Head gasket

[totta Crolla]

Time has come to change the head gasket on my bluetop
I wondered if it is necessary to remove the inlet/TVIS system, should it definately need to come off can anyone give me a tip on undoing the bolts underneath
Also I need to buy a socket to fit the head bolts, what size do I need ?
Many thanks,
TC

[mc68]

A 12 sided 12mm impact socket (a good one) for the head bolts.

and i have done my head before without taking the intake manifold off at all, just have to disconnect all the loom and vacuum/coolant line before you attempt to lift it.

[parrot]

And it is no harder getting at the TVIS connector than it is at the manifold bolts......

Be very careful not to damage that. Especially, do NOT be tempted to pull off the vacuum tube from the TVIS VSV when it is still bolted to the engine as you WILL end up breaking off the nipple it locates on.

[F0Bman]

Parrot is absolutely right. I have girlish arms and its still hard for me to get underneath, so good luck.


F0B

[parrot]

Some of them you need to get at by climbing up underneath as much as possible. A couple can be best got at with some long extension bars. Whatever, take your time to reduce the chance of rounding them off. It is not a fun job.

But yes, it is a good idea to take the plenum off intact with the head. But as above, remember to unclip the TVIS VSV connecter first.

[Ikedude]

Hey, sorry to just jump in but...

The car I'm looking at has a blown head gasket, or at least thats as much as the previous owner knows, and I don't have lots of mechanical experience. I found the manual for torque specifications and order and have knowledgeable friends willing to help me out but I just wanted to make sure I had everything I needed. Obviously a new head gasket... possibly new head bolts or anything else?

thanks for any replies.

hopefully the head isn't warped

[F0Bman]

Definitely new head bolts, water pump, tensioner bearing, valve cover seals and grommets.

[totta Crolla]

Head off now !
Not too bad really, I used an extension bar as suggested above, thanks.
Ikedude, might be a good idea to replace the distributor 'o'ring and the two on the short pipe that joins the water pump to the head. All available from Toyota.

[Ikedude]

Alright, thanks for the help. When you say available from Toyota, you mean ordering through a dealership? Sorry if this is obvious but I've never done that.

[totta Crolla]

Ikedude Wrote:Alright, thanks for the help. When you say available from Toyota, you mean ordering through a dealership? Sorry if this is obvious but I've never done that.

Yes