If you have never done one before leave about a day. To make a head gasket last first find the cause that blow the first one. If you don't then you will only have to do it again. Also use the uprated gasket set from a dealer I have seen so many independents selling old gasket sets with plastic dowels. Do you know if the head itself is sound if not you would have to get that skimmed.

 

When I did mine I took my time and didn't rush any aspect.
I did it in 2 days but only for about 4 hours each day.
Looking back most of that time was double checking things like the timing.
Having done one I would be able to do it again in a day.
I would think about 8 hours is a fair time to allow yourself.

 

what kind of experience do you have with cars 'Amagoza' is it something you think a hands on person can do if they've never done one before.

I've always fancied doing things like that whenever I do something I always expect it to go wrong though lol quite a thrill when it doesnt.

 

It's not a bad job to do but it is full of pitfalls for the beginner....

 

It's not a bad job to do but it is full of pitfalls for the beginner....

Started on saturday morning, got stuck on the pulley bolt, wd40 and a big stick got me past that, got stuck on pulley after that. Need 'special tools' from stealers who are convieniently closed on Sundays. But at least the FSM is all freely available online ;-)

 

Mine took about a week, but I did have to tow it down a workshop after I rounded a head bolt ( I blame the cowboy with the air tool who over tightened it after the first change). Also had loads of trouble with the crank pulley bolt. Pretty sure I could to turn it round in a day now though.

 

what kind of experience do you have with cars 'Amagoza' is it something you think a hands on person can do if they've never done one before.

I've always fancied doing things like that whenever I do something I always expect it to go wrong though lol quite a thrill when it doesnt.

I think it all depends on how savvy you are with all things mechanical.
First time I did the head gasket on mine it all went very well. Some help from the Major saw me right on a few potential issues.
Other than that it helps if you have the right tools for the job.
If you follow the manual and speak to plenty of people before you do the job then you are better prepared than most.

 

It's not a bad job to do but it is full of pitfalls for the beginner....

...such as trying to figure out why the heck you sockets don't undo the head bolts...wait a minute...they look like stars!!! And it's 9:00pm....how do i find a torx socket??? Another day passing waiting :lol:

Thankfully K series don't require any weird looking special tools. Only the torx socket for the head bolts and an allen key for the cambelt tensioner. That's it.

My advice would be to bring the cylinder head to an engine workshop for them to have a look and skim it (IF required), so you don't waste time and effort for it to happen again in the future. I would also personally change the water pump, flush with a hose the cooling system thoroughly, new thermostat etc.

 

i second that, do the water pump. I found out why mine had failed after the HGF, water pumps dont like a new cambelt on and being tighten beacause it puts strain on the bearings or seals.

Make sure you check the rad, get a flow check done on it!
HTH

Ben