G'day all, hope I could get some help here. Apologies if other threads cover these, but did search a bit and couldn't find any.

Took the cylinder head off the other day due to blown head gasket between 1 & 2 cylinders. Gonna have it tested & refurbished, and planning on replacing all other seals and gaskets plus maybe even the piston rings. DIY project. Couple of questions...

1. Any recommendations of places to put the head in for reco.? Around western suburbs of Melbourne if possible but not too fussy (I'm in Sunshine West). Hoppers Heads quoted me $400-$600....is this too much? It's an M9 head so I'd like a good job done on it, but kind on the wallet.

2. Read in the workshop manual that there is a special tool (E11M10) used for releasing the oil pump timing chain ratchet in order to fit the timing chain sprocket and chain back on the camshaft when putting it back together. Anyone know where to get one of those and how much? Don't wanna mess with the timing since it's set up as per the manual when removing the head and the timing chain looks in good knick. The diagram shows the tool looks like a flat head screwy. Will one with a 400mm shaft do, as I can get one at SCA...

Cheers
Harry.

My ride:
94 TS Magna auto sedan
4 cyl. 2.6L EFI
180k odd Kms

The tool is simply to unhook (press down) the spring loaded ratchet so that the slipper foot tensioner can be pushed back into the oil pump as you pull the top sprocket up to put it back on the cam. Look down the case with a torch, you should be able to see it stick out. Any long thin object will do to push it down. A large screw driver, a length of welding rod perhaps? A length of wooden dowel? I wouldn't buy a "special tool" just to do it once.

On the other hand, the engine has to come out when you do the rings, so you could have the timing cover off when you put the head on and set the cam sprocket back on before you tighten the head down. Just an idea.

If your TS has done 180,000 km there should be still a lot of life in the chain setup, I just sold mine with 220,000 km and the chains were still rattle free. No oil burning either, so your rings probably don't need doing just yet.

Thanks for that Madmax. Much appreciated. Was smoking a bit when I first got her in April but a bottle of Nulon stop leak and Penrite 25W60 stopped that. Just had to top the oil up once a month or so....stem seals I suppose and the heads getting an overdue once over. Any recommendations on reco joints anyone? Can the rings be done with the engine on? Did that with my '84 corona a few years back no worries. Just wondering if taking the crankshaft off and pulling out the pistons from the top will do?

Cheers in advance.

yes take off the sump
and you get a clear go
at the conrods
pop out the pistons from the top

yes take off the sump
and you get a clear go
at the conrods
pop out the pistons from the top

Quite right. But I'd rather take the engine out, to check crankshaft and conrod clearances, but that's just me. lol

Either way works.