was seriously trying to convince myself to attempt head gasket repairs, but the procedure was long, the tools were lacking, and i've never done nuttin' like it before.
wasn't even entirely sure that id be fixing the right thing so i looked into the cylinder compression checks and even THAT frightened me off.... I guess taking it to the shop is doing the right thing....

not ready for the big jump yet. maybe i can get a junker towed to my house and disassemble that sometime... i just didnt want to have to be learning this stuff on my only running car.

I'm a little envious of those who are comfortable doing your own repairs.... hope to be one of you someday soon.

 

You have nothing to be ashamed of or concerned about. I'm in the same boat as you. I can do simple repairs or mods, but when it's time to do anything technical or intricate, it's off to the repair shop. I wish I too had the know-how and the skill to do these kinds of repairs. I wish I wasn't lazy back in high school (long ago) and had taken automotive repair (if they had offered it. It's been so long, I can't remember).

You have a good idea about "operating" on a clunker. Why risk "killing" your car. Do it on a car that's already terminal. I also wish that one day I can boast about the many things Forum members here can do with their rides.

 

thanks for the kind words, but i still feel like a dummy.

oh and i just got even more confused cause the car wasn't smoking at all the last time i drove it except for a puff when i started it.

 

Everyone gets in over their head. My weakness is I can NEVER adjust the value lash. That is why I am scared to death of opening up engines too. I can get it all back together, but then I am calling for a flatbed to take it to someone to bail me out.

One of these days I am going to have to find someone that can watch over me when I try it.

Also, anything involving welding is farmed out.

It is best to know one's limitations than have the flat bed on speed dial!

 

Let me tell you. 7 yrs ago. I would never dare to touch the motor other than a brake job. First a I had a friend(mechanic do a head/cam job.) and have him remove the motor. Although I work with him as a handy man.

Now I freaking pull anything on own. I replaced a headgasket and install header. Pretty much anything I will and dare to do it now. No biggy. Just a need confident to do it.

 

with 85 500 horses. You may never know until you try, but you may never get it right either!!! I am lucky enough to live next to someone with an entire metal working\machine shop in his garage... he knows more about engines than I'll dream of. He helped me with my cam swap so at least I was involved, but not something I'll attempt to do on my own. Personally I think you are doing the right thing!!!

 

What was it about the compression test that scared you off. It is little more than changing the spark plugs a couple of times. Start slowly, and soon we'll have you wrenching on the head bolts. There is nothing especially technical about changing the head gaskets. It is a LOT of work, but it's just one small operation after the other.

RACE ON!!!

 

disable ignition system
connect remote starting switch
use remote starting switch to crank engine

those three steps threw me. i got a little bit overwhelmed about figuring those three out.
wat is a remote starting switch?!?


I know theres lots of help to be had on the forum but I felt like asking you guys to walk me through a head gasket replacement was asking too much.

this shop probably wont charge me for the compression test... i'll know soon.

 

On my '88 I've had the exhaust manifolds off to port them out, then the intake plenum and runners and later the intake base.

Once when the base was off I was very tempted to just pull the heads and port them out; if I had a garage in which to work it would have happened.

All you really need to do new head gaskets is the the GM Shop Manual for your car and a few tools needed, inslucing a good torque wrench. You can pick up some good books on the innards of the SBC engine from Amazon; David Vizzard and Dave Emanuel have several good books on the subject.

Once you work your way through those pubs you will know enough to do the job with no problem. And you have the Forum if you get stuck. The key for a newbee is to take some digital pics and bag & label parts & bolts as you proceed. It takes a little longer on disassembly but really helps on assembly.

A few years ago I installed 1.6:1 RRs and it was the first time I'd done any valve train work. But I did my homework, assembled the correct parts and chose a fool-proof method of valve lash adjustment. And, of course, I took my time and didn't try to rush through the project.

If you do the reasearch till you know what to expect in there (well most of it anyway), have the shop manual, have the proper tools (I've had to dash out and get some that I didn't know I'd need) and are careful & methodical and can do the small repairs you will have no problem doing head gaskets.

Even if the extra tools cost 1/2 as much as the labor charge to have it done you will still be $$ ahead and you will gain immensley in self confidence and knowledge by doing the job.

 

A remote starting switch, is an independent push button switch with electrical leads, that you purchase at the auto parts store. It is a momentary contact switch with alligator clips on the ends of it's wires for temporarily attaching them to the starter.

1.) On the distributor cap, there is a projection off the left (car's left) side of the cap with some "normal" sized wires connected. The cap is labeled as to what connects, where. Remove the large red wire connected where it says, "Bat". The ignition is now disabled.

2.) If you have gone out to buy the remote starter switch, connect one wire to the large electrical terminal stud on the starter and the other to the small electrical terminal stud on the starter. Your remote starter switch is ready for action...BUT if you have a wife, friend, neighbor, or the reasonable facsimile of one of those, you don't need the remote starter switch.

3.) Push the button in the center of the remote starter switch and the engine will crank over. However if you have opted to eliminate the remote starter switch, have your (lovely) assistant turn the ignition key to the start position. The engine will crank over.

That wasn't so bad, was it?

RACE ON!!!

 

If it wasn't for the Forum I would have sold my Corvette 2 years ago! I'm not going to name anyone, but I was stepped through a timing chain removal and installation!

 

1a Go to store a buy 8 plugs and 1 compression tester ( why not change plugs at $2 each while your at it.)
1b unplug the plastic connector that plugs into the side of the distributor for the ingiton coil.
2. remove 1 sparkplug and connect compression tester
3. have friend crank car while watching gauge ( this is your remote starting switch )
4. remove tester reinstall new plug and go to next plug

 

but it sure is scary when you think of what might happen if you do something wrong!!

I'm still stuck in the group of "Those who pay the mechanics to do it"!! Hopefully one day that will change!!

 

When working on the engine or brakes I'm always very cautious and careful but last week when installing sway bar bushings got "sloppy" in my procedure and installed the rear one upside down.

So, yes, chit can happen but care will prevent it, just have confidence.

 

I don't mean to blow my own horn but I'm gonna'

I think I chose the correct fields in high school and Vo-Tech. In high school I was deep into Power Tech for a shop class, even was in the club for a while. Then in Vo-Tech I excelled in electronics and still am in it today as my career.

When I dreamed of having a Corvette or just a muscle car I used to read Super Chevy, Hot Rod, Popular Hot Rodding and many more cover to cover many times over untill I got it. Those rags are good sources of general information. Once I didn't even know what folks ment by "a camshaft" let alone how to install one.

So today working on my own rides is nothing. I've made mistakes along the way but that's the only way to learn. If you never make a mistake you never learn anything or just simply aren't doing anything. I see folks all the time in my current job who who are so afraid to make a mistake they can't do anything for themselves, that or either they want someone there holding their hand along the way.

If you want to try your own work on your ride get into an adult education class at your local Vo-Tech or other. If you haven't noticed I'm a big fan of Vo-Tech schools and think too much emphisis (pressure) is placed on kids to go to college.

Having a solid understanding of electronics and mechanics from school has served me very well in life as well as car stuff.

You got the right idea with an old junker or old motor. Tear that sucker down and examine each part, think about it's function, just hold them and become familiar with the internals of an engine. Put it back together even if it doesn't run or you really don't do anything to it. It'll take away some of the fear of seeing your own good motor torn down. You'll soon get the idea there isn't any secret world in there, just stuff that all works together in an orderly fasion.

Well, enough babbling, one day you'll be giving advice to every one else here. Once you're hooked, you're hooked.

 

I had no choice but to, since shops charge about $80.00 and hour just on labor alone. I could not have possibly afford to own the Vette if I took it in to a shop for repairs each time something went wrong.

 

You're smart enough to know your limitations, which is a good thing. Now you just need the confidence to overcome them.

A few things to consider....

1) There is nothing more gratifying than doing your own work and taking the credit for bringin' her to life

2) The forum is always here to help. We've all been in your shoes before, and we can walk you through just about anything. We've also all had to learn things the hard way a time or two, and are willing to share some of our experiences to help prevent you from going too far astray.

3) There are probably forum members who live close by or maybe a neighbor who's done their share of wrenching that would be willing to "supervise" while you do the work and learn. Don't let them do it for you....do your own work....just have them close by if you run into a snag (which WILL happen from time to time...broken/frozen bolts, etc). If you lived close, we could tackle a head gasket in an afternoon, assuming that is the problem.

4) You will save tons of $$$$$ doing the work yourself. Honestly, I couldn't justify the cost of owning my 84 if I had to farm out the work....it would just be overwhelming. I really enjoy paying myself $55 an hour.


Sooooo.....take that first step and run your compression test. Remember, we're all here to help. You will feel great about your developing skills, and it will help ready you to move on to the next step. If you do need to replace a head gasket, try to find temporary transportation so you don't have to rush. Take your time, bag and label all parts and hardware as you go (mandatory), follow your shop manual, and be methodical. And when you're done, you will be rewarded by it roaring to life when you turn the key.

Go for it!!

 

i just can't afford to pay someone else to do it

 

you guys are persuasive.
i found out a friend with a civic has a blown head gasket and he is gonna let me watch him work on it tomorrow morning, then im gonna borrow his compression tester and do the compression test.

This is still only a small step toward cylinder heads though. This is a big freeekin deal for me.
mebbe.....

 

I'm with you. I'm more than confident when other people who know what they're doing are with me. Otherwise... Nope. ; )