Gonna change the head gaskets;;;

[Cpt Marvel]

I'm getting about ready to change the head gasket on a '90 Lexus ES250. Got the 2.6L..I know it is a dressed up Camry. Question I have is; does anyone have recommendation for gasket manufacturer? Are the FelPro from AutoZone fine or should I use genuwine Toyota parts? Also, has anyone had problems with this procedure? The front head is leaking, but I figure I'll do the rear also. Additionally; I've heard some moans and groans about the rod bearings in this motor being week. Opinions? It's got 217k on it to the best of my knowledge.

[TBayToyotaBoy]

I've never had to do the head gaskets on my 2VZ but everything else seems to be a lot better if you buy dealer parts (water pump, timing belt, clutch components, etc).

As for internals, mine has 390,000km and it's still going strong. I drive it daily, about 30,000km per year, and I don't baby it. No problems yet.

[Zod]

Never used them in an import, but Felpro gaskets have never leaked on me. Not even on the front pushrod valley to intake seal that is notorious on big Ford V8's.

Fram on the other hand, did.

Barring anyone else saying otherwise, I recommend them, as they are quality.

Parts on the other hand, stick to recommendations here. There are reasons, I'm sure for them.

And, if you have a leaking head gasket, make sure the head is flat before you reinstall it. Check the cylinder deck as well. If either isn't, have it machined, or it will leak even with a new gasket.

Properly installed head gaskets don't usually leak for no cause..

[marc780]

If you have a choice and dont mind paying extra i think id go with OEM toyota head gaskets, it is such a critically important part it is probably worth the extra cost. (Although truth be told, if you use the head gasket from the auto parts your repair will probably come out just fine - i've changed lots of heads and always used an aftermarket gasket, and never had a problem afterwards). But if the dealer part cost a whole lot more than the one from the auto parts i'd probably just go with the cheaper one.

Also find out while you are at the dealer, ask a mechanic or the tech advisor, or here, they may recommend replacing the head bolts too.
Needless to say the sealing surface of the head and block should be spotlessly clean and smooth, with no trace of old gasket material left behind. Sealer is usually not used nor recommended, but some mechanics recommend the permatex copper sealing spray designed expressly for head gaskets.

Here is a link on head gasket installation :
http://www.babcox.com/editorial/us/us80222.htm

Also make sure to blow out all the bolt holes of all water and debris. Chase the head bolt hole threads with a tap if you have one. And remember to torque the head bolts in the recommended sequence, and in 3 increments of tightness to final torque. And lastly, remember that torque settings assume clean and lightly lubed bolt threads, meaning 2 or 3 drops of engine oil.

Its hard to be too careful when installing cylinder heads, if you dont already know what a nightmare a blown head gasket can be, its safe to say you surely dont want to find out.

One small detail that may apply, older head gaskets used to require retorquing of the head bolts after initial installation and initial engine running (and overnight cool- down of the engine). Chances are your new gasket will NOT require retorquing, and if it doesnt, it will say so in the literature that comes with the gasket, on its box, or sometimes even on the gasket itself. But there's a slight chance the head might require retorquing, so i'd read the literature or ask the manufacturer if it wasnt crystal clear on whether to do it or not.

[toyomoho]

Felpro makes decent gaskets. As marc states do your prep work!!!!!

If going with Toyota parts consider doing some online shopping, a few dealers offer OEM parts at pretty good discounts.