325 head removal

[innes]

can anyone post me some help.... i need to remove the head to see if my head gasket has gone or to see if i have cracked the head.

I am not a mechanic!! so would really appreciate some help very simple help on this one guys!!

please help me...

[gcorky]

well if you dont have any kinda of sockets,extensions,or ability i wouldnt advise you to do it.cam belt,covers,dizzy cap,inlet,exhaust,wiring,fuel lines etc etc.worst bit to fit properly is oil return tube(spring loaded.)

it can be diagnosed in situ....symptoms-what makes u think its gone?

[innes]

it will turn over but not start. filled the (empty) radiator with about 10litres of water. it has gone straight into the engine (if i open the oil filler cap all i can see is water!)

[gcorky]

well gotcha sounds grim!! best bet is appeal to a local zoner to help/do it for you !thats what a few of us up here have done recently to help out!

or shell out big bucks at your local back street.
or strip down and get head cracktested and skimmed yourself(if you think your capable)

but how did this happen overheated?gradual coolant loss?dodgy viscous?

[innes]

i think gradual water loss, i dont think it will be too bad, it has been diagnosed by various people without actually seeing it- to be head gasket replcament. Probably about £200.

[gcorky]

200 ????parts???

gskt set varies (at least 50 quid)but crack test /skim up here is 80 odd quid on a m20.
headbolts,stat,timing belt,tensioner,waterpump(good practice cos its a bitch when it goes just after u done this work) oil/filter,coolant,plugs etc ..think all this would total more than 200 then the labour.

good idea to change exhaust studs cos its head off ,assuming they dont snap on removal-give em a soak of wd40/rust release to help on strip.