Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Head removal

[PLefever]

Is there anything I should know before I attempt to change the head gasket myself besides don't bash the injector tips



Thanks

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

That is an open-ended question! Here are a few thoughts: head bolts and pushrods can be removed from cylinders #5,6 by lifting them through the stamped holes in the cowl (remove the oval rubber plugs), and turning them. The head is heavy, about 150 lb. There are little soft plugs on the exhaust side below the manifold. I have seen them, usually the rearmost one, rust through. Scrape the block and head surfaces very well, ending with a razor blade scraper and lacquer thinner. Mop out all the head bolt holes with Q-tips so nothing will be forced out onto the deck when reassembling the engine. Have the block and head checked for flatness with a precision straight-edge and a . 0015” thick shim. If you get either resurfaced, use a very smooth finish that you can't catch a fingernail on—the shop should use the OEM finish for comparison.

 

[ESwartzer]

I would removed my injectors just to clean them anyway . Also 150 lbs is a lot of dead weight , I wouldn,t do it without a cherry picker and some help,

so it doesnt swing and damage something ! Another thing I would do, is check my rocker shafts for galling , which happens quite often . I personally had three that were bad enough that they were hard to dissassemble.