Head gasket problems

[Guest wdf]

I need to replace the head gasket on my 97 VR6. I have done a 8v 4 cylinder GTi before, how much mroe difficult is the VR6. I intend to buy the Russek book on the VR6. I already have the spline drives from the previous gti rebuild.

I have been told that you need to hold the cam chain somehow, otherwise if it drops, it is a complete engine out.

I have done many 4 cylinder engines, and Rover V8's, as well as a Jag V12(partly)..... how much more difficult is the VR6.. , it is a tight fit, so there is not much room to get around the engine.. otherwise what other problems??

I know I need new head bolts as well.

Any advice???

[ingham 5]

you will also need to lock cams ,can be done with small spanners. be carefull with cam timming.

[petervr6 0]

polish guy done mine about a month a go payed him 140 and i got the parts which i managed to get hold of all i payed for was the bolts 40 no bad and it run sweet after.

[petervr6 0]

what would happen if the cam was out?

[VR6_Absy 0]

!amazed don't go there m8. At best ur performance will be shite &| bent valves etc is worst case

[petervr6 0]

ok so cant be then after getting the head done coz its rubbish on fuel but performance thumbs up.

[Petesvw 0]

If your gonna do it your self, at least make sure you have new head bolts, as once used, will not compress back to correct torque!!!

[antera309 3]

Yes, you have to tie up the cam chain to keep it located on the correct teeth on the idler sprocket (which is right down inside the engine). A piece of wire looped round the chain and the bonnet crossmember does the job.

Make some alignment marks on cam sprokets & chain before you take the sprockets off. Make sure the marks line back up when you refit the sprockets and that takes care of the timing.