Well the good news is that i know what is wrong bad news is it is a cracked head. I ordered the head and am getting ready to change it. I think it would be easier if the engine was not in the vehicle.? I know book time is like 11 hours to do it and i am assuming that is with it in the vehicle. Any advice on this would be wonderful. I am also a little unsure on how to set up the timing belt when i go back together with it. HELP PLEASE!!!!

 

Removing the engine to change the head is way too much work lol

Rob

 

i did it with the engine in (took about 6 hours w. help ) make sure you have all the parts you need (gasket kit, etc..) and please change out the fuel filter while you are in there (much easier)

 

it's pretty simple to do, of you know how to do it. The dealership say it takes about 7 hours....I think I could do mine in 3-4, don't ask...why I am so fast.... I just pulled the drivers head on mine, and in an unmotivated overheated state (it's just over 100 here), it took me an hour and a half to pull... The biggest problem I have is I have headers and you can't get at the top bolts on 3 and 5 on the passenger side, tightening and loosening one ratchet click at a time.

If you don't mind, where did you get your new one, and how much did you pay? I have a bad head right now that I need to pull. I am being told the valve seats are , it has been reccomended to just replace the head and start new.

 

pulling the block just to r & r heads is wrong, plain and simple.

just do a search on this site, LOTS of threads about this job and what parts, supplies, experience, etc. you are going to need
Just put in a little time wading through to find what you need; be patient, the information you come across will be invaluable if you are serious about undertaking this job, I guarantee it.

Buy a Factory Service Manual. Throw out your hanes or Chilton. Do a little dance.

use toyota headgasket

 

benwahballs,
I see you have the Downey headers, have you had any trouble keeping the slip fitting sealed? I have had all sorts of problems with exhaust leaks on the right side.

 

I got the new head at Checkers it was like 280 with a 180 core charge i think. The gaskets should be here today. I started taking it apart and I got the upper intake, the radiator, the timing covers, and a few other odds and ends off. I think I am also going to change the exhaust on it while I have it apart, any advice on this would be great, I do not have the money to get a set of headers right now so I will have to use the factory manifolds if possible.