sweger

ok, so first things first, i do not own a mustang but my good friend has a 2004 gt which is pretty stock, apart from some bolt ons. the other day he blew a head gasket and we are going to replace it as soon as the part gets in. the trouble is, we are in germany and do not have access to a shop manual for his car. we are both pretty mechanically inclined but have never done a head gasket before. what we need to know is what do we torque the head to after we replace it, and are there any other tips we should know before diving in. if someone could scan the pages from their shop manual on changing the head gasket, it would be uch appreciated. or better yet point me in the right direction to an online version (preferably free). thanks for the help guys

Mark99GT

I don't remember the torque specs off the top of my head, butMAKE SUREyou use new head bolts (prefereably arp head studs). The stock hardware is torque to yield, its a one time use thing. And pay attention to the torquing sequence, it matters.

Search for "timing" on the forum. There are a bunch of posts about the correct way to re time the camshafts. Youll have to do that when you reassemble the engine. Read up on it so you know what you're doing before you start.

Clean the block deck and head surfaces well where the gasket mates, but don't use anything abrasive. Clean it well to ensure you get a good seal but be careful, you dont want scratches.

sweger

what would be a good thing to clean the deck with? a rag with some solvent on it or a scotchbrite pad? so he will definitely need new head studs then? thanks

72MachOne99GT

I'm going to use a plastic scraper of some sort on the surface. Then brush it off and it says somethign with acetone.

Finger nail polish remover is probably going to be my drug of choice.

If nobody has put up the torque sequence, I'll send you a PM with the stuff this evening.

sweger

thanks. like i said he doesnt have a manual for the car yet and theyre hard to come by here in germany, so we are having trouble figuring out how much torque to apply and in what sequence, and with the cam timing as well. i found on chilton's website that you can get their manuals online, at chiltondiy.com. anyone have any experience with this?

Mark99GT

Permatex gasket remover, fingernails and paper towels/rags; then use acetone last for a final clean up. Use in a well ventilated area.

He willNEED newhead bolts from Fordor he can buy head studs (preferably).

Emanpimpster

https://mustangforums.com/m_3081129/tm.htm
that thread should help you out with torque specs and sequences