Head Gasket Failure

[JimR]

Its not an is it/isnt it thread as i know its failed, more of a 'what to look out for when removing the cylinder head' thread.

Any particular form i should follow on an 8v Dijifant when taking the head off, other than that, any tips from anyone whos has done it, the timing belt was done 4k ago (at 65k) and when its apart i'll skim the head (i work in an enginnering workshop) and the valve stem seals, but other than that?

Just looking for a good guide to getting the head off mainly as haynes is practically useless and bentley is on the 'puter and i have no printer,

Regards

James

[JimR]

OK, so got the head off now, gasket just looks to have perished away, but i do have oil in some of the bolt holes, could this lead to further problems?? Also the water holes in the block are a triangular shape but the new gasket has round holes to go over them, will this restrict the water flow at all or do i have the wrong gasket?

Thanks in advance

James

[Leon R]

Take any oil or water out of the bolt holes. Sand the face of the block gently and try to remove any residue.

When you go to tighten the bolts in, with oil inside, the oil will compress until a certain point then start to cause stress in the block leading to a crack. You must take the oil out!

I'd check you gasket for the piece of mind tho.

[1.8t]

Chuck on a genuine head gasket as the cheapies can give trouble, the gasket had a top and bottom so make sure its the right way up and dont forget to renew the head bolts either as they are stretch bolts