Starting Head-Gaskets Tomorrow All advice accepted.

Hi, Well Head-gaskets tomorrow, all my bits have arrived from Island 4x4 with new bolts, been reading threads regarding decent sockets and a good crack bar. One area i would like avice on is the hyd-valves, my intention is to replace my original hyd-valves, (so do i just make sure these are pushed back coated in STP then carry on re-assembling) will i have to re-measure the pre-load and re-shim under the pedestals. Please send me advice which will help through this!!!!!!!!

There should be no need to shim the pedestals or check the preload but I would strip the rocker shafts down, remove the rocker arms and shafts for wear whilst you are at it. Be sure to rebuild them as per RAVE as they are handed and if assembled incorrectly they will be starved of oil. New hydraulic tappets should be put in a container of clean oil or STP and "Pumped" whilst submerged then left whilst you get on with the rest of the job. Check the camshaft lobes for wear also. The tappet removal can be a bit awkward at first as they are a close fit and have to be removed dead straight otherwise they will "Box" or lock up...as a Toolmaker, you know what I mean.
Make sure you have a tube of RTV (Silicone gasket sealant) for bedding in the Inlet gasket rubber end seals.
I would say the most awkward part of the job is removing the drivers side (R.H.) exhaust manifold bolts, especially the ones at the rear, I found it easier to remove the downpipe flange nuts on the r.h. manifold and lift the head off complete with manifold attached and remove it on the bench.

First part should read....remove the rocker shafts and arms to CHECK for wear.
:behindsofa:

long narrow 12mm multi fit socket fits the exhaust manifold on te rh side,, slips nicely between the pipes... pain to torque up tho

Use Wellseal on the H/Gaskets. Sounds odd i know but seems to work.

with reference to irishrover and the r/h manifold, good idea, another way is to remove the r/h front plastic wheel arch liner, then use a long extension, use can see most of the bolts directly.

Hi, Thanks everyone for the advice, a bit of an up-date!!!! Everything going ok, could someone tell me how the injectors come out of the inlet manifold also the sequence for un-doing the manifold, my workshop CD is crap downloading Rave tonight.

if your careful you can pull inlet out way intact on a 3.9 classic, a p38 should be similar