This thread was saved without dates. "Around Apr 2005" is estimated from neighbouring threads.
I'm going to tear apart the engine to replace the head gasket that I blew so some reccomendations on some good decent power tools and specialy tools to smoothy conquer this task. I'm looking to spend $300-450 on this. Assuming that I don't know anything on this matter and educate me. I need every thing.
In future, I'm getting ready to get my JDM engine. I need to prep for this so reccomendations on that as well.
I'm not sure what brands you have available.
Think of your tools as an investment, I have made the mistake of buying cheap tools, then middle of the range tools, and eventually spanners snap, ratchets break etc.
Go for the best tools you can afford, preferably with a lifetime warranty on them.
I have always gone with Craftsman tools. Great tools, good pricing, and lifetime warranty! Start with just a standard mechanic's tool set, then just add on as you need the stuff. We started out with one small 3 drawer carry-around box, and now we have a full chest that stands about 5' tall.
Only thing I can think of that might cause you trouble is the front crank bolt. It's a lot easier to get that off if you have an impact wrench, but if you don't have access to shop air, that's pretty much out of the question. You could try an electric impact wrench, but they're generally pretty wimpy.
For the crankshaft bolt, use a really long breaker bar, have it in 5th gear and have a friend standing on the brakes.... I've managed to get em off everytime this way.
OR... go to a local tyre place, get em to air gun it off, but put it back on but not too tight, then it's ok for the short drive home, where you can take it off easy.
get a torque wrench too.
For the crank bolt, I just had my car in 5th gear with the handbeake on and it broke free fine. Just make sure you dont spaz out when you start turning the engine over. thats just the slop in the tranny gears. ALSO: the torque rating for the crank bolt is 190 to 198 foot-pounds, and when re-installing the crank bolt, clean it and use a few dabs of thread locker. That way it wont work itself out. I just did my timing belt and I'm trying to help save you some research and time:)
Have fun;)
190 foot lbs???
My book says 98 foot lbs.
Well I thought getting some cheap air compressor w/hose at pep boys /kragen and get craftmens impact wrench and sockets. I have a cheap torque wrench and want to return the craftmen breaker bar for a longer one.
Well, You're not too far from me, If you need something, let me know. Got a fairly decent set of Snap-On tools.
BTW, Although I've mentioned this before, and some other members seemed to have flipped out, I just use the starter to break the Crank Pulley Bolt loose. Works everytime and I've never damaged anything.
Thanks. That'll help. I'll send an email to ya since my there's wrong with my PM. I need to get to the head gasket and replace it then put things back together. After thanksgiving I'll contact ya.