When changing the head gaskets in my '94 3.0 do I have to remove the cams or can they be left on the head? I didn't know if the cams were in the way of the head bolts or if the head could be removed with cams on. Also, how many hours should it take to do a head gasket replacement?

 

It's easier if you remove the cams just because it takes a pretty heavy-duty socket to break the head bolts free! I've snapped 3/8 drive sockets and extensions on them. Be sure to use new head bolts and replace the knock sensor wire, and probably the water pump and timing belt while you're at it. As for time, I don't really know because I've always had to wait for the heads to be rebuilt. Also, don't forget to check/adjust the valve clearances while reassembling. Good luck!

 

I'd remove the cams. And be prepaired for some seriously hard to crack cam sproket bolts.

 

Well, id take out the cams because you dont wanna scratch or knick them when your taking out the head bolts, and its a LOT easier to untorque those things with them out. and it wouldnt really hurt to put some new seals in while your at it. and Supra is right, they are a pain in the rear! I actually used a chain wrench, pulled off my idler, the belt hung free, and then wrapped a towel around it and used a breaker bar and pulled in opposite directions. worked like a charm, Watch out for your fingers, those cam gears are sharp!!

 

Did you check with toyota to see if its covered on the vo6 recall for the head gasket I just got my 93 back today and had the 50n steering link done and the vo6 headgasket it worth checking didnt cost a thing

 

yep take the cams out...and get a proper torque wrench for torqueing the cam bearing caps. I think the caps torque down to 12ft lbs and they are EXTREMELY easy to strip out. All in all...have fun and good luck!

 

Call your dealer, give them your VIN#. It is probably covered under the old recall.

 

I called the dealer but no luck, mine was already done back in '97. They did say that the steering link still needed to be corrected. Thanks for all the info.