Head gasket replacement

Thanks for the advice everyone. My initial thought was that although it is potentially more labour intensive to remove the whole engine it might actually be easier. Im not all that familiar with the Jimny and as such I was unsure what access was like to exhaust and inlet manifold while the engine is still in the vehicle. Also I believe the cam chain cover needs to come off and if that is indeed the case I think it would be easier to work on with the engine out. All the gasket sealing faces will need to be thouroughly cleaned and inspected and this will be far easier with the engine out. After all it's not like it's a big engine so removing it should be straight forward with the right equipment. I was just hoping that someone on here may have personal experience from doing this exact job on the Jimny.

1066Boy wrote: Sounds just like Kates Jimny. Engine pressurising the rad and forcing the coolant through the expansion bottle. Headgasket being changed as we speak.

Was this a twin cam 1066 boy?

What miles has your engine done Jimx5 and what miles had yours done when the head gasket failed 1066 boy?

It's just I've not heard of a twin cam Jimny head gasket failing more than once or twice in all my Jimny years.

Kirkynut

No it was the early engine. Kate has a 2003 soft top.

Jimx5 wrote: I really don't understand your logic....why would you even consider taking the whole engine out?

Have you stripped the head off one....it's a pain....you can stand on boxes leaning over the wings all day or remove it and put it in an engine stand and have an easier time.....

I will admit i've NOT done a Jimny head gasket, but being a forklift mechanic (40 odd years and counting) a head strip is something i do at least once or twice a month.
Leave the engine in situ, lift the bonnet and at a workable and stable height remove the head, then if your working outside as i have to do every day and it rains or snows you can just shut the bonnet leaving the block protected from the elements.
Now you can send the head away to be skimmed and pressure tested, while the block is safely tucked under the bonnet.
No need to hire engine lifts and find somewhere safe to store the block without it tipping over, getting damaged or even picked up as scrap to be weighed in by your local scrap collector.
Hope you understand where i'm coming from and no offence meant.
Good luck which ever route you decide to take.
Dave.

Hey thr Brumby,

Whilst I'm also new to this forum, I couldn't pass on advice with this. You seem to have convinced yourself about removing the engine for a head gasket replacement. Seriously .... the timing belt cover is like 8 bolts, whip the fan, belts & pulleys off, release the timing belt & rocker cover, couple of sensor, ignition plugs ... wholla!

If you are worried about room also slide the radiator up & out, two hoses & two top bolts.... way way easier than pulling the motor out!