Doing Head Gasket

[AlisonB]

Is there anything I should know in particular? My other half is actually doing the job and he has done it before on other vehicles just wondered if there was anything specific to the rascal.

Thanks guys

[Rascalvan10]

The head gasket can fitted in two ways, but only one is right, so make sure the gasket is fitted with the correct hole in-line with the oil way in the centre of the head.
If this is not done the oil supply to the head will be reduced and usually ends up with the camshaft seizing up in the cylinder head.
As a guide, it is usually the larger of the 2 holes that must align with the oil feed/oil way.
the smaller one should be at the bottom when the gasket is fitted.
Trust me, i have seen this done wrongly many times.
Regards Tim

[Dell Boy]

Make sure you push stiff wire through the water bleed hole through to the water pump & up into the head to make sure it is clear.
Replace all the core plugs.

Derek.

[>>CHOP<<]

its very easy to get the timing 180 degrees out...especially if you have a cam sproket with two arrows on it like mine...one arrow is bigger than the other ..and this wants to be pointing at the woodruff key on the crankshaft

[AlisonB]

Thank you so much. Really appreciated. He said all that is good.

Cheers again.

Alison.

[AlisonB]

Hi,
OH and son just doing the head gasket. We have come across a couple of problems and parts we need. Would really appreciate some pointers.

Two images of broken thing (link further down), we need a new one, what is it and any idea where we will get one please.
Head bolts, a set of ten, where would we get those please.
Thermostat, where to get a one.
Earth strap, we can get one locally, is that the best thing to do?
Timing belt, where to get a one.
Ancillary belt, where to get a one.
Inlet manifold where to get a one.

Pictures are here if you don't mind taking a look. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150453798693602&set=a.10150453798628602.361682.77205398601&type=1&theater

Thanks loads if you can help us here, much appreciated.

Alison.

[Dell Boy]

Its the Bi Metallic vacuum switching valve.
Haynes manual, page 4/5 item 17. In very short supply due to people snapping them in halve.
I can do a used one for £20.00 plus postage.
Timing belt £16.00.
Fan belt.    £5.00
Thermostat plus gasket  £8.00.
Inlet manifold with good hose outlet. £20.00.
Used earth strap. £3.00.
The whole lot is £80.00 including post & packing.

Derek.

[Dell Boy]

Reuse the old head bolts.

Derek.

[AlisonB]

Thanks that is brilliant. How do you want to sort the dosh, do you take paypal? Also we think we may need headbolts as the engine did overheat and the old ones were loose and we are assuming they are stretched or damaged, what do you think?

Thanks for getting back to us.

Alison.

[Dell Boy]

Paypal to   derekfoxrainham@aol.com   please.
Your head bolts will be fine. Torque down to 52 lbs.

Derek.

[AlisonB]

Thank you very much, have sent payment. Thanks again. Alison.

[Dell Boy]

Parts posted today 1st class Royal Mail.

Derek.

[AlisonB]

Hi,
Just to let you know the box arrived today, haven't opened it yet, saving that little treat for tomorrow.

Thanks again,

Alison.

[AlisonB]

Hello, bad news!

Other half did the head gasket and now the engine has seized. Everything has been checked and it was all reassembled correctly. So fed up now.

So big question is how much does anyone reckon a block is going to cost? Other half isn't sure that he is up to being able to do it but we will see if we can get a mate to give us a hand.

[Dell Boy]

How long did engine run before seizing?
I have a brand new block, pistons & rings but lots of money for these. I also have good used blocks, pistons & new piston rings a lot cheaper.
It maybe just head problem though, seized camshaft etc.

Derek.