shwuz

Yes, another.

I'm going to change out my cam, and am going to change out the headgasket while I have it detorqued, just for good measure.

I found a single reference here to swapping out the hg without removing the intake, just the exhaust, but can't find any more supporting posts on this method.

Anyone else ever do it this way (sounds WAY easier!), and what if any are the potential pitfalls and problems?

Thanks again!

shwuz

oh, one more...

Since my TC and guides have been recently done, i'm not pulling the TC cover. do I need some rtf at that point, or just dry-fit the hg like between the block/head?

ovrrdrive

I did it that way but I had had the head off and prepped the day before. It was still clean and ready for a new gasket. I just didn't want to try using the other gasket again after it had already been torqed down and heated.

If you haven't had it off you're going to have to get it all the way off to prep the block and head for the new gasket.

kyle_22r

i've heard that it's easier to pull the head with the lower intake attached(i pulled mine off the last time i did a timing chain). however, you need to remove the upper intake to unplug the injectors/sensors and also unplug the sensors on the tranny and 02 sensors, then route that part of the harness out of the way, as it goes through a hole in the lower intake.

i'd recommend using an OEM head gasket, or a comparable one with a steel slipper plate(like engnbldr's, napa sells them as well). most have a bead of sealer on the front part so you shouldn't need to put any on the timing cover/block junction.

ovrrdrive

Wow I read the question wrong...

I thought you were asking if you could just lift the head and change the gasket without taking anything loose.

The factory service manual actually says to take the head off with the lower intake and the exhaust manifold still attached so I think it's ok to do it.

I took everything off while still on the truck though as I like to overcomplicate things.

shwuz

Ok, that's making more sense now! Thanks guys.