. he HAD to, but if you don't have to.. I really don't see the point.. then again, that is just me... if you really want to.. OK..

:)
 

N8Magic

Lifer
Dec 12, 2000
11,624
1
81


<< tips?
here's my tip :)

I wouldn't replace it unless you have to.. on my friends Sunbird GT (2.0L Turbo) the head gasket is a pain in the arse to replace.. he HAD to, but if you don't have to.. I really don't see the point.. then again, that is just me... if you really want to.. OK..

:)
>>



It needs to be done. I can see antifreeze, etc leaking from that area. I know it's a pain in the arse, but I can save myself mucho dinero by doing it myself. I'm not really a n00b when it comes to working on cars, but I know there will be little tips and such to make it easier.
 

Rent

Diamond Member
Aug 8, 2000
7,127
1
81
I've never replaced the head gasket on a jbod... but you could ask the guys at JBody.org

I'm sure some of them have done it before.
 

CraigRT

Lifer
Jun 16, 2000
31,440
5
0
ahh ok... well i'm sure people who do it alot can offer tips, as to me, i'd be following a guide to do something like that, i'm sure you'll be OK if you just do that.

one thing i was told by a few knowledgeable people is to get the right type of gasket.. (can't remember what it was made of now.. dammit!) but that is the only real tip i would have given.. other than that, being as you said you weren't really a newbie.. you should be able to get it just fine. :)

 

N8Magic

Lifer
Dec 12, 2000
11,624
1
81


<< I've never replaced the head gasket on a jbod... but you could ask the guys at JBody.org

I'm sure some of them have done it before.
>>



Oh man!

That site is PERFECT. Thanks for the link!
 

Rent

Diamond Member
Aug 8, 2000
7,127
1
81


<<

<< I've never replaced the head gasket on a jbod... but you could ask the guys at JBody.org

I'm sure some of them have done it before.
>>



Oh man!

That site is PERFECT. Thanks for the link!
>>



No problem :) I hope you can do it with minimal pain :p
 

Scarpozzi

Lifer
Jun 13, 2000
26,391
1,780
126
Head gaskets are pretty easy to replace actually. The tough part is that you are probably going to want to take your head to a machine shop and get the aluminum shaved down. It's common for Head Gaskets to go out after your engine overheats. The overheating engine can sometimes cause the aluminum to melt or get imperfections in it.

Also, be sure to clean the edges where the old gasket was and get plenty of that black gooey sealent stuff. Keep in mind that it won't come off your hands for a few, but eventually your skin cells will flake off. ;)

As far as timeframe. You should be able to take it apart in about an hour...loosening bolts and scraping everything clean will take a little longer. Then you must get the aluminum shaved down. When reassembling everything follow the instructions in the gasket kit or on the sealent. They will let you know what to watch out for....or common mistakes. So the total time will be anywhere from 4-6 hours. Good luck.