im wanting to install a head gasket on my TR 2.6 as i bloo my original 1...what do i need to take off,do i need a gasket sealer, do the head bols need to be tightened to a certain torque. is there a difference in head gaskets and are different types of able to change my compression... any help is much appreciated

im wanting to install a head gasket on my TR 2.6 as i bloo my original 1...what do i need to take off,do i need a gasket sealer, do the head bols need to be tightened to a certain torque. is there a difference in head gaskets and are different types of able to change my compression... any help is much appreciated

yeah you need gasket goo, with the bolts, you need to know which ones to take off first, and put back on first, at a certain amoutn of turns for each one, if you do it wrong you can put too much pressure of the head and crack it....with the head gaskets, i think there might be different ones for compression but im not too sure about that. get copy of gregories or whatever it is and that will tell you which bolts in which order

is it alot of work to replace gasket is there any websites on how to so this??

if you know what you are doing, but if you've never taken a head off before, id get someone to do it, but if you know someone that knows how to, do it with them, then youll know incase you ever need to do it again

An Astron isn't the best engine to learn how to replace a head gasket on, if your working alone.

Basically to remove and replace the head on a 4cyl you need to drain the coolant and remove:
1.Efi wiring loom from inlet manifold, distributor and O2 sensor, (clip it behind a windscreen wiper) also free the knock sensor plug from the Inlet manifold bracket.
2.the rocker cover and throttle cable
3.exhaust manifold
4.the distributor
5.inlet manifold bracket bolts to the block and fuel/coolant hoses to manifold (all fun to get at in car)
6.the chain drive sprocket from the camshaft and the water pump drive belt
7.then loosen the head bolts and lift the head with the inlet manifold
8. remove inlet manifold and send head away to an engine machine shop to make sure it is flat and free of cracks before you refit it
9. thoroughly scrape or wire brush clean and inspect the block deck for any signs of cracking
10 . refit is reverse of above but with the following exceptions, all mating surfaces have to be thoroughly cleaned and flat and new gaskets used. the bolts retaining the Head are tightened in a specific order and to a specific tension, an accurite (read expensive) torque wrench is needed for this. The Timing chain and distributor have to be refitted in the correct position for timing, a no start or engine damage can result from doing this incorrectly

Again I don't recommend the astron as an engine to learn mechanical work on

If you feel that you really want to learn on the Astron, which isn't suggested as above, you will definately need a workshop manual as this contains all the info on what to takeout, how to do it, what torque is needed for particular bolts, etc. I personally reccomend the Gregorys one as this is the one that I use. You should be able to get one from your local sprints, autobarn, repco etc. You will definately need one as a lot of the head bolts have to be tightened to a specified torque.

You can get different gaskets that will lower or raise the compression. You'll have to ask someone that sells them for availability though. Try Phillcom Rally as he is a sponsor and he knows about Magnas. :D They may also have handbooks too.

im doing this on the weekend to the Astron engine... anyone have the order and torque to tighten the headbolts to? i have no choice cause ive already unbolted the head and bought the valve stem seals to replace as well lol

just waiting on a new gasket set.

also have never done anything like this before but i'll give anything a go :D

and i have access to every tool under the sun so things like Torque wrenches arent an issue.

Mate, your in SA, if you do want it done properly and do not want to pay the usual workshop price drop it over.

Be sure you have a blown head gasket first as the symptoms may be something else also.

PM me if you want some ideas of costs.

It is not simply a matter of removing the head and putting a new gasket in, you need to plane the head, check for cracks etc.

10 . refit is reverse of above but with the following exceptions, all mating surfaces have to be thoroughly cleaned and flat and new gaskets used. the bolts retaining the Head are tightened in a specific order and to a specific tension, an accurite (read expensive) torque wrench is needed for this. The Timing chain and distributor have to be refitted in the correct position for timing, a no start or engine damage can result from doing this incorrectly

This could be no more wrong as yes things have to be clean, but if you want to job to last until past your next pay then this will not work

im not too worried about it lasting a while cause i only need it to last a couple of months... just need to stop it from blowing smoke

ive decided just to do the valve stem seals without taking the head off but problem is ive already undone the bolts... does anyone know the torque setting for the bolts and the sequence?

Dont use any gasket sealer. u need to clean both surfaces good like madmgna said. bolt on in certain order. i know how to do it on my 3.5 if u want those instructions. buy a torque ranch if u dont have one. buy one that clicks when it reaches the set limit.

I didnt do my own valve seals so I couldnt tell how hard or easy it is.

if you have the money you send your heads to be acid dipped. It'll back back looking brand new.

If this is starting to look like too much work than give it to a prof. you trust. Ask him to check for bent valves, cracks on the head, do your valve seals. It wouldnt be as much since you did most of the work.

valve seals i'll do... head i dont care about... the car just needs to run without smoke.

so no one has the sequence for the Astron? I'll see if i can find a service workshop manual on ebay :)

If you have undone the head bolts then too late.

If you have undone them out of sequence then throw away your head and get another one

i dont believe you need to throw away anything, thats extreme. You much how much new heads cost? A lot. If you have unbolted it then i recommend that you change out the gaskets. Mitsus usually dont blow head gaskets so it might be ok just using the same ones but bolt it in the right sequence.

Sorry mate but you are very incorrect.

At the very least a head plane will be required, mits 4cyl heads are tepremental things at best of times, are ok if left in disturbed.

A head from the wreckers is cheap, get it tested and planed and you have the job done properly.

"swapping in a gasket" will last about as long as it takes for the engine to warm up.

when i find out the sequence i will bolt it back together to see what happens... it blows... oh well **** happens i get one from the wreckers... it doesnt.... woot! i drive til it does then burn the car to the ground lol

i really only need it for 2 months til my skyline gets here