Head Gasket replacement help

[LongElanLad]

Hi,

I'm currently in the process of replacing the HG.

So far I've removed the timing belt covers, crank pulley removed along with the expansion tank, disconnected and labelled plugs and hoses as I go, removed air filter housing and the engine mount.

I was wondering if you have to remove the intake manifold and Turbo before lifting the head?

Additionally what socket required for the timing belt tensioner?

Thanks!

[HJ2]

I usually take the complete exhaust manifold + turbo off as one piece.
You can cut a small piece of an allen key and put that in a long ring / ratch key to get to the engine support from below and then take the entire support structure out from above.
I then lift the head + intake manifold as one assembly and take it from there

have a look here as well:
viewtopic.php?f=37&t=19996
viewtopic.php?f=79&t=16507&p=220797 (look at page 3)

[cliff]

Hi, Henk-Jan´s excellent write up and links cover most things.

I removed the turbo and exhaust manifold (mine is easier because i have a piper downpipe). The intake manifold should be removed with the head as per the manual, trying to remove it in the car looks almost impossible. I also removed the power steering reservoir for access to the earth leads and oil cooler bracket bolts. This has the added bonus of allowing you to disconnect the top hose of the power steering pump without too much mess and move the pump further back out of the way.

I am not encouraging project creep but while the head is off you have quite good access to the rear of the engine for replacing vacuum hoses, possibly have the starter overhauled and anything else you might want to do. Replace the oil seals at the head blank and CAS with viton ones if it has not already been done (there are several threads about this).

I can´t remember what size allen key I used for the cam belt tensioner, the you tube video has some good information about that. You have the engine mount off so you have done the worst part, the rest is just difficult. Good luck.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osBhwSw3VBk