Change Cylinder Head Gasket (oil leak)

[dubman]

My R19 TSE (approx 18 yrs old) is leaking a little oil and it appears to be coming from the aera of the cylinder head gasket, not the sump.
And it only leaks when the engine is hot.
Having a new head gasket fitted in a garage is out of the question as it would cost probably more than 1,000 euros, so I wanted to ask if it would be feasible to do it myself. Is it a very problematic job? I do have a fair bit of experience of working on previous cars (changing clutch, brakes etc), but not head gaskets. Are any special tools required? Basically the engine is very good and doesn't "burn" any oil, I never have to top up, except now with the leak. Thanks in advance.

 

[gamefreaks]

The 1.4e is about as easy as they get. Lots of space to work in.

EuroStupidCarParts or GSF will have the timing belt, tensioner, and HG kit.

You might need a mate to help undoing the crank pully bolt. It'll be tight and you need to lock it at the other end near the gearbox.

 

[The T.I.B.]

EuroStupidCarParts or GSF will have the timing belt, tensioner, and HG kit.

Not much use to you in Spain but you should get hold of the parts easily enough.

You should definitely do it yourself. You should alos buy a Haynes manual for the car off eBay This has instructions and pictures

 

[dubman]

So looks like it is "relatively" straightforward, and no special tools needed. I assume I would have to disconnect the exhaust? And I can I do everything without getting under the car? Ok looks like a Haynes manual is a good idea too. Yea, I think I can get the new head gasket etc here in Spain. But what other things would I need to buy before starting the job, like different gaskets etc? Would a torque spanner be neccessary for re-tightening the head nuts, or just a normal tightening? I suppose I can be more or less sure that the oil leak is coming from the head gasket? from what I can see the leak is definately higher than the sump gasket. I suppose I wouldn't need to re-skim the head?
Thanks.

 

[dubman]

Just bought the Haynes manual on ebay.
2 more questions.

1. The oil leak definately appears to be above the sump area, but can I be reasonably sure that the problem is the head gasket, or could it be maybe the rocker cover gasket? It's hard enough to see the source of the leak without major dismantling.

2. Is a torque spanner neccessary for refitting the head? Or is it ok just to tighten as usual, each nut a little at a time until they are all tight?

Thanks.

 

[Chris H]

the head gasket is known to leak oil at the front of the engine.

Take the heatshield off the exhaust manifold and you will be able to see it better, if you can wash the engien down and then run it again and you'll see for sure where its leakign from.

You need a torque wrench to do the headbolts.

It is an easy job though, make sure you fit a new cambelt and I would think abotu changing the water pump and tensioer as well.