I'm about to replace a head gasket on a 94 sundance 2.2l any one have any tips/tricks?

I tried to search but nothing came up..

 

Do a "lift and slip". Leave exhaust connected, saves time. The head will come up 3 inches off the block leaving enough room to get in there.

Make sure you untighten and re-tighten the head bolts in the proper sequence.

Use NEW head bolts, don't reuse old ones.

Now is a good time to do a timing belt too since you have to take it off anyway to lift the head. Check out www.thedodgegarage.com for tips on setting timing. Cam timing is crucial on these, one tooth off makes a big difference.

Use a Mopar head gasket and not Felpro.

After it is all installed and you've driven it a couple of times, take the valve cover back off and re-torque the head bolts in proper sequence. The FSM calls for this and you'd be surprised how much the bolts stretch after a few heat cycles.

 

ok sweet, thanks for the advice.

 

Another tip, we do this at work when we replace head gaskets on 4 cyl engines, Take 2 or 3 cable ties a.k.a zip ties and wrap them around the timing gear and belt, there should openings in the gear to allow you to pass the tie through and around the belt. Doing this will keep the belt in place and keep the engine in time.

 

sweet! thanks!!