Head gasket removal- timing chain question

Hi Guys
In order to preserve the valve timing when taking the heads off the mechnaics manual suggests using a little specialised tool to hold the chain. Do you tend to buy this part, or fabricate your own, or do you have a diferent way of doing it?

Secure the chain to the cam sprocket with a couple of cable ties .As long as you make sure the crank doesn't move it should be OK .But mark the chain and sprocket in any case .
Are you doing both heads ? In the car or out ?

Im doing both with the engine in situ. Theres some damage to the spacers and rocker gaskets so it seems like a good opportunity to renew the lot at the same time, plus do some other little jobs. Thanks for the idea, saves making up a part!!

By the way the black wheel/light centre cap combo looks rather tasty.

If you can get onto the crank pulley with an air gun and remove the pulley, my advice (and the advice I was given many moons ago) is to just remove the timing cover. It really isn't difficult and makes the whole head removal a lot easier.

The reason to hold tension in the timing chains is to stop the tensioners ratcheting out - this is really important. Any release in tension from the chain and then you'll HAVE to remove the timing cover, so you can use a little flat screwdriver to reset the tensioner(s)

BTW I highly recomment not using rocker or tinign gover gaskets. Just use a good silicone sealant on a clean oil free surface.

.. just be wary that none of that sealant gets into the engine and through the oil pump as Phildini found...

note that on the late 3 litre engines, this is exactly how they were assembled at the factory. And of course, use sparingly!

note that on the late 3 litre engines, this is exactly how they were assembled at the factory. And of course, use sparingly!

Yes but production line engines won't be filled with oil and put in a car and run till a decent while after they are fully built. Some one doing the timing cover on its own, could plonk it on, fill the car up and run it a short while after..

Just pre-warning...

Okay how about "I've seen leaky gaskets on numerous occasions and seen lots or problems with both original and "new" gaskets. Since using just silicone, I've never had a problem." ?

Okay how about "I've seen leaky gaskets on numerous occasions and seen lots or problems with both original and "new" gaskets. Since using just silicone, I've never had a problem." ?

I would say 'Im glad Im not the person here recommending people don't use gaskets...'

If you're doing both then try and get the crank pulley off and remove the cover .Sometime they come off easy
As for the silicon.............. I've got one with and one with a gasket

If you're doing both then try and get the crank pulley off and remove the cover .Sometime they come off easy
As for the silicon.............. I've got one with and one with a gasket

Now if you had been sensible you should have cut the gasket in half and put half on one side, half on the other..

[BIG_MVS]

If you're doing both then try and get the crank pulley off and remove the cover .Sometime they come off easy
As for the silicon.............. I've got one with and one with a gasket

Now if you had been sensible you should have cut the gasket in half and put half on one side, half on the other..

Or like someone I know use an old cardboard Fosters Lager box

If you're doing both then try and get the crank pulley off and remove the cover .Sometime they come off easy
As for the silicon.............. I've got one with and one with a gasket

Now if you had been sensible you should have cut the gasket in half and put half on one side, half on the other..

Or like someone I know use an old cardboard Fosters Lager box

If you cut the plastic holder that keeps a 6 pack together in half, you can use it for a head gasket

Or like someone I know use an old cardboard Fosters Lager box

Did that on an intake manifold once, worked a charm. You should grease up the cardboard first though And seeing as the owner of said car is probably lurking, you know who you are! (this was a temporary measure that worked so well it stayed there for years, with the full knowledge of the owner!)

...but it was Carling, not Fosters.