On Thursday I was driving to work and noticed my car wouldn't idle very well and was smoking a bit. I stoped and checked the oil level and it was very mustardy so obviously the head gasket has gone.
I carried onto work and the temprature shot right up. Stoped and let it all cool down, thought the water pump had gone but after stripping it all down found it's already been replaced so it's all ok. I've got the head off and have got a new set of head bolts and a full head gasket set and seals. I'm going to get the head skimmed on Tuesday but have herd different stories from everyone and what I should replace, thermostat, viscous fan but duno really.
Any idvise from anyone. I'm so far out of my depth at thr moment as I haven't done anything this far mechanical but I'm one for going for it, and have labelled it all up. Only thing that scares me is timing but I've marked as much as I can.
Do I need a special tool for locking the cam when I take it out or anything?
Cheers
Graeme
Head gasket problems!
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daimlerman
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When the front end of the cam is at a right angle to the cylinder head,you should be able to insert an 8mm rod(drill bit is what I used!)into a hole in the engine side of the bellhousing just under the starter,this engages in a hole in the flywheel,if you cannot find it,first turn the engine a half turn,then put some fur around the hole... 
There may well be a plastic plug in the hole.No real need to lock the cam,it should stay put.
As you are having the head skimmed,you will need to take the advice of the machine shop regarding how much you need to strip the head so that they can do their job properly.
Cam is held in 'half' bearing shells so it is not too much of an issue to remove it.
Well done for going for it,yell if you need more help!
There may well be a plastic plug in the hole.No real need to lock the cam,it should stay put.As you are having the head skimmed,you will need to take the advice of the machine shop regarding how much you need to strip the head so that they can do their job properly.
Cam is held in 'half' bearing shells so it is not too much of an issue to remove it.
Well done for going for it,yell if you need more help!
Youth is wasted on the young.
I've already taken the belts off and head so I'll be leaving it where it is I think. I just put cylinder 1 to TDC so that will help.
Been looking at prices for thermostates and would be silly not to replace it for that amount. How about the viscous fan? What would I replace it with?
Been looking at prices for thermostates and would be silly not to replace it for that amount. How about the viscous fan? What would I replace it with?
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daimlerman
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A repalacement viscous coupling,if your existing one is not locking up correctly.
Youth is wasted on the young.