kes86
Active Member
I'm planning to do a head gasket change on my 1995 defender 300 tdi.
No particular reason, but I messed up a cam belt change last year, and luckily got away with just pushrods and one rocker. It's been using a bit more water lately and there are no obvious leaks. P gasket and water pump changed last year. It's done 199500 miles but runs well apart from a slight top end knock.
I have not done a head gasket on a Land Rover before, but plenty on Minis (old ones) and plenty other cars. My previous Land Rover discoveries x 3 have all obviously needed head gaskets doing by chuffing or drinking water, but have ended up at garages due to all the overtime I used to do.
Anyway, some questions.
Does the head always need skimming? Or can I just check it for cracking and warpage with a straight edge.
Stem seals will be changed and valves checked in case of bending from last disaster, and reground.
Followers checked, as above.
Anything else obvious I should do.
No particular reason, but I messed up a cam belt change last year, and luckily got away with just pushrods and one rocker. It's been using a bit more water lately and there are no obvious leaks. P gasket and water pump changed last year. It's done 199500 miles but runs well apart from a slight top end knock.
I have not done a head gasket on a Land Rover before, but plenty on Minis (old ones) and plenty other cars. My previous Land Rover discoveries x 3 have all obviously needed head gaskets doing by chuffing or drinking water, but have ended up at garages due to all the overtime I used to do.
Anyway, some questions.
Does the head always need skimming? Or can I just check it for cracking and warpage with a straight edge.
Stem seals will be changed and valves checked in case of bending from last disaster, and reground.
Followers checked, as above.
Anything else obvious I should do.