head gasket blown what's the best option?

[Gonzo12c]

Hi folks me near gasket has just gone and I'm waiting on recovery so thought I would get on here to start arranging fixing it. I'm a mechanic anyway so I have the ability and tools to do the job just need a few pointers.

Would it be easier to just get the head off and change the gasket its on a 3 litre turbo diesel auto 1995

Or better to change the engine. I'm looking at getting this done fairly quickly.

Where is best to get gaskets from I have looked at ones on ebay and do the head bolts need changing are they stretch type?

Also what other gaskets or parts will be needed for this?

Any good information or links would be helpful

Marty

[red barron]

Parts

Hi, its likely that the head is cracked (usually in several places across the valves) The bottom end is fairly bomb proof. But without knowing the history of the vehicle its very difficult to speculate. As your a competent mechanic you'll find working on this engine fairly strait-forward. You wont want me to tell you to check the obvious (bores, bearings all that) But for parts check out

http://www.roughtrax4x4.com/index.php?doc=11&cid=128

also jap4x4part on ebay or through this forum (Lord Lucan)

[Albannach]

99% (probably higher) probability it's the head. When you do the job, you need to change the head bolts too, they are stretched rather than torqued. Roughtrax and Stevo sell kits, that's the way to go.

[Gonzo12c]

Thanks alot guys im gonna order from roughtrax on monday so will have it ready this weekend. Im guessing if the head is cracked it will be possible to see the hairline cracks? Hopefully i dont need a new head as i would like to keep the cost down

[Albannach]

Usually you'll see them. They crack between the valves and around the swirl chambers. Occasionally they can't be seen, but are still there! If there's nothing obvious, take the valves out and check in the ports.

[Sir Plug]

May as well do the cambelt and tensioner, while it's apart, get the radiator checked to make sure it's clear and stick a thermostat in from a Prado.....(lower operating temperature)

Oh, and remove the EGR system...

[Gonzo12c]

Thanks guys my amc head has just arrived as mine was cracked. Couple of points do you have a link to the how to delete the egr and where is the thermostat located on these trucks?

Marty

[red barron]

Thermostat

The bottom radiator hose fits to a cast metal pipe which is attached to the block by 3 M10 bolts, the upper two bolts hold the thermostat hosing (its part of the pipe) to the block. Remove that and you will see the thermostat.
Pete.

[Sir Plug]

Thanks guys my amc head has just arrived as mine was cracked. Couple of points do you have a link to the how to delete the egr and where is the thermostat located on these trucks?

Marty

Easiest way of taking the egr out, is to unbolt it and fit a flat steel plate where the gasket is, on both ends. Also, put a small ball bearing in the vacuum hose......pretty sure there's a thread on here, about blanking the valve...

[Sir Plug]

http://www.toyotasurf.asn.au/techsite/egr.htm

[Gonzo12c]

Superb thanks alot i will get it done

[nigel129]

While in under the car on another matter,Is there a "walk through" posted any where on how and what to remove the air con rad. Are there any pipes to remove or cap off after removing. I have no gas in a/c so dont think i need worry about that (hasnt worked for 3yrs).
All i need is a good description on where to find the nuts, etc. pics would be nice. Should i or need i replace the bash panel, i dont "off road"
thanks
nigel

[Gonzo12c]

all sorted now EGR deleted and new AMC head on running like a dream thanks folks