Gonna get a new head gasket today.

But it will be Thurs. before I can dive in and get it changed out. From what I read it is going to be alot of work but doesn't seem too bad. Since I have to take off my intake and exhaust manifold, shouldn't I go ahead and get new gaskets for those as well? Also I need to replace my thermostat housing due to a dime size hole in it from rusty water. Doesn't someone like Autozone or Discount Auto Parts sell a chrome finish one?

AND, while I got these parts off I am going to go ahead and refinish them back to original cast finish. Guess I can kill like 5 birds with one stone(lol get it, "birds")

Jonesy

The exhaust manifold doesn't use a gasket, so you don't have to worry about that. If you plan to remove the lower intake manifold from the head, you will definitely need a new gasket because the old one will probably be torn in the process and caked onto the head. Any auto parts store can sell you a complete intake gasket set for around $7.

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maroon 1987 TC 5spd, 128k miles

k&n cone in fenderwell, gillis valve set at 17lbs, kirban adjustable fpr set at 40psi, walbro 255 hi-pressure pump, bosch hi-pressure bypass valve, ported e6

Best 1/4 mile: 14.778 (with 2.198 60' time)
Best trap speed: 94.01mph

Steve, I was told that Ford didn't use an exhaust manifold gasket from the factory because both surfaces were completely flat. However, over time, the surfaces warp a little bit, which could cause the manifold to leak if a gasket isn't used. I'm not trying to say you're wrong, but I just wanted to throw this in there.

Rick

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'62 Ranchero
'77 T-Bird
'78 Granada - parting out soon
'85 T-Bird Elan - parting out soon
'86 TC
'89 Escort Wagon
'90 Lincoln Towncar - parting out soon

You might need the exh gasket to get the manifold to seal, but it will probably blow out under boost. You might take it to a machine shop and have them mill it flat...

Don't take the lower intake off! Or if you do, wait until you have the head off the car to take it loose. It's a PITB to get the lower series of intake bolts on with the dist/PCV in place. Just leave it on; it comes in handy anyway when you're trying to take the head loose from the block and also when you are lowering the head back into place. It gives you something solid to grasp. Good luck with the gasket - get a FelPro 1035 if you can find it! Danny

Replacing the head gasket on a 2.3 Turbo is easy. You dont have to remove the Turbo and exaust manifold, just unbolt the exaust manifold and you'll be able to lift the head right off that's how I did it on my 85 XR7(same as an 86 T-bird) I would remove as much of everything else as possible though, including the lower intake. Start by removing the timing belt, water pump and alternator/bracket. Then remove the throttle body and upper and lower intake. Remove the valve cover. Unbolt the exaust manifold, then remove the head bolts and take off the head. Just wait untill you find out how heavy it is, even WITH all the bolt ons removed. If your exaust manifold isnt leaking now it wont leak when you torque it back down. It IS a good idea to have the lower intake surfaced to correct for any warpage, mine was really uneven. Get NEW head bolts ffrom the dealer and the felpro 1035 as previously mentioned and you will have a bullet proof seal. Get a new timming belt and a new water pump is a good idea too. Just take your time.

Originally posted by 46Tbird:
Good luck with the gasket - get a FelPro 1035 if you can find it! Danny

Found one at Autozone for like 40 bucks, but a friend of mine that use to work at Lowe's is the manager of this certain store and can get it for me at 20% off!



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Michael "Jonesy" Jones
87 Medium Red Clearcoat Metallic 5 speed
2 Tone Leather Interior, All options including factory sunroof/moonroof
168,500 miles - So Far
Mainly stock, K&N Filter, custom ram air
New paint job COMING SOON(repainting factory med. red with ghost flames.)