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Topic Date User

OT - head gasket on old liberty 27-Jul-2011 At 8:35:14 AM ClimbingNT

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If you are not comfortable working on cars, then I wouldnt suggest replacing your head gasket yourself.

You need to ensure that the head is tightened down in a specific order, timing needs to be re-done, and you need to be able to diagnose a shift in cam/s if they are moved whilst the timing belt is disconnected.

You also need to ensure that the head is bolted down and torqued using new head bolts, as they are a one off item. If you reuse the same bolts, then you run the risk of snapping a bolt off in the block, since the threads are designed to stretch once torqued (re-using them means there is very little give left in each bolt).

Also, if you do it yourself there is no warranty….and when its something like a head gasket, there is little margin for error when replacing. You’re basically putting the risk of your entire motor in your hands. Incorrect torquing means you will probably warp the head, get hot spots and end up with small bits of molten alloy dripping on to your pistons before the engine finally packs it in. Basically, the engine will be a throw away.

IMO, if you can afford it, this is a job that should really be left to the professionals. That way if something goes wrong, they have to fix it and you are not out of pocket even more money.