Head gaskets...

[IndianaVX]

Well, it looks like I have a bad head gasket. I am wondering if I should try and tackle this myself? I am kinda good under the hood, but not fantastic.
I am methodical, neat, and paciant when I work on the truck,
But not sure if that is enough to do the job right.
Any input from you guys? This would definatly be the deepest
I've tore into this engine.

[jdm monkey]

Its easy you can do it without taking the engine out.

[PK]

If you have a torque wrench, and know how to use it, the rest is easy.
Just be methodical and lay the parts out as you remove them.
And be ultra clean with the engine internals.

Good luck.

PK

[Ldub]

Also, go over (and over) the timing belt "how to"...if the heads come off, guess what else has to come off first...

......

Also, I've heard here & there that our head bolts are the "stretchy" kind, & new ones should be used every time the heads come off.

[IndianaVX]

Also, I've heard here & there that our head bolts are the "stretchy" kind, & new ones should be used every time the heads come off.[/QUOTE]

Now THAT'S the kind of stuff I need to know, and am afraid of doing wrong...
I only want to do this once!
Thanks Larry!
And thanks to the rest of you too!
From the manual, it sounds like the toughest part is getting to the left side innermost bolt. Seems you have to take the tire off, remove heatshield from exhaust manifold, remove engine hanger(?) not sure what it is, but I guess I may find out!

[IndianaVX]

Merlin is still the man!
Just so you know, as of today's date, a full set of head gaskets from
Isuzu are $350.00, with the discount $297.56!
Dub, you are correct, NEVER reuse the head bolts!
Instead...... List price for each head bolt, $7.91 with our discount, $6.72!
Or $107.00 for all of them.
So $405.08 total for gasket set and bolts.

Question there is a tool, J-24239-01, cylinder head bolt wrench.
Anyone know if this is nesissary to buy, or can I use something else. In the book it looks like a hex extension for a torque wrench . I forgot to ask Merlin for cost, but was looking to see if I had to?
Looks like I will begin teardown on Thursday evening. I will take plenty of pictures and try to do a write up for it also.
It looks like the actual heAd removal is less complicated than the head covers!
Got to study barts timing PDF a few more times, and decide on if I am going to try and replace the seals in the cams also.....they come with the gasket set too.
Keep anything you can cross, crossed for me!

EDIT the cost of the head bolt wrench is 58.00. it is a socket according to the saleslady. IS THERE AN ALTERNATIVE?

[IndianaVX]

is there an alternative to buying the special cylinder bolt head wrench??
as mentioned in my edit above, 58 bucks for a socket????
looking for an alternative....

thanks

[Grif]

Hrrrm.... waiting for the other shoe to drop on this one... sorry to say.

[IndianaVX]

grif, are you talking about the other head gasket????

[Grif]

grif, are you talking about the other head gasket????

lol..... no. Just a dread fear that the probs are not fixed.

[IndianaVX]

LOL, i am trying to keep a more up beat and positive outlook on the whole thing!

[edwin]

Hey Guys! I know my gaskets need to be replaced, the coolant I keep putting in radiator/reservoir every few days keeps dissapearing! Head gaskets will have to be replaced! Crap! I def can't do this project. I'm in New York, can any one recommend to who/where I can take the car in to get fixed? Really need this info guys! can any one help?
Thanks
Ed 718-408-0412

[rsteinmetz70112]

Just a comment on your tranny problem.

I have not looked at how a VX works but I suspect the kickdown cable was mis adjusted/out of place due to your work. Rechecking everything likely got it back in place.

[IndianaVX]

Well, 3 months from replacing my head gaskets, my driverside cat clogged. I guess all that coolant was just too much. It had 10# of restriction! So if you ever have to replace your headgaskets, you better check the cats, or save your change for some new ones. I got a replacement cat for 250.00, out the door for aftermarket.
So all is now completely well with the vx..... Except for the sonny universal, and window reg cable, and the rear door stay, and
My power drive button.....and.....

[Ldub]

Just a comment on your tranny problem.

I have not looked at how a VX works but I suspect the kickdown cable was mis adjusted/out of place due to your work. Rechecking everything likely got it back in place.

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