Essential tool list for a head gasket change

[Hellspeaker]

So i am just about ready to do the head gasket on my car, I got BMW head studs and an elring gasket kit. I am mainly trying to figure out what the essential tools are for this job.

[jlevie]

A set of metric combination wrenches, e-torx sockets, sockets/extensions/wobble joints, and ratchet or breaker bar would be the minimum. You will also need feeler gauges to set the valve clearance.

Understand that once the head is off it needs to go to a shop to be surfaced. It should also get a valve grind and new seals. You will need new copper plated nuts for the exhaust manifold and down tubes and may need new exhaust studs. I've not used the Elring kit, but it may not come with new oil return tube o-rings.

[jmc1590]

1/2" Torque Wrench. A definite must!

[jalopi]

Get some maroon scotchbrite pads, they're great for cleaning the head and block surfaces. If you've got a straight edge as well as feeler gauges you can see if the block actually has to be resurfaced, though I hope a reputable machine shop would let you know if it's OK.

Depending on how bad you let it overheat, you might wanna have them magnaflux the head before doing any work; make sure there aren't any cracks.

[Hellspeaker]

It's not over heating, it's just seeping oil off the side of the head and i wanted to go ahead and change it out just to be safe. The oil pan is also cracked so i am replacing it also along with the gasket.

[jalopi]

Shit, well if it wasn't overheating and ran fine when parked, just clean the shit out of the head surfaces with scotchbrite pads - you'll be fine like that, no need to resurface the head then.

[efficient]

don't forget to clean the threads on the block and maybe use some copper spray on the headgsket

[jalopi]

+1 on the threads, get yourself a set of taps and dies, you won't regret it.

[Hellspeaker]

Yeah I already have most of this stuff, just wanted to make sure i wasn't missing any tools like half way through the job lol.

[uturn]

valve spring compressor if you're going to do the valve stem seals yourself. A valve lapper tool with lapping paste? small allen wrench for the distributor rotor. I used brake cleaner(plenty of it) with wooden dowels to to soak/soften and then scrap the carbon off the pistons and valves.

[goldenbb]

Flat 32mm wrench for the fan?

[Hellspeaker]

I am going to guess that i need 8mm copper plated lock nuts? I see them on Pelican parts.