Head Gasket replacement

[alexh]

Can't find a definitive answer anywhere for this, surely someone has it...

Due to do the change (will be swapping both head and profile gasket)

What other parts do I need? A list would be handy - gaskets, bolts, etc etc

Cheers

[wazzu70]

Nothing special needed really.

Consider replacing the timing chain tensioner with an M44 unit. Get new head bolts.

Also need the flywheel/cam locking tool.

Replace all gaskets between anything you remove. You should be able to get a top end gasket kit which will have about everything you need.


Oh yeah, you will want to get the upgrade oil relief valve parts. Look up my engine build thread. It has the part numbers. Also plenty of pictures.

[deansweet]

Head gasket kits normally come with all your required gaskets.
You will need a couple unique tools;
    - an inch/pounds torque wrench
    - fan wrench(to hold fan from spinning while you unbolt it from pump head.
    - a Torx Bit Head socket for head bolts.

As mentioned above there are a few ancillary projects you may want to complete since you have it apart and easy access.
May want to also consider replacing the water pump since you are already there.

[ti_tony]

I'm in the middle of replacing one and here's my list, I'll edit as I finish.
The cam lock tool I fabricated. The flywheel lock I used a 5/16 transfer punch, 8mm= .3149   5/16= .3125  
New head bolts $24, gasket set $149, new exhaust manifold 7mm studs and nuts, they were cheap and will make assembly so much easier, hanging the header on the studs verse screwing in old studs with nuts stuck on them, the old studs came out with the nuts when I took it apart.ARP assembly lube $10.
Water pump $65. New electic fan. Tourque wrench 22ft/lbs,
Anglometer wrench BaHahaha, new spacer for oil check valve. m44 cam chain tensioner- $42. Oil and filter and coolant, I still need new hose and vacuum line, plus whatever I forgot.

  http://timthurber.com/tcpg.htm

[bigred]

How is the head gasket replacement coming along?  Just finished mine on a 1991 M42 engine with 45k on the motor.  Thanks to this forum, the engine is running fantastic.

[jam8313]

I see that you made a cam locking tool.  I am changing the chain guides in my M42 and the cam locking tool would be a great piece of insurance.  I noticed that you live in Indianapolis and so do I.  I would like to see if I could rent this tool from you.  I live in the Castleton area and work near the Airport.

[ti_tony]

Good to hear bigred.
I put the head on and assembled the chain and cams monday so I'm done with the tool. It worked well you can use it just leave me a deposit. I live in Franklin and work in Indpls. I'll be downtown sat. till 2:00.  PM me and we can meet up at IUPUI.

[ti_tony]

Fired the car up today, just finished. Thanks to all the great post and poster's on this forum. The biggest problem was not doing it before, the next time will be better. I forgot the bolt that goes in the barrel adjuster on the chain guide rail, drivers side. I didn't have any fluid in it yet so it could have been worse. Since I had to take the upper cover off anyway I had .030 taken off the bottom and .020 taken off the top, fits much better now. The first shop I took it to had it for 3 days and didn't touch it so the next shop had it 2 days and charged $35 for the machine work and $15 for a heli coil in the center hole. The gasket set I bought had the wrong o-rings for the injectors so had to get them. The cars running great but the high speed relay for cooling fan is suspect, will look at that tomorrow. I replaced the bolts that hold the thermistat housing on with studs and pulled the water pump in with studs until seated then put the bolts in. I really like the m42.

[deansweet]

I really like the m42.

I wholeheartedly agree with you on this statement.
Easiest motor ever to wrench on.

-Dean