Anybody have a good right up or some secrets or tips on Head gasket repair?

[clydesdale]

I have some oil in my coolant and likely a head gasket going. I am considering doing the gasket. I realize that I will have to get the head decked and I may have a valve job done. The car has 275k miles on it.
How do I confirm the head gasket leak and do you have some tips on removal and installation?
I see some people keep the exhaust manifold on the head and tie back the intake manifold. Do you have any suggestions?

[jlevie]

If the car has a manual transmission, oil in the coolant means a failed head gasket. But if it has an automatic transmission, oil in the coolant could mean a leaking transmission cooler.

I remove the head with the exhaust and intake manifolds attached. using an engine hoist. If doing the job by yourself sans hoist, it is going to be easier to remove both manifolds first.

[clydesdale]

I have an engine hoist. The car is a manual trans. So you think the best way with access to two people and a hoist is to remove it with both manifolds intact? Thanks
I appreciate your responding to the other threads as well. I do need to address crank seal as well.

[jlevie]

It isn't too hard to get the intake off, though getting the oil return to shifted down into block can be a challenge if that hasn't been done recently. When you pull the head with the intake still attached you don't have to shift the oil return tube. Access to the exhaust header nuts is something of a pain with the head on the engine. And they will usually be well rusted into place. With the head off the engine you can use a flame wrench on the nuts and avoid snapping off a stud.

So yeah, I think it is easier to pull the head with the manifolds attached.

[clydesdale]

That is how it will be done. I am sick and tired of snapping bolts. I much rather apply heat when it is easily visible off the car. Please talk to me about this tube that I have seen referred to as the tube of death. Can this thing fall into the block or something? What is the scare? Thanks.
Also, would you redo the seals in the head or just have it pressure tested and surfaced?

[jlevie]

The oil return to fits between the block and intake manifold. It is about an inch in diameter and is located in the center of the engine. The tube is pressed up and into the manifold by a spring at the bottom and there are seals at the top and bottom. It can't fall into the engine and you can't get the intake off without pushing the tube down into the block (against the spring). The part of the tube inside the block collects gunk that almost cements it in place and it can be difficult to push the tube into the block. When you pull the head with the intake attached you don't have to fight the tube as the intake will slide right off the top of the tube. Once the head is off it isn't difficult to pull the tube, clean it, and fit new seals. Whent he head, with intake attached goes back on, you just guide the tube into the intake as you lower the head.