Dolemike

Ok, I made a post earlier in the week about my headgasket (HOPEFULLY) problem. I was looking thru the Helms manual and couldnt locate a section in there that tells how to replace the gasket. Just mainly an engine diagram of how its assembled, is there a specific section on how to replace it or not? And if not... can the whole top end be taken off in one piece aside from the obvious removal of hoses etc? Thinks thats all my questions for now.

steven975

look for the instructions on cylinder head removal.

you do need to take off both manifolds to remove the head...at least you should.

Billman250

You are much better off leaving the intake manifold in the car, wiring/hoses connected. It will hold itself right in place there's so much hooked up to it.

The header should be unbolted and lowered down.

This is not a DIY unless you are good with tools and engines.

Dolemike

WOW! So its easier to get at it from underneath!? Never would have guessed that one.. with that said Ill definitely be taking it to a shop then. I know you know the engine as good as one can get Billman... Im good with tools but internal engine experience is slim. A friend of mine has replaced head gaskets on other cars before so I was going to have him take a look at it and see if he felt it was do-able, but with all said I do feel more comfy taking it somewhere to get this done. Not to mention I would like to get a compression test done as well. Is there anything else I might as well have done "while theyre at it"?

VR4

nobody said it was easier from underneath.


disconnect the intake and exh manifolds from the head. and move them to the side.

Dolemike

ahh gotcha.. totally misread billmans post. Caffeine has me TOO wired atm.

Dolemike

So the intake manifold can come off as a whole correct and doesnt need to me totally removed from the car while doing this?

Billman250

Pull all the intake bolts (which is a job in itself) and pull it back away from the head very slightly...you can leave everything hooked up to it.

Venomous S

The header can be left in the engine bay off to the side as well, just disconnect it from the cat and leave it there, making sure its not hanging by the 02 sensor wires. Prepare yourself for the intake manifold unbolting ordeal

steven975

isn't there a coolant passage going from the head to manifold? I could swear my Integra had that. If there is, be careful you don't spill coolant into your intake ports.