Getting ready to replace my head gasket, what else should I do while I am at it?

Craigabooey · Jun 30, 2012

Hey guys,

I am getting ready to replace the head gasket in my 97 XK with the 4.0 While i am going through all this trouble I figured I would replace my exaust manifold with the APN and replace my motor mounts. This is my daily driver and I never go wheeling so I really don't think I want to go with poly-bushings in the motor mounts. Are stock replacement mounts from autozone ok? Also is the APN manifold the way to go? I have read many write ups on these subjects but if anyone else can think of anything else important to share, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks - Craig

souske · Jun 30, 2012

Stock replacements are OK, they last a couple years. Honestly if you can swing it, I would look a t a set of rubber brown dog mounts.

I went with the 1A auto header, and have been happy with it for the price.

old_man · Jun 30, 2012

for 50 years I have always sprayed my head gaskets with CopperCote. I also use it on 4.0L intake/exhaust gaskets. I have never had a leak.

If you have the valve cover off, remove the baffles and clean the whole thing out.

I would replace the valve seals as well as long as the valves look good. If not, have the valve guides reamed and sleeved. In NO case have the guides knurled.

I found a place that chromes the valves, making the stems a bit larger. It should make them last forever and might be easier than sleeving.

Also since you are pulling the head and are going to crack the cooling system, I probably would do a cooling system flush.

joejeep92 · Jun 30, 2012

I always pull lifters. Head rebuild is a good idea. Don't go with the cheap cork valve cover gasket. Fel-pro makes a good one.

Mike Mike · Jun 30, 2012

old_man said:
for 50 years I have always sprayed my head gaskets with CopperCote. I also use it on 4.0L intake/exhaust gaskets. I have never had a leak.

If you have the valve cover off, remove the baffles and clean the whole thing out.

I would replace the valve seals as well as long as the valves look good. If not, have the valve guides reamed and sleeved. In NO case have the guides knurled.

I found a place that chromes the valves, making the stems a bit larger. It should make them last forever and might be easier than sleeving.

Also since you are pulling the head and are going to crack the cooling system, I probably would do a cooling system flush.

What he said, plus freeze plug on back of head

O-Gauge Steamer · Jul 1, 2012

Just an FYI, make sure to put the push rods back where they come from. Easiest way to keep them sorted is a piece of cardbord marked with the cylinders. Punch the rods through the cardboard to preserve the order.

As they operate, the rods/lifters/rockers all wear into unique patterns. Best to keep them sorted. Unless the plan is to replace them, which would be quite daft. All is required is a good solvent clean.

Ecomike · Jul 5, 2012

Water pump and T-stat while in there too. New head bolts.

Hard chrome is great stuff!!!! I use to sell the equipment.....

Getting ready to replace my head gasket, what else should I do while I am at it?

Craigabooey

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souske

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old_man

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joejeep92

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Mike Mike

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O-Gauge Steamer

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Ecomike

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