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i am about to tackle the head gasket. I am just asking if there is anything that i should be watching for or anything i should know going in?!? I am learning as i go..

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!!!FINALLY!!!
-1977 Luv mikado

Just take your time, im in the middle of doing my 76 now. Just make sure you bring the rotor around to #1 on the cap, so you can line up the cam with the mark on the head before you drop the chain. Make sure the trans is in neutral. Use a peace of hanger wire to loop the chain so you can get it back out of the block easier, and have a manual handy just in case. I just undid the exhaust pipe, and throttle linkage, fuel lines, and hoses and just yanked the head, intake, carb, exahust as one unit to make it a bit easier, then I will assemble it on the bench before it goes back on the truck.. Good luck!

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LUV Truck Desserter!
76 Daily driver (SOLD)
73 LUV (rusting away at the moment)
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63 Nova
74 Camaro

The trick I use is to wire the timing chain to the top sprocket. Then you unbolt the sprocket from the cam and leave it in place when you pull the head. The book says to release the tension on the chain, but you can skip that too. I've never had one slip either way, but my theory is that leaving the tension on will keep the chain from slipping on the bottom sprocket, which you can't get to.

Other than that, drain the coolant out before starting, take your time unhooking and marking wires/vac lines, the basic stuff. The EGR tube that goes from the exhaust manifold to the intake can be a big pain to get loose. I've found it easier to unbolt from the exhaust if you run the motor a bit, get the manifold hot, then melt a couple ice cubes on the fitting. Manifold hot and expanded and fitting cooler and contracted. Lots of penetrating oil helps too.

i got my manual ....but i am a lil scared here

that is some heavy duty shit...

i am thinking that i may just tow the lil guy into auto shop and get help fromt the teacher... i would rather drive it in, but hey, it isnt worth massing it up

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!!!FINALLY!!!
-1977 Luv mikado

If it has a bad head gasket, don't drive it, shit don't even fire it back up til you get it fixed

well damn. if i had a way to get over to your place, id help ya. ive done headgaskets on toyota and older datsun motors. the isuzu isnt any different i wouldnt think.

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"but its that gut feeling of you're drawn to what feels right for yourself and what you're passionate about..."

If it's your first time tearing a motor apart, some help would be a good idea! I would be scared too! I can do these in my sleep, even got to change a LUV head gasket on my 75 years ago in a 7-11 parking lot in the rain.. Fun fun! Makes a great class project, let us know how it goes.

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LUV Truck Desserter!
76 Daily driver (SOLD)
73 LUV (rusting away at the moment)
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63 Nova
74 Camaro

don't be scared about it!!! It really isn't that hard, just take your time and don't rush, you should be fine

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'80 Luv 4x4, 3" BL, 1.5" SL, 32/36, 2.25" exhaust...and fuzzy dice.
'95 Toyota 4Runner Limited 5-Speed.

I put a dab of paint on the sprocket and chain to verify the location. then used a bungee cord to keep the chain tight. have another person help! leave the intake on take the exhaust off. and for god sake dont to what i did and drop the 2 little bolts from the front of the head down into the oil pan or you'll be pulling it off too!

haha thanks for all the info help and support

i am going to tow the luv to the shop sunday night... so i can begin work monday :D with help near-by !!

i will keep everyone posted on developments :wink:

thanks again

anthony

_________________
!!!FINALLY!!!
-1977 Luv mikado