300 tdi Fit a new head gasket or not?

Hi all,

I'm fairly new to Defenders and 300tdi engines but worked alot on other usually more modern cars.

Having done lots of work to my HCPU, ive noticed its burning oil only on overrun with slight throttle in the first 30 sec max. I suspect the valve stem oil seals so the rocker cover is coming off anyway, its probably easier use compressed air to keep valves in place but am tempted to take the head off. The head gasket is fine and has 3 holes in it. I'm wondering how many holes it has when new. I was sure I read somewhere, if it has 3 holes its usually been changed, how many holes does it have when new? Engine done 210000kms

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youd have to measure the piston height if you really must find out....

The valves wont drop in the cylinder if the piston is at tdc. no need to remove injectors/heater plugs used compressed air

as said gasket thickness is dependent on piston protrusion above block face, though 3 holes are commonly fitted to engine previously fitted with less with no noticeable difference, thicker gaskets are often used when heads are skimmed but valve stand down is not adjusted

Ahhh I didn't realise you could do the valves on TDC, thanks.

Do you think the head gasket has been done at some point if it has 3 holes, do you know what the gasket has when new? Id be measuring the piston clearance if I was doing the HG though thanks

I'm leaning towards just doing the valve stem oil seals.

Mazzamark said:

Ahhh I didn't realise you could do the valves on TDC, thanks.

Do you think the head gasket has been done at some point if it has 3 holes, do you know what the gasket has when new? Id be measuring the piston clearance if I was doing the HG though thanks

I'm leaning towards just doing the valve stem oil seals.

Click to expand...

quite likely but not because of 3 hole gasket , and id just refit another if i took head off

I need to do my valve stem seals as well, if doing them with head on do you need a special tool to compress the valves ?

yes you can buy them or make one ,similar to this
http://www.google.co.uk/aclk?sa=L&a...vice=c&icep_msku_flag=n&icep_cbt=n&adtype=pla