changeing the head gaskets with the engine in

[micra-mad]

As the title say can you change a head gaskets with the engine still in the car i think iv ask on here befor but i anit been on for a long time and i cant find the thread so i ask again ??

many thanks daniel

 

[andy]

yeah ya can but it would be easier with it out

 

[micra-mad]

o yer i under stand that you anit got that much room in the engine bay to move around i was just think can you do it be a lot easy in a way

 

[frank]

i think i prefer it in situ (the engine is held still while you torque the headbolts up) but its pretty straight forward either way :grinning:

 

[pollyp]

yes. real easy

 

[micra-mad]

so it grussing it can be done that good thanks has anyone got any tips ???

 

[Stani1029]

my tip is if you dont know how to time up the engine then not to try it lol

 

[pollyp]

when taking the timing chain & cam spockets apart, always make either a note/photograph and or mark the position of the upper timing chain relative to the middle idle spocket and the 2 cam spockets.

losing track of this would require realigning the lower chain with the upper chain either:
*with the engine still in - a little tricky to access but still do'able, requires hand cranking the engine several times until the lower chain marker and idle spocket marker lines up,
*lower the engine to access the lower timing chain cover
*engine out job

make sure the head & block surfaces are clean, grease/oil free and flat with no intruding deposits. i used brake cleaner or isoprophol alchohol to degrease mine before assembly.

some patience, keeping parts organised and double checking helps

there's some helpful photos from my project in my blog.
caution: loads of pics

http://www.micra.org.uk/threads/35251-PollyMobiles-Rebuild