Topic: Procedure for head gaskets

[taztaztic]

Hi there, I am just wanting to know the basic procedure for replacing the head gaskets in my 84 Ford LTD II. I have done a lot of work on cars before, but I just want to refresh my memory regarding the proper steps for replacing the gaskets.

Thank you very much if you can help.

Tony

[barrie1]

Welcome Taztaztic to the Forum. Have a large container ready to catch all of the anti-freeze and another one to hold the oil as well. You will probably be replacing them anyways. A proper selection of Tools and start pulling the centre head after you have stripped all of the hoses off. Chalk mark your distributor for position and remove it just before the intake comes off. With the valve covers off you then will pull the head bolts. If its a blown head gasket you will have to send the head in to be checked and cleaned. Hopefully no damage. You will need a good Torque wrench and the right specs to re-install the heads. You just do everything in reverse order.

[Roadrunner]

Barrie,
if you have to do a head gasket replacement wouldn't it be wise to check the crankshaft bearings for possible damage? The motor is stripped anyway.

[articsteve]

Try "IRONTITE" before you bother with all of the above.  Works great with old Fords.  

I brought a 6.2 GM diesel with the high output heads back from a major head gasket failure. If it takes it will out last the crank.

[maritime_storm]

One important question was missed. What engine is in this car, some 2.3L, most had the 3.8L, and a few even came with the 302.

[barrie1]

It would depend on how long the head gasket was leaking fluid and how far the car was driven. If he caught the problem fairly quick he may not have any bottom end damage, If he driven a long ways then the engine could be completely bad. It might be cheaper as it is to drop another engine in as even the head repairs are going to hurt. The car is an 84 and the wreckers might have a good used engine for a reasonable price.