Head Gasket replacement, Advice please?

[kelley5795]

Ok, I am gonna replace my head gaskets my self, Just need some advice
1998 Toyota Camry 4c
First off the Engine was overhauled about 8 months ago but I do run the car hard so I blew Head gasket but did not let it over heat

1# I wanna know if I should go with a better grade of Head Gasket like this one: http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web...P|GRP2113_____
Or what gasket would handle "heat" best?, because I do race my camry alot and can't be doing head gaskets every 8 months

2# How do I advance timing from 10 to 15? Is it really worth the time? and how much HP would I get?

3# Do I really need to use new head blots? I really wanna reuse every part I can

And any other misc info I should know, Please tell

[sam333]

If the engine was built right , it doesn't matter how hard you drive it, the head gasket should not blow in 8 months, so first you have to figure out why it blew and fix the problem.

It is way more expensive to replace the head gasket over and over, then to check everything and use good parts the first time.

With all engines the first thing to do is check the head/heads for cracks ( have it pressure tested) then check the head and block for flatness( use a machinist straight edge and feeler gauge , not a ruler).

When cleaning the head and block don't use power tools to remove old gaskets( You will dish out the surfaces no matter how careful you are and you will have leaks).

Use Toyota gaskets.

If your head bolts are "torque to yield" then you should NOT reuse them( some manuals say you can) but good rebuilders won't. Once they are used they stretch or "yield" and won't torque properly again( can you say another blown head gasket).

Use a manual.

These are the absolute minimum things that should be done.

[BMR]

^+1. To everything Sam333 said. If it's basically a stock motor, there's no need to do anything better.

[kelley5795]

Ok I got everything done and she starts up but there's a loud noise, the timing belt is lose, how did that happen?? I did not really take the whole belt off, only the top part by the cams
Will I have to do timing over? or can i take the cover off and see if i can get the thing to tighten? the belt is still in great shape
I am all out of ideas

[NapalmFTW]

Originally Posted by kelley5795

Ok I got everything done and she starts up but there's a loud noise, the timing belt is lose, how did that happen?? I did not really take the whole belt off, only the top part by the cams
Will I have to do timing over? or can i take the cover off and see if i can get the thing to tighten? the belt is still in great shape
I am all out of ideas

Did you forget to release the release the tensioner?

[JohnGD]

You should be able to tension it with the top cover off, giving you access to the tensioner bolt. Just make sure you turn the crank 2 revolutions and still make sure the timing marks on the crank and cam line up. That's the proper way to time.

Did you use new head bolts? Fel-Pro Multi-Layer Steel head gasket?