Have a few questions about headgasket repair

[adamf123]

I'm going to replace the headgasket for a friend of mine. Its leaking oil out of the back side of the motor, so I'm assuming its the head gasket.

I have the manual posted here for 01-04 PT. This one is an 05. Should be the same right?

Couple questions. Removing the dampner to remove the timing belt. It says to use a 3 jaw puller, with a special insert. What is this special insert, and where can I find it?


The manual also says I have to remove a bunch of A/C lines to remove the timing belt covers, which means after I'm done I'd have to take it to an A/C shop and spend probably $75 to have it recharged? Or can I use a few cans of r134 from walmart? Or is it possible to work around the lines and keep them connected?

Any other words of wisdom? Tips, tricks? I've got 3 days to get it done.

[CREWZIN]

Can't answer most of your questions but I do know it's IllEGAL in ALL states for you to just take off the air-conditioning lines and let the R12/R134 or whatever happens to be in the unit out into the atmosphere.

Like dumping used oil down the sewer drains or throwing containers of used oil in the normal trash.....both ILLEGAL.

[adamf123]

Thanks, I know that.

[CREWZIN]

Do you have or need a manual? If so, here's a link to a thread that has a way of getting a free Repair Manual that might help. A lot of reading (3 pages) but there's a couple ways of downloading the manual so read it all. Good Luck.

Free Pt Repair Manual for all

[lakersfan1]

Originally Posted by CREWZIN

Can't answer most of your questions but I do know it's IllEGAL in ALL states for you to just take off the air-conditioning lines and let the R12/R134 or whatever happens to be in the unit out into the atmosphere.

R12 hasn't been in new cars since the 90's. I think 94 was the last year. I thought the whole point of R134 was it was much more environmentally safe? If the government didn't want R134 released into the environment, then why is it cheaper than a pack of cigarettes?

[CREWZIN]

Don't know why it's so cheap but I do know it's illegal to release it into the atmosphere. Do a search on the internet. here's a few.....

New Alternative Refrigerants

safe working with vehicle air conditioning systems - a guide for employers, self-employed people, and supervisors - indg349

IS YOUR SHOP FOLLOWING EPA’S RULES FOR MOBILE A/C SERVICE?

[adamf123]

Originally Posted by CREWZIN

Do you have or need a manual? If so, here's a link to a thread that has a way of getting a free Repair Manual that might help. A lot of reading (3 pages) but there's a couple ways of downloading the manual so read it all. Good Luck.

Free Pt Repair Manual for all

Thanks. Not trying to be a jerk, but did you read my post? I said in my post that I downloaded the manual and was wondering if there are any shortcuts around what the manual says. There are always 2 ways to do things, the way the book says to, and the backyard mechanic way. You dont always have to follow the book to a T, theres always work arounds for certain procedures.


Mainly I was wondering, do I HAVE TO remove the A/C lines. And what is the special insert they are talking about to remove the dampner.


YES, I'm well aware, R134 or any freon is illegal to release into the atmosphere. Let's move past that issue. I'm getting started on this car tomorrow after work.

[CREWZIN]

Hopefully, someone who has done a head gasket will come along and maybe give you a tip or two. If not, maybe you can relay your experiences to the forum so someone else facing the same problem can learn from you.

[slartyblarfast]

You can do it with out removing the a/c lines but it does make it easier if you remove them. Having said that I don't normally undo the lines. If you don't undo the lines then you will need to unbolt the a/c drier to allow the engine to move around. Also unplug the a/c compressor. I learned the hard way. It's not hard to do a head gasket but you do need to be mechanically inclined. Pm me or email me if you have questions.

[slartyblarfast]

One more thing is the special insert for the pulley. All it is is a rod that bottoms out in the bolt hole to allow the puller to work against a stop. A good 3 jaw puller designed for pulling balancers will have it included.