Head Gasket replacement

[aerosilver]

Hi all,

All being well I'm hoping to spend the Easter break renewing my head gaskets - I've been losing coolant into one or more combustion chambers for a year now so I think it's time I addressed the issue!

I've compiled the following shopping list of what I think I'll need by following through the procedure in the ROM, and having never had the heads off before would be grateful for any suggestions of any other bits I may need to order or general hints and tips! Obviously this list assumes I don't find any nasty surprises once they're off - they were last off when Faversham Classics did a full engine rebuild about 10 years (and 30,000 miles) ago.

Shopping List
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carb pedestal O-ring
cam cover gaskets
oil filter
inlet manifold gaskets
thermostat housing gasket (I will do a cooling system backflush while I'm at it)
head gaskets
dummy studs
stud extractor tool
cam gear to camshhaft lockplates

I've got plenty of antifreeze/oil etc already.

One more question - is it recommended to use some sort of additional sealant on the new head gaskets or just straight gasket to metal? I seem to remember reading a thread here way back on this subject and I think there were differing views on this at the time.

Thanks in advance,

Bob
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[Kevin Garrod]

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You may want to replace the studs and bolts too.

When I did this job it was recommended to me to helicoil the inlet manifold threads in the heads to save possible future grief (which I did)

Payen head gaskets are thought to be the only ones to use and no sealant is needed, however I used Wellseal with no problems so far.

Don't use any lubricant on the threaded part of the studs when you re-fit, just the shafts.

And good luck

[StagnJag]

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Hi Bob,

I don't recall seeing you on here for s while!

I haven't done this job before but I can think of a couple of small bits!

The cam cover screws have small rubber washers that should be replaced more or less every time the covers come off, and there should be a fibre washer on the stud that holds the carbs on. Might be worth having a spare on hand.

Rgds

Dave

[aerosilver]

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Hi Kevin,

I was going to reuse the studs and bolts if possible, only because somebody suggested on here some time back that new studs are not always as good quality and have been known to stretch. Maybe I'll order up new ones and see what state the originals are in before making a decision. I will order Payen gaskets - am planning on getting it all from LD Parts.

What's the best stuff to use to lubricate the tips of the studs when I replace them in the blocks?

Cheers,

Bob
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[aerosilver]

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Thanks Dave, duly noted.

No I haven't posted for some time but must admit to being a constant "lurker" - I love this forum, it's great!

[Kevin Garrod]

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aerosilver wrote:

Hi Kevin,

I was going to reuse the studs and bolts if possible, only because somebody suggested on here some time back that new studs are not always as good quality and have been known to stretch. Maybe I'll order up new ones and see what state the originals are in before making a decision. I will order Payen gaskets - am planning on getting it all from LD Parts.

What's the best stuff to use to lubricate the tips of the studs when I replace them in the blocks?

Cheers,

Bob
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I think it's best that the threads are kept clean and dry.

I got my bits from Paddocks, never had a problem with them or LD.

[Tdm]

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Payen Head gasket kit from paddocks and new studs/bolts. Whilst Heads off why not check/replaceTiming chains.

[aerosilver]

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The timing chains are OK - no rattle at all.

Just noticed on the LD Parts website they do a head kit, which includes 2 pairs of D plugs part no. 144488 - can someone enlighten me as to what these are for?

Bob
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[Des N]

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Bob

Just in the process of doing mine. Got the inlet manifold off yesterday...that was fun! Stripped bolts and stuck solid. Hopefully getting first cylinder head off tomorrow.

My list now includes new hoses, distributor cap, coil, exhaust studsand some more carb casing screws. I think the 'D'plugs are for the front ofeach camshaft housing.

Was going to get the water pump refurbed through Howard Vesey. Got his number today off another forum member. £35 + post so worth considering too.

[Kevin Garrod]

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They are otherwise known as half moons and fit between the head and the cam cover at each end.

It's the bit in the centre of this pic.

[V Mad]

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You might need a head extractor tool as well, although with luck you should not need it.

One day soon I will make one, in fact why dont I get one underway now? Someone is bound to need one soon.

[aerosilver]

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Yes, I am ordering one, I'm not even going to attempt removing the studs using the slot at the top - asking for trouble I reckon! :shock:

[Kevin Garrod]

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I think V mad means a tool to pull the head off rather than a stud removing tool.

[aerosilver]

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Oh Right! Well I've got a big rubber mallet - I'm hoping that will be sufficient....

[V Mad]

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If all the studs (and bolts) come out you will be OK. But I had one stud snap and it took two hours and a lot of ingenuity and sweat to get the head off. If you snap two studs you will surely need a head removal tool. Come back to the forum if this happens to you.