Hey All. Sorry to be away so long. Been busy. Well, looks like Murphy, the $500 Turbo-Wag's is throwing steam from the # 3 cylinder, so a head gasket job is on the schedule. This is a bummer since I was thinking about doing the A/T to 5spd Manual swap. That's once again on the backburner. I ordered the gasket kit and it will arive on Monday. Since I got the kit, I'm thinking I should go ahead and replace both gaskets. I have, in the past, replaced the gasket without having the head resurfaced, but that was when I was in college and was really, really poor. So this week-end I'll be busy cleaning out the two car garage, which is, at the moment, a one car and Lots-O-Junk garage.

 

PS. I used to be Froggymike, but I'm killing off the moniker. Froggymike is no more. Long live Sonicfrog!

 

UPDATE: Picked up the head gasket kit $101.00. Cleaned garage to make room for car. I start taking Murphy apart today. WILL have the heads milled.

If you can, do the AT to 5speed swap and engine job at the same time. Just pull the engine and tranny at the same time...it's easier. You can put them back in at the same time.

If you can, do the AT to 5speed swap and engine job at the same time. Just pull the engine and tranny at the same time...it's easier. You can put them back in at the same time.

 

I'd love to, but I just paid a thou on school fees and don't have the $$$ for the parts.

When installing new head gaskets on turbo 1800's, should I apply any sealant on the new head gasket???

There shouldn't be any need for any type of sealer as long as you mating surfaces are clean.Good luck.

Well, got the exgaust manifold off the heads. I was hoping not to have to take apart the turbo apart, but, with a wrench, I couldn't loosen the exhaust / turbo intake nut that sits right under the turbo outlet, so I had to take the outlet off to put a ratchet on the nut. But I got it off. I was scared though, because the nuts that hold the exhaust manifold to the heads came right off. and since exhaust systems are always my achillies heal, I get nervous when things go too easy there. Tomorrow will be the timing covers, belts and heads.

Haven't done squat to the car today. But I remember that while I was working on the car yesterday, I realized why I blew a head gasket. A couple of months ago I fixed all my oil leaks and was building up too much pressure.