- New head gasket
- Cylinder head bolts
- A socket wrench set
- A torque wrench
- A feeler gauge
- Gasket sealant
- A degreaser
- A scraper
- A razor blade
- A wire brush
- A soft cloth
- Safety goggles and gloves
Instructions:
1. Park the car on a level surface and turn off the engine. Allow it to cool completely.
2. Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
3. Disassemble the Cylinder Head. Follow your engine specific repair manual for details on how to do this. Steps will include draining coolant, disconnecting fuel, air intake and other wiring, and removing the valve cover and camshaft.
4. Remove the old head gasket. Use a razor blade or gasket scraper to carefully remove the old gasket, being careful not to damage the cylinder head or block.
5. Clean the cylinder head and block. Use a degreaser and a soft cloth to clean the mating surfaces of the cylinder head and block, removing all traces of dirt, oil, and debris.
6. Apply gasket sealant to the new head gasket. Use a thin bead of gasket sealant to the contact surface of the cylinder head on both sides of the gasket and a dab at every coolant port and exhaust port. Don’t apply gasket sealer at the bolt bores though or you’ll damage it.
7. Install the new head gasket. Carefully place the new head gasket onto the cylinder head, ensuring that it is properly aligned.
8. Reinstall the cylinder head.
9. Install the cylinder head bolts. Tighten the cylinder head bolts in the proper sequence and to the specified torque.
10. Reassemble the engine. Follow your engine specific repair manual for details on how to do this.
Note: It is important to consult a professional mechanic if you are not comfortable performing this repair yourself.
