S2 Head Gasket replacement

[tref]

Gentlefolk...

I've not been on here for ages, come up against a problem and it would appear to be a popular topic at the moment!

At approx. 230k miles I noticed a slight hint of maionaise in the header tank... it hasn't seemed to get any worse, but obviously I have been keeping an eye on it, and the rest of the car... at 233k miles on start up I had just a hint of labouring instantaneously as I tried to start it - immediate cold sweat that it was hydraulic lock, but it cleared before I had a chance to react (I bent a con-rod on a diesel years ago in this manner, hence my paranoia)... that same day the temperature gauge started climbing higher than usual, and I fancy smoke from the exhaust. It has been switched off and I am now starting to strip it down for what I suspect to be a head gasket change.
The cam cover is off, and all looks in very good order... so a couple of questions - is it possible to lift the head with cams/chain/tensioner etc in place and without disturbing it, and how heavy is this assembly (my engine crane is miles away, but health issues mean I am limited on what I can lift)?

Any other advice? This is a high mileage abused daily driven snotter, so I am not in for a major rebuild, though how far I go in other preventative stuff (belts will be changed, water pump has another 40k miles at least, but I am now seeing some leaking around balnce shafts, so suspect I may change the top hats as they are cheap enough).

Best wishes to all in this New Year,

Tref.

 

[bertelli_1]

I think you'll find the cams are partially covering the 19mm nuts that hold the head on so they will have to come out. The head itself probably weighs 10 or so kg. With the head off you'll be able to assess whether you can just get away with a gasket of whether the head is too corroded, guides too worn etc. There is a pic of my corroded head on my 's2-its a biggun' thread.

eta:you can lift the cams out as a pair, with chain so you don't lose their relative positions.

 

[SUSIT]

ORIGINAL: tref

Gentlefolk...

I've not been on here for ages, come up against a problem and it would appear to be a popular topic at the moment!

At approx. 230k miles I noticed a slight hint of maionaise in the header tank... it hasn't seemed to get any worse, but obviously I have been keeping an eye on it, and the rest of the car... at 233k miles on start up I had just a hint of labouring instantaneously as I tried to start it - immediate cold sweat that it was hydraulic lock, but it cleared before I had a chance to react (I bent a con-rod on a diesel years ago in this manner, hence my paranoia)... that same day the temperature gauge started climbing higher than usual, and I fancy smoke from the exhaust. It has been switched off and I am now starting to strip it down for what I suspect to be a head gasket change.
The cam cover is off, and all looks in very good order... so a couple of questions - is it possible to lift the head with cams/chain/tensioner etc in place and without disturbing it, and how heavy is this assembly (my engine crane is miles away, but health issues mean I am limited on what I can lift)?

Any other advice? This is a high mileage abused daily driven snotter, so I am not in for a major rebuild, though how far I go in other preventative stuff (belts will be changed, water pump has another 40k miles at least, but I am now seeing some leaking around balnce shafts, so suspect I may change the top hats as they are cheap enough).

Best wishes to all in this New Year,

Tref.

Unless you know the age of the chain I would change it, (its around £25) mine snapped and took the head out as well as one cam. Still in the process of repair and the bill for parts is very big!

I sourced a replacement head via the forum but had it fully reconned, needed some welding to corrosion as well.

best of luck

 

[tref]

Thanks guys...

Since as is correctly pointed out, Cams have to come out to sensibly get at the head bolts, and I have a new chain and slipper, I may as well change these anyway...

Currently wondering how much of the mass of cables and hoses at the back of the head I have to disconnect!

 

[tref]

Anyone have the dimensions of the "Special tool" for removing the camshafts (So I can make them up)... or are there other tricks to save their use (sequential slacking off of cam caps for example)?