Head gasket replacement -- Don't really have anything to lose... - Hyundai Performance Forums

DynastyAccent · 11-17-2003, 02:34 PM

Okay, so a while back, I got this weird sound from my engine and when I checked the oil, it was a bit low. I added some oil, the sound went away, and everything was fine until the next morning when I checked the oil level and it was WAY too high and also seemed very thin. The sound came back, I started getting smoke, and my engine bay was mildly covered in the oil/coolant mixture. Peopl have been telling me that it's a bad head gasket, and I can't exactly afford the price that the dealership is quoting me. So, a freind and I were planning on just saving the money I would pay at the dealership and using it to replace my entire engine with the 2.0 Beta I have sitting in the garage. Here's the real problem, though, winter is coming, I need a car soon to start moving my stuff back home for winter break, and I'm not too sure when my friend will be able to help me. So I was considering changing the gasket and fixing my current engine. My question is that besides the obvious, what tools and parts would I need to do this, and just how exactly it's done. If I didn't have the replacement engine, I wouldn't do this myself, but I do, and I figure it's worth giving it a shot if it means having a semi-reliable car in the mean time until I finally do the swap. I can't really make the situation worse than it is because as it is, I can't really drive anywhere without losing much of my oil and doing even more harm to my engine than I already have. If anyone has any suggestions or advice, it is very welcome. Thank you all in advance!

grimmy · 11-17-2003, 09:47 PM

welp, its not an extremely easy job... but it takes me three hours for removal and installation of the heads on a DOHC engine with hand tools.

easiest way to say it... drain the coolant (bottom of rad, disconnect the coolant hoses to the head

unbolt the exhaust and intake manifolds from the head and pull away gently just to make sure it will clear when you want it too. don't wory bout disconnecting the fuel rail from the intake manifold.

unplug the spark plugs - take a poleroid for the order and location of em
remove spark plugs.

remove valve cover to expose the tops of the valves and springs

remove accessories belts (replace with new if required later in steps)

remove timing belt cover and belt

check at www.hmaservice.com for webteck and check the order for bolt removal of the heads.

clean heads, pistons, check valves and pistons for wear,

replace head gasket

rea-assemble in close to reverse order as above.

install timing belt and accessories belts, and accessories as removed.

start engine.

IF YOU DO NOT KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING - DO NOT TRY THIS

also, Buy the HYUNDAI manual - its a great help, and very discriptive compared to say... a chiltons.

Good lcuk - BTW I have torn the heads off my car three times now.

special tools? not really. just a 200 peice complete ratchet set.
you will also need a full set of allen keys, and if you can get it, a good set of sockets with the allen keys aready in em (I use Snap On) and a torque wrench.

-Cheers!

-Grimmy

VALKYRIE YB70 · 11-18-2003, 08:03 AM

IMPORTANT!.......do the work suggested by Grimmy, then , following the instructions on the pack, use flushing oil first & change the oil & filter!.
Good luck!,
Nick.

DynastyAccent · 11-20-2003, 06:36 PM

Do I need anything special to put on the new gasket? I was watching super tuner tv when they were working on the project supra, and when they were reassembling the engine, they used some type of spray, a protectant, sealant or something on the gasket. Anyone know what I'm talking about? Besdides that is there anything else? I know a lot of people use something to assist in the loosening of bolts so they don't strip the thread...Thanks

grimmy · 11-21-2003, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DynastyAccent
[body]
Do I need anything special to put on the new gasket? I was watching super tuner tv when they were working on the project supra, and when they were reassembling the engine, they used some type of spray, a protectant, sealant or something on the gasket. Anyone know what I'm talking about? Besdides that is there anything else? I know a lot of people use something to assist in the loosening of bolts so they don't strip the thread...Thanks
[/body]

When I replace the gasket, I was lucky to have the old gaskets come off clean and easily. Old gaskets may leave little bits on the heads and block, which would need to be removed.

I made sure, and took special care not to get any oil or contaminants on the gasket itself before and during installation, and I used Rubbing alcohol pads (purchased at local drug store in diabetes isle) to clean the heads and block of any oil or coolant before installation. Alcohol as we all know evaporates very easily.

otherwise, I used no spray or anything like that on it, and I personally don't believe anything I see on the likes of ST-TV.

Again, I must stress, that if you do not know what you are doing, don't do it.

This is not something easy like replacing brake pads and if you mess it up, it is expensive for gaskets and such to do it over, that is, if you didn't severly damage your engine.

-Grimmy

DynastyAccent · 11-22-2003, 12:25 AM

Hylomar...That's what I was trying to think of before. A few people I talked to said they used this. Just wanted to make sure, yea or nea?

heliodoc · 11-22-2003, 05:14 PM

The product you are thinking of is spray gasket adhesive. Mitsuibishi requires it on a 95 eclipse. It also has a metal compressable gasket. The spray helps to keep the gasket from sliding when you try to put the head back on. If its not on right you will pinch it and be out a $100 for the gasket. You would probally be able to use the spray on the hyundai as the types of metels are the same. Also if the head bolts are stretched you will have to replace them. Thats another $50 (I think).

Now unless you are mechanicly inclined, I wouldn't do this job.

DynastyAccent · 11-23-2003, 12:36 AM

Okay, so I worked on the car today, did a very close inspection of it, and I am convinced that it's not the head gasket after all. I drained the oil, though, gave it a change, changed the plugs, and started her up. No leaks, no oil being burnt...I took it for a short drive and oil levels were fine, coolant level were fine, and there wasn't any oil or anything in the coolant, either. She works just fine, except for one problem...The engine makes a ton of racket, a loud clicking noise, which I'm pretty sure is something wrong in the valve train, only sounds like one of the valves or rocker arms. Not sure where to go from here, if I want to fix the problem or just do the swap. Has anyone ever had a problem similar to this?

Tugger5000 · 11-23-2003, 12:42 AM

If you can afford the space in the garage, buy a 300$ POS winter rat, and drive it while you work on the Beta swap.

grimmy · 11-24-2003, 10:41 AM

I have heard of this problem.

if it's sound directly responds to changes in engine revs, its likely a valve or a hydraulix lifter sticking. This is usually caused by oil starvation and its subsequent damage.

use an aftermarket specialty lube.. might help a little bit

oh yeah - make sure you havent left any tools in the engine bay that might be hitting a belt or a pulley, and make sure if you took any covers off.. that you put them and thier respective bolts back in right.

-Grimmy