Replacing a Head Gasket

[Siecroz]

OK.. so no I Told You So's please..

Feeling pretty crappy at the mo as X-Mas is upon us, and a new baby on the way in January.

After spending money on the Fuel Filter head being replaced.. Now the Head Gasket has gone!!

I know its a big job, and have been quoted £500 minimum by most places..

Anyone know if this is achievable to do myself with yee olde haynes manual?? I am a complete Novice with engines but dont have much choice at the mo.

I know there's things to consider like Piston Clearance, Warped Head, Timing correct etc. Add to this that I need something called a DTI Guage to set the timing for the mechanical fuel pump.

What I figured was that even if I have to send the head off for skiming, at least taking it apart and refitting it myself would save the labour side of things.

Any ideas or help would be appreciated as at the mo I am thoroughly hacked off.

 

[beast5680]

what vehicle have you got with what engine?

[Siecroz]

Vauxhall Frontera 2.3TDi 1994 (Opel Engine)

Chain Driven Engine rather than Cam Belt.

[hobbit]

That sounds like one of the vauxhall carlton engines?

Thought they were pretty straight forward, if its an ohv engine

[Carroll]

I did my frontera about 2 years ago. Take your time, put everything you take off in labelled bags; and (if you can) take digital photographs of the engine so you know where everything goes. It is a big job if you've not done one before, but as long as you are methodical it isn't difficult.

Oh, and buy, beg or 'borrow' all of the tools you need before hand. The Haynes book will tell you (mostly!) what you need.

It took me 3 days, I'd never done one before, and I was well chuffed when it started for the first time.

Good luck!

[RandyLandy]

that's a bit pricy aint it...if it's anything like a cavalier engine the cylinder head is easy to sort out...just remember to clean the threads out before putting the bolts back in as i didn't