Headgasket project about to launch

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LoneRanger

LoneRanger

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www.barryhause.com
1989 22RE Headgasket project

Blew the headgasket on my 89. I am about to start the replacement job. I have done this once before on an fj60 2f-carburetted.

Just wondering what tips some might have to smooth the job out. I have not done EFI before so I am concerned about that.

Should I go ahead and do the timing chain while I have the head off?

Any thoughts and suggestions are welcome.
 
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Good luck! I have no valuable advice to give except do everything preventative you can while you're in there and be sure to take you're time. Don't get in a rush. Do it right the first time. Keep us updated.
 
I assume you have a 22RE?

Unbolt the exhaust manifold from the down pipe. Unplug the harness from the ECU and stuff it back thru the firewall, then zip-tie it to the intake. Carefully back out the head bolts, the #2 and @4 bolts on the exhaust side will likely be very difficult to get out. Once you get the head free, just lift the whole thing out, intake and exhaust manifolds still attached. Much easier to get the intake off when it's on the bench.

Maybe send the injectors out for cleaning & balancing.

Be sure to check the head and deck for flatness.

Call Onur (beno) with your VIN to get the OEM gasket set. Much better quality than anything aftermarket.

If you get the head totally stripped down, highly suggest Heli-coil inserts for all the spark plugs and exhaust studs now.
 
KLF said:
I assume you have a 22RE?

Unbolt the exhaust manifold from the down pipe. Unplug the harness from the ECU and stuff it back thru the firewall, then zip-tie it to the intake. Carefully back out the head bolts, the #2 and @4 bolts on the exhaust side will likely be very difficult to get out. Once you get the head free, just lift the whole thing out, intake and exhaust manifolds still attached. Much easier to get the intake off when it's on the bench.

Maybe send the injectors out for cleaning & balancing.

Be sure to check the head and deck for flatness.

Call Onur (beno) with your VIN to get the OEM gasket set. Much better quality than anything aftermarket.

If you get the head totally stripped down, highly suggest Heli-coil inserts for all the spark plugs and exhaust studs now.
Click to expand...

thanks
Yes. 22RE
Who is Onur Beno and what is his #?
 
Onur (screen name Beno) is the parts guy at LOWE Toyota and will fix you up with OEM parts at a great price. Also don't forget the hidden bolt located at the front of the head into the timing cover. Usually "hidden" in a pool of oil in front of the cam sprocket.

If you have the time it would be a good time to do the timing set while you are tearing down the top end.
 
Couple of other things:

I never reuse the studs and nuts for the exhaust manifold. They will be very corroded.

The head will be kinda heavy with both manifolds attached. Have a friend there to help you.
 
Would recommend new head bolts as well.
 
Barry yes go ahead and do the timing chain if you dont know how long its been in there...

Make sure you get the one with metal guides... toyota ones have plastic guides, once they wear piece break off & fall within- metal just wear.

Make sure to look up alot of pics of where all "hidden bolts" are doing the timing chain.
 
Clutchee said:
Barry yes go ahead and do the timing chain if you dont know how long its been in there...

Make sure you get the one with metal guides... toyota ones have plastic guides, once they wear piece break off & fall within- metal just wear.

Make sure to look up alot of pics of where all "hidden bolts" are doing the timing chain.
Click to expand...

And Make sure you keep the timing cover bolts in order. There are 3 (I think) different length bolts that hold it on and they need to go back in their specific places. Some of them are long and will go, but will end up going thru into places they shouldn't.

X2 on Metal Guides. i have used ENGNBLDR's kit and have another one to go on my motor I am getting ready to build, but I am using an OEM Tensioner and chain (so basically the sprockets and guides)

Clutchee, I need to get you this sami T-case. I will text you to see about getting by sometime in the next week or two.
 
it begins

Got started today, in a small way. Drained the crankcase. Here's what the oil looks like:

1510828_10202005269186753_338246937_n.webp
 
If you don't mind me asking how many miles do you have on the engine before you did your head gasket?

Sent using a phone with auto correct
 
If I was doing this I would...

First - Get a valve grind OEM gasket kit, OEM timing cover, OEM Timing cover gaskets, OEM tensioner, OEM timing chain, OEM oil pump, OEM water pump. Depending on condition, I would also replace all hoses, including the heater hoses and EFI hoses.

Second - Get the metal backed guides from Ted at Engine Builder.

Make sure you check your crank shaft where the oil seal rides and make sure there is no groove. Make sure you have FIPG to seal the bottom of the timing cover to the oil pan. Clean parts as you go, but more importiantly, work clean. Make sure you take off the rear EGR cooler and replace the gasket, it will come with the valve grind kit. Timing cover goes on first and then the head, with FIPG at the corners that extend out to the timing cover. Clean your EGR while it is out. As stated, new intake/exhaust bolts and studs. New Collector to exhaust seal (s). Understand the difference between cam and ignition timing.
 
valve cover

Today I drained the radiator and removed the emissions hoses and rocker arm cover. Cover took some doing. It was pretty stuck. I beat it with a mallet, block of wood and even brought in a pry-bar and chisel which I used VERY carefully so as not to dent the gasket surface around the edges of the head/cover.

Note: the grommet/seals beneath the 4 rocker arm cover bolts get pretty stuck to the top. I had to take a screw driver and gently tap them. It is more difficult to remove the cover with them in place.

IMG_0670.webp


IMG_0669.webp


IMG_0671.webp
 
Following your thread as I need to do my timing chain soon. Keep the updates and pics coming.

Sent from the islands.
 
Waterboy said:
Following your thread as I need to do my timing chain soon. Keep the updates and pics coming.

Sent from the islands.
Click to expand...

Will do
But just a warning
I am doing this steadily but In fairly short increments due to time comstraints
 
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