Fix It

When replacing gaskets in an automobiles engine, mechanics will sometimes use a glue to help hold the gasket in place. If these gaskets fail and need to be replaced, you must completely remove the residual gasket glue so that the new gasket will rest properly and create a tight seal. You can effectively remove residual gasket with a chemical solvent and a gasket scraper. Use the solvent to loosen the glue, and then use the scraper to remove the gasket glue from the surface.

Instructions

1

Remove as much residual gasket glue as possible using a plastic or metal scraping instrument. Be caul not to gouge the metal around where the gasket glue is being removed.

2

Follow the gasket glue remover manufacturers instructions and either spray the remover onto the metal surface, or apply the remover with a paint brush.

3

Allow the gasket glue remover to sit on the surface and loosen the material. Follow the glue remover manufacturers instructions regarding sitting time, typically 20 to 30 minutes.

4

Scrape the gasket glue off the surface with the gasket scraper, once the sitting time for the glue remover expires.

5

Repeat this process as necessary to completely remove all residual glue.

Replacing a car engines head gasket involves a major tear down of the engine. The procedure also calls for precise measurement of metal surfaces, and the technician may have to repair other parts of the engine as well to prevent future head gasket failures.

Scope of Job

While the head gasket itself consists of a single part, preparing the engine for its replacement represents a large-scale operation, according to Repair Pal. The repair technician must remove air intake and exhaust components, and drain the coolant. In some cases, the technician also must remove the timing assembly, valve covers and camshafts.

Precision

Replacement of a head gasket first requires precision measurements using a straightedge, according to AA1 Car. These measurements must indicate variations from flatness as small as 0.002 inches. Resurfacing a head usually requires the help of a machine shop.

Considerations

Head gaskets wear out for a variety of reasons. AA1 Car notes that anyone replacing a head gasket also should inspect the rest of the engine for potential problems and be ready to perform additional, possibly elaborate repairs.

Dodge introduced the Caravan in 1983 and still manufactures the vehicle. This minivan was equipped with a 3.3 liter V6 engine that had an output of 158 brake horsepower, which is pretty impressive for a family car. The V6 engine was designed to have two head gaskets, one on each side of the block. The head gaskets must occasionally be replaced because a blown or a leaking head gasket may cause bad engine performance.

Instructions

1

Drain the cooling system and disconnect the negative battery cable. Remove the intake manifold and throttle body. Disconnect the coil wires, sending unit wire, heater hoses and by-pass hose. Remove the closed ventilation system, evaporation control system and cylinder head covers.

2

Remove the exhaust manifolds. Remove the rocker arm and shaft assemblies. Remove the push rods and identify each one of them to ensure re-installation in the original locations. Remove the nine head bolts from each cylinder head, and remove the cylinder heads.

3

Inspect the surface of the cylinder head. Remove the old head gasket. Before cleaning, check for leaks, damage and cracks. Clean the cylinder head and oil passages. Check the cylinder head for flatness. Inspect all surfaces with a straightedge if you suspect leakage. If out of flatness exceeds 0.00075 inches, either replace the head or lightly machine the head surface.

4

Clean all debris, coolant and dirt from the engine block cylinder head bolt holes. Failure to remove all foreign material may result in improperly tightened fasteners, damaged threads or damage to components. Install the new head gasket. To re-install all parts, follow the same operation in reverse.

Produced by General Motors under the Chevrolet brand, the big block Camaro is considered a muscle car. The V-8 engine options for the 1989 model are powerful yet relatively simple to work on. The head gasket plays a very important role in making your car to run smooth and efficient. It should be replaced every time it fails. If you have basic auto repair knowledge, the process of replacing the head gasket on the Camaro is simple and straightforward.

Instructions

1

Drain the oil from the engine block. Remove the intake manifold and the exhaust manifolds using the socket set. Unscrew the alternator lower mounting bolt and position alternator aside. Make sure you dont damage the harness connector.

2

Take out the dipstick tube and the bracket. If your Camaro is equipped with air conditioning, remove the compressor and forward mounting bracket and set them aside.

3

Remove power steering pump and bracket using the socket set and set them aside. Remove the rocker arm cover, rocker arms and push rods. Keep the rocker arm, rocker arm balls and push rods in order so they can be installed in the same position after you replace the head gasket.

4

Remove the diverter valve, if equipped. Unscrew the cylinder head bolts and take out the cylinder head. Remove the old head gasket. Reinstall the various removed parts in reverse order. Apply suitable sealer to cylinder head bolts and gradually torque the bolts to 69 foot-pounds in three phases.