First Head Gasket Job

123abc · 07-29-2009

This isn't exactly Mitsu related, however, I have some questions. My G/f's dad wants me to do the head gasket in his older plymouth reliant with a 2.2. Are there any special tricks to doing it such as not re-using studs or bolts, spraying the gasket with something?

Any little tips will be appreciated.

s1ngletracker · 07-30-2009

I dont usually spray the headgasket with anything. Maybe have the head checked for straightness if it was overheating a lot...

trunks11 · 07-30-2009

Get that head checked out before you bolt it back on. Also, make sure you find out the torque specs or method to bolting it back on. I just did a vw head and it was 30lbs, then 44lbs, then 90 degrees, then 90 degrees again. Start from the middle out criss crossing when torquing it down.

If the water pump is run by the timing belt, change that and the belt while your at it.

Have fun. It's pretty rewarding everytime for me when I do a major engine job and fire it up for the first time.

john · 08-04-2009

Make sure you don't put the gasket on upside down.... (has happened)

If there are alot of hoses and ele connectors, it is easy to put a peice of tap on each side of a connector and a number to identify which is what. I did that on my first dsm motor without issues.

Most of us can look at a DSM connector and know what it is for but that isn't the case on a foreign motor.

Do the timing belt and water pump at the same time.

Good luck.

Super Bleeder!! · 08-04-2009

go to the library and use their ALLDATA to print out the factory instructions for that particular motor

123abc · 08-05-2009

Thanks guys. I'm knee deep in the project right now and can't wait till I'm done. I hate working on this car.

s1ngletracker · 08-06-2009

the library has alldata? HOw do you access it?

123abc · 08-11-2009

Ok, so I have the car pretty much all put together. Just have a couple things to bolt up tonight and then I'll be starting it. Is there any special procedure after a hg job? Or just start it up and pray for no leaks?

Kevin 1G Drummer · 08-11-2009

Just start it up, let it warm up till it gets to running temp, make sure there's no leaks and give it hell. When I did the HG on my car last year it had been running for a total of about 30 mins before I ripped through the gears and it's still holding just fine.

123abc · 08-11-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevin_1G_Drummer

Just start it up, let it warm up till it gets to running temp, make sure there's no leaks and give it hell. When I did the HG on my car last year it had been running for a total of about 30 mins before I ripped through the gears and it's still holding just fine.

I just got back a little while ago and took it for a test drive. So far so good! I do have a coolant leak on the heater pipe though, so I need to fix that up. Otherwise she's running good.

Thanks for the help everyone.

john · 08-11-2009

Glad to hear it went well. The hardest part about learning mechanics is getting the courage to tear it apart.

**4seasons69** · 08-11-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by john

Glad to hear it went well. The hardest part about learning mechanics is getting the courage to tear it apart.

that is definitely the hardest part!