16v Headgasket

[donsrno1]

I'm a bit worried about mine maybe having gone as there sems to be a bit of oil leaking from above where the flywheel is. A few questions:

How long have others taken when replacing theirs before?
Are there any good guides anywhere, or should I just go by the haynes?
When removing the head is it easier to just disconnect the manifold from the downpipe rather than the manifold from the head (because of the rusty bolts holding it into the head)?
What other seals/gaskets should I replace?
If the head needs skimmed how much is that likely to cost?
Anyone used one of the kits off ebay before?

Thanks.

 

[Dan@SJM]

the headgasket from ebay is ok. it takes about 10hours to do the headgasket if you know what your doing. if not allow more of a week. take it off at the downpipe.

replace all the seals you can, so cam oil seals, inlet gasket,new stat,

 

[donsrno1]

Thanks dan. Do you know what comes with the ebay kit in terms of seals etc, just that it doesn't list it - I've e-mailed him but still waiting on a respnse. As i've still got the 1.4 time isn't so much of an issue, just wanted a rough idea.

Also, the belt on the car was replaced about 8000 miles ago, do you think it should be OK to re-use it, or would I be as well replacing it to?

Are there any special tools needed, other than an angle thing and torque wrench over and above your normal tool set? (I've got torx bits - iirc the head bolts are torx bits)

So all in all what I need is:

Headgasket set (from ebay)
any seal not in the set
Angle thingy for tightening
Possibly a new belt

Anything else?

How much would it usually cost for skimming the head - about £30?

 

[donsrno1]

Forgot to ask, do I need to use any particular sealant on the headgasket to make a good seal?

 

[Dan@SJM]

Deffo use a new belt. the headgasket sets contain al the seals!

I'd use new headbolts aswell.

 

[donsrno1]

Thanks mate, where can I find out about what seal goes where etc? or is it pretty clear once I've got the head off?

I forgot to add new headbolts to the list but I had seen that being said before. So really all I need is a new belt, headgasket set off ebay and head bolts?

What about using any sort of sealant?

 

[Dan@SJM]

nah no sealent is needed, there will be 3 cam oil seals 2 the same, these ones you use, 2 rocker cover gaskets, head gasket, inlet gasket, exhaust gasket. there will be a few other seals, cannae mind what is supplied!

 

[donsrno1]

Cheers mate, much appreciated. Still need to confirm it's the headgasket, but Chris H will be having a quick look on sunday as I'm meeting him so hopefully he'll be able to confirm either way.