Head Gasket fit easy or not ??

Hi there, pretty new to the defender world. Unfortunately it looks as if I need a new head gasket. Bit of white smoke on start up, uses a bit of coolant and pressure in the header tank. Question is do I have a go my self or I’ve been quoted £400 - £500 from my mechanic. Is it a pig to do or not to bad ? Thanks

fairly straight forward but you will need a online guide, and something to lift the head especially for careful refitting,dont worry about the timing chains marked links its only the crank and cam pin that matter,and cam needs to remain pinned whilst refifting

jamesmartin said:

fairly straight forward but you will need a online guide, and something to lift the head especially for careful refitting,dont worry about the timing chains marked links its only the crank and cam pin that matter,and cam needs to remain pinned whilst refifting

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I think the lifting in and out will be the problem

The lifting and putting back in is going to be the problem as I haven’t got a lift.

Buy one? You'll still save money and have a useful tool that you can keep or sell.

Is there any other way without buying an engine crane ? By the time I’ve brought it and the gasket I may as well pay the extra £200 to have it done.

I've done 2.5nad and 200tdi on my own with no lift but I don't know how heavy a td5 head is.
I remove the manifolds too to reduce weight. I also use some old head bolts with the heads cut off to help on refitting.

Or two people standing either side, strong bar or timber and some chain/rope.

Tie the bonnet up against the windscreen or remove it for good Access too.

Thanks for the info, what am I looking at for a decent gasket ? Also anything else I need to do at the same time ? I know I need to get some of them metal dowels

Bloorino said:

Thanks for the info, what am I looking at for a decent gasket ? Also anything else I need to do at the same time ? I know I need to get some of them metal dowels

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If this was aimed at me I can't help, never worked on a td5 but plenty have on here. I use elring for mine.

Bloorino said:

Thanks for the info, what am I looking at for a decent gasket ? Also anything else I need to do at the same time ? I know I need to get some of them metal dowels

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plastic dowels are fine just be careful when refitting