Help

Hello every one.

Please forgive me if im posting in the wrong spot.

I have a 88-90 ford i think its an EA station wagon.

Ive just been told the head is shot.
It still starts but runs pretty bad.
I was thinking of replacing the head myself and i was hoping if you pros out there have any warnings and recomendations of tools that i would need to complete the job.

Im quite determined to do this and im familiar with the principles behind a motor engine but i have had little hands on.

Is this a straight forward job or should i bypass it.

Also will i need a brand new head or can you get recons.


Any help is much appreciated.

Thanks you

[jabba]

The best advice your going to get is, Get a pro to do it for you. As you run a big risk of screwing you motor to save $300.....

[fiery]

Isnt there some sort of manual thingy that you can get to explain what you are doing?

Personally I would take it to a mech. Unless you know someone that can hold your hand whilst you do it....

Good luck with whatever you decide to do

Cheers

[FordFan86]

You think it's an EA station wagon, or think it's and 88-90 build? :P
Unless you've witnessed a head gasket change or have helped take the head off before I'd get a mechanic to do it. Or have another mate who knows what they are doing to give you a bit of a hand. If you can go without your car for a couple of days and really want to attempt it yourself, go for it.

[EFFalcon]

there is a tutorial on deleted link on how to change the head gasket, how ever i wouldn't attempt it myself unless i had someone who had done it with me or i'd done it before.

the main trick is having good tools, without them its a pain.
its not that hard a job, but you've gotta realise what you're getting yourself into.

[-jjM-]

unless uve done this things urself i would try it myself, even wit mechanical knowhow, there are manuals around, but best guess would be go and get mechanics to look at it

[ilsautomotive]

If you are going to do it, consider buying a few different manuals (Gregories, Haynes..) and research it as much as possible first. Better yet is getting help from someone who has done it before.

The most important part is scraping the old gasket off fully, and ideally having the head shaved and tested. Any corners cut will mean the gasket will go again in a few months, and it wouldn't be the car's fault. ;)

[XRated]

Torque wrench, 14mm (single hex) impact socket, lots of spanners, lots of patience. I did it by myself first go, and I consider myself an amateur DIY mechanic LOL!

It depends how confident you feel. Mechanics will charge you anything from 1.2k-2k. It should only cost about <500 yourself if you're buying new tools and the head isn't cracked etc.