When it rains, it pours

[locknload]

My DD is a '91 4dr 5spd, probably has 1/4 mil miles on it by now.  I've been collecting parts this past year to do the timing chain overhaul, possibly in the spring.  Then, a few months ago, the clutch started vibrating when engaging from full stop, so I assume the clutch will need to be replaced soon.  I did do the suggested "test your clutch" by going from 1st to 5th and flooring it; no slippage so maybe I have a bit of time on that one.  Now, this week, I discover coffee sludge on the dipstick and oil cap.  Leakdown test points to cyl 1 & 2 so, now the head needs to come off.  

I need to get the car back on the road as soon as possible, so I would like to sequence these repairs, if possible.  The choices are, fix the HG now & then go after the chains & clutch in spring as planned leaving the engine in situ, or pull the engine and do everything at once, even though it may take me a month to accomplish.  

Thoughts?  Guidance? Suggestions?

[keflaman]

you know what we need for the M42 community? A "rent an engine" for situations just like yours. You collect all the parts you need to repair your engine and then send for the rental motor. You pull yours, install the rental, and then do the necessary repairs to yours. When complete, reverse the process.

A head gasket job requires pulling the upper timing case so you're halfway towards the timing chain overhaul. If you've already collected all the parts you can do those two jobs together.

Personally, in a perfect world, I'd pull the motor/tranny and do everything at once, but I don't know your situation.

[Nelson_40]

It's not bad to do the head work, which clearly must be addressed first. Just be sure when you take the head off to have a shop check it for cracks. Honestly, the time needed to do the head is about 6 hours of actual work for the first time through. I just hope you do have a HG failure not a crack in the head.

The clutch may take more time than that by yourself, but is also not too bad if you just take each operation step by step. I also think it's a problem with the dampening springs on the clutch if it's just rattling, of course it could be a throw out bearing or a pilot bearing failing. The only step you will have to repeat will be removing the intake manifold to get to the transmission retaining bolts if you do them as staggered repairs.

The only other thought I have is how darn happy you will be once the work is all done. Until then you will be in the standard "Dang, my car is broken!" mood we have all encountered once upon a time. So don't get too down and just get to work!

[locknload]

Yah, this car has been so great.  Owned it about 9 years now, only left me stranded once (fuel pump).  To have all this happen all at once (plus needs new CA's too) is so disheartening.  Really hoping it's just the gasket.  

Here's something unusual.  Tried to start it this AM, but starter wouldn't turn the crank more than maybe 1/4 turn, like it was hydrolocked.  Pulled the plugs and indeed, it was coolant, but in cyl #3!  I am positive I heard hissing & bubbling  in 1 & 2 on leakdown test & nothing on 3, but here's #3 half full of coolant.  1, 2 & 4 are dry.

If I pull the engine to do everything at once, does the tranny need to come out with it?  If so, I think I may just do the head/chains together and drop the trans later this year to tackle the clutch.  Just did a head overhaul an an M50 vanos so hoping this one will be a walk in the park comparatively.

[Nelson_40]

If you do pull then engine, although you don't need to in order to accomplish your goals, it's easier to take the transmission out with it in order to avoid having to get to all the bolts to take it out and line them back up when reinstalling. Then you can take care of the clutch when you have a chance. Of course I must add, if pulling the engine that is the absolute best time to service transmission components.

When you pull the head you can do a quick check for cracks by sweeping the valve seat area, and between the seat/coolant passages with a highlighter.