EA71 Head gasket change

Supplies:
VRS Gasket Kit- exhaust, intake, head, rocker cover, valve stem seals, thermostat

Valve spring compressor

Degreaser

Razor blade

Instructions:

Easiest method I have found is to remove the engine to change head gaskets to ensure everything is lined up correctly and to give the engine and bay a tidy up while removed.

In standard position there is not enough room to remove the heads with studs in place.

1.Remove radiator via two bolts on rad support. There are three plugs, one temp sensor, two for the thermo fan.

2. Disconnect wiring loom plugs and any accessories such as alternator, belt tensioners.

3. Remove exhaust manifold bolts

4. Undo bellhousing bolts. Two bolts at top two studs at bottom.

5. Remove engine mount bolts connecting engine to mount(not mount to cross member)

6. Pry the engine from the Gearbox carefully.

7. Attach engine hooks or strong rope to lift the engine with an engine crane. Take care that it does not apply force to the input shaft or bend the rad support during removal.

8. Remove rocker covers.

9. Remove head bolts in order below

10.Using valve spring compressor remove valves individually

11. Install valve stem seals on outside valves/intake. There are no seals on inside valves/exhaust. Reinstall valves

12.Check for warpage, if in spec clean surfaces of block and head with razor blade

13. Install heads, torquing in sequence below

To be continued...