johncrist1988

I'm going to need to replace my head due to a plug blowout. I could timesert it w/ a Big-sert, but if I'm going to spend $300, I'm going to spend it on a new head instead of a kit to temporarily repair a head :P

My question is what to get. I know I need a gasket set. Obviously I need a head. What else will I need?

Socket set
Torque Wrench
Muscles

johncrist1988

I wish I could edit my posts. I've taken a gander at the Chiltons and some articles online (yay google) and this will take some doing. I've NEVER done anything this complex before, and living in an apartment complex I don't know how this will work. But here's to giving it a try.

uberstang1

You will need new head bolts as they are TTY, I would also get new valve cover set, timing cover gasket and crank seal, check and inspect all the tensioners chains and guides and honestly change the head gasket on the other side. You may need a different variety of tools depending on your mechanical expereince, also a harmonic balancer puller. If you have little or no expereince I highley recommend not to take this on as your first task in a parking lot, alot of things can go sour, if it was just a pushrod head that would be a peice of cake.

96GT226410

+1. It's not an easy parking lot job. I do agree with the OP, replace the heads. You can probably find a set of used heads somewhere pretty cheap.

johncrist1988

I wouldn't even know where to look for cheap heads. The cheapest I've found so far are $480... Any suggestions?

If I get the head and the gasket set I'll just take it to a mechanic. Tax check money.

Stevo86

Jegs, or summit don't remember who had brand new assembled PI heads for like $320.

As was said though if your mechanical experience is not up to par you may not want to try this one in a parking lot. There are a lot of rookie mistakes that can be made that can cost you more money or time. If you still decide to do it though try to get the guide out of the Ford manual and just go step by step.

Also take lots of pictures so you get the front cover studs and bolts in the right spot. You will also need this tool.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...=31-97664212-2

johncrist1988

This is my n00b coming out but is this something that I can replace one at a time? Or will I need to replace both at the same time?

Stevo86

You can do it one at a time, but once you tear the engine down to the point of actually getting a head off, the other one is just ten more bolts and off it comes as well.

johncrist1988

So I'm at the point where I'm ready to order parts. I've aquired a garage so I won't be doing it in a parking lot at this point. I agree that would have been messy.

Here's what I've got so far:
- Driver Side Head (I'm going to take the other head to a machine shop to get it flattened and sonic checked since it's not the one in bad shape)
- Head bolt set
- I already have a pretty sizable socket set
- 3/8" Torque Wrench
- Breaker Bar
- Head Gasket Set
- Valve Cover Gaskets
- Intake Gaskets
- 8 new Bosche plugs
- I tested all the coils, they're fine

I have a few questions, too.

1) The chains and guides don't look bad at all. Do they really need replaced?
2) What's the tool you need to keep the cams synced when you're at TDC for the new head?
3) I've heard of people replacing head gaskets all the time without dropping the engine. Is this still true for this application? I know I'd be better off pulling it, but is it 'necessary'?
4) Is there anything else I should know?

I've been reading and have a Chiltons I've been reading concerning the subject. I hope this is something I can take on on my own for a first time. I know it'll probably take me a few days to tinker, google, tinker more, get tools, tinker, etc, but I think it'll be worthwhile. I haven't found a shop that'll do it for less than $800 in labor.

art02gt

use motorcraft spark plugs!!