Head Gasket change

[firetaz6235]

Hi guy's and gal's. I don't get on here very much due to my lack of knowledge of engines. I only get on here for advise on problems I have and I have met very nice advise from people that participate. JUST KEEPING IT REAL. Now to my question. Does any body have any advise on changing out my head gaskets on a 97 4.0 OHV VinX? Like the proper way to remove and install the plastic intake with out breakage, or how to remove and install the exhausts manifolds with out breaking any bolts. Stuff like that.

 

[trail B2]

I think it works better to just leave the exhaust manifolds on.I disconnected the exhaust where it bolts to the pipe.I've been told by an old mechanic that the original manifold seal works the best.

 

[RonD]

I am a DIYer but a carport mechanic now-a-days, so no lift or welder or gas torch or.......

For any exhaust bolts I head for the local muffler shop, they do these bolts daily so have all the tools and tricks, and replacement nuts, bolts, and studs if needed.

It cost me $50 to have all exhaust manifold bolts removed and installed and header pipe nuts removed and reinstalled, 1 broken manifold bolt, 1 stripped header stud, $50 all in.
I told them why I wanted it done, replace head gaskets, so they only snugged up the bolts and nuts, just for the drive home.

Doing the heads is pretty straight forward, one thing to do once valve covers are off is to plug up the oil drains in the head, nuts and bolts will get dropped and the WILL find their way down one of those drains.
And once the intake manifold is off cover those holes with a towel, for the same reason.

 

[Runnin'OnEmpty]

Sometimes the EGR gives trouble in removing the
upper plenum; try loosening the two bolts holding
the EGR valve on to make it easier. I believe on the
97 you have to pull the plenum up and toward the
front to clear the EGR intake tube.

I would also recommend using the FelPro 'Severe
Duty' headgaskets. They're much more robust than
the stock ones.

Be careful when re-installing the heads, so as not to
tear the new gaskets. Very easy to do, because of
the weight of the heads and restricted space to work
with...

Oh yes, be sure and label all bolts when removed, and
keep the pushrods in order so they can be replaced
in the same locations.

Good luck. It's not a hard job at all, just time consuming.

 

[firetaz6235]

Thanks again for all the advise.

 

[adsm08]

I agree with Trail. If I am not taking the heads out for machine work I leave the exhaust manifold on. Less muss and fuss and it gives you something to grab on to and pick it up with.

 

[kolaughlin]

i did it about a month ago, just unbolted manifolds from heads and left them connected to rest of exhaust. left my enough room to get to everything. just make sure to label everything and clean everything real good. took me a good weekend as im only a carport mechanic as well.

 

[97RangerXLT]

The upper intake comes off best by lifting it straight up until you clear the egr tube. that will be the biggest headache on the upper intake. once you got that off, the next issue will be the valve covers, you will need to remove the compressor (you don't have to discharge it, just unbolt it and swing it aside) the alternator and then you will need to move the wire harness out of the way. once the valve covers are off, the lower intake is a piece of cake to remove.

Here is a walkthrough on how to remove the upper intake/ valve covers/ lower intake/ fuel rail, and all the gaskets and parts associated.
http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=94437

As for the heads, I will let someone else chime in on that, as I have no experience there...

Good luck!

AJ