headgasket change- anyone have a guide?

[Sam]

good luck with this.... make lots of clear marks when doing the belt and try not to move things too much once the belt is off.  But then as long as you have marked up all the wheels and pulleys positions you can't go too wrong...

Unless you run a NHS style operation and casually leave random tools/rags/parts inside the bores 

or chopsticks.. eh Horney? 

Ok, just a guess but... did nick try checking his tdc with chopsticks and snap one thus dropping it in?

[Guy]

good luck with this.... make lots of clear marks when doing the belt and try not to move things too much once the belt is off.  But then as long as you have marked up all the wheels and pulleys positions you can't go too wrong...

Unless you run a NHS style operation and casually leave random tools/rags/parts inside the bores 

or chopsticks.. eh Horney? 

Ok, just a guess but... did nick try checking his tdc with chopsticks and snap one thus dropping it in?

 



 




 

[RyanVW]

got all the bits through and some decent coolant and oil and filter
just dropped all the coolant and been flushing it out
do i need to drop the oil or can i get away with not doing that right now?

[Wayne]

got all the bits through and some decent coolant and oil and filter
just dropped all the coolant and been flushing it out
do i need to drop the oil or can i get away with not doing that right now?

Can be left for now.

[RyanVW]

what do i do with the manifold? unbolt it where it meets the head?

[Wayne]

what do i do with the manifold? unbolt it where it meets the head?

Exhaust?

Yes or split at the downpipe and leave on head.

[RyanVW]

ah cool cheers just having trouble getting the bolts off, dont think theyve been touched for years
will have another do tomorrow

[RyanVW]

well good news guys
got the cylinder head off
cylinder head looks fine with no cracks or anything and the head looks fine too, gonna inspect it a bit further when my mate comes along to help
i couldnt see any blows on the old head gasket but it does look a bit old and mangled
will keep you updated
ryan

[RyanVW]

everything except the exhaust manifold clamps has been put back together
started the car and it seems to be running well
does anyone know a technique to get them back on or another way to fix it?
gonna do it tomorrow when the cars on ramps

cheers