sara92max

Ok, boys and girls, if thinking of doing a head gasket job this is what your in for:
This is the `92 VE30DE engine :
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...92max/max1.jpg
This pic is with the upper air plenum off. Note the fuel injector rail and injectors. Also note that I put pieces of paper towlesin the lower intake openings.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...92max/max2.jpg

The next pic is a view of the lower intake off and the Valve cover Gasket.Note the paper towels in the head openings. Between the two heads in the water pipe and underneath it is were the Knock Sensor is. Also look at the size of the Left timing chain gear. That big thing behind the sprocket in the VTC control, just to the left is the VTC selenoid.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...92max/max3.jpg
This pic is a view of the Upper and Lower Cam shafts. On the upper intack cam shaft to the left of the double roller chain in the dreaded VTC assembly.http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...92max/max4.jpg
This image is a view after taking off the cylinder head with the gasket still attached to the block. Notice that the timing chain is laying loose to the left. I marked the chain and sprockets for a reference point during reassebly. I unbolted the self- adjusting timing belt tentioner from the head and slipped the cams out from the chain and a angle...this saved a lot of time trying to get the sprockets unbolted from the cams themselfs. The chain will not fall or move from the lower timing sprocket. Can you see something out of the ordinary with the head gasket?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...92max/max5.jpg
The view shows the were the head gasket failed. Coolant had breached the gasket seal, caused a soft spot and coolant leaked into the cylinder. Note how "shiny" the top of the piston is compared to the other two.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...92max/max6.jpg
Here is the head out of the car. I took it to a machine shop to have it checked for warpage and it was badly warped, witch probable caused the gasket failure.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...92max/max7.jpg
Assembly is in the reverse order.

MrGone

iTrader: (30)

Nice work!


Also glad you got the pictures in order

MrSector9

iTrader: (4)

I have to do the exact same thing to mine actually for the same problem :/ not overly looking forward to the job with the exception it iwll give me achance to port/polish my heads AND fix the exhaust stud problem.I am going to replace both head gaskets though (the while you are there attitude) How long did the job take?

BJ White

sara92max

I had approx. 20 hours labor time just for the front head...I had broken studs also , but I had the machine shop drill them out for me...the rear head is a little harder to reach, but is less difficult to remove. The front head has a lot of stuff bolted to it that HAS to be removed,(Alt, Air Con. Compress,ect.) If you do both heads at the same time, be sure to set the #1 piston on the TDC of the compression stroke, but still make matting marks on the chain and sprockets so YOU KNOW the timing is right when you put it back together.
Get as many of the parts from Brian, (internetautoparts) here on this fourum. He knows the exact parts you need for the job. Auto part stores will sell you wrong parts for the thing and swear to you , you have a different engine in the car. If you need help PM me.
Sara92max

MrSector9

iTrader: (4)

Yeah I plan on taking it to a machine shop locally to get the studs taken out.I also figured around the same time it took you for the job.I am just glad Is een someone tackle the job ebfore I did.Did you hapen to use any manuals? if so which one?

BJ White

CandiMan

iTrader: (1)

Did the engine overheat to cause the gasket to fail? Are you pulling the right head or just doing the left? One thing I was quite pleased with when I pulled my heads, oil pan, timing covers and chains was how clean everything was. I credit that to using Mobil 1 since my first oil change at 29,000 (got the car used) My motor had 113,000 miles when I did that work. So everytime I see other VE heads I can't help but notice the difference. Looks like you have normal to moderate amount of varnish on top of the heads. I didn't feel like tackling my broken exhaust studs while the heads where still on the block so I decided to pull the heads in order to get a clear shot at the studs, and I wanted to closely examine my chain and guides which all had minimal to normal wear.

http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/358672/4

sara92max

It looked like someone did the job before I got it, I think they just slapped the head back on with out having it cleaned and milled. Really though, the job was not that bad, just time consumming. 200 fasteners have to come off the the thing it seemed and you just need to take your time, bag all the parts and lable them, take pics has you go along, while the heads are at the shop, do all of the gasket scraping and cleaning and whatnot to save time. I used a Chilton Manual and it was very helpful with all the torgue sequnce, Ect.
Just remember you are dealing with alumminum, and you can damage it easly. Be sure to unbolt the plenum and lower intake and head off in the correct sequnce, and bolt them back on in the specified sequence.BTW, this engine has 212,000 miles on it.

Loe max

iTrader: (6)

if this isn't a sticky, its going in my favorites folder good work!

internetautomar

iTrader: (30)

just a reminder to people.
FEL-PRO does not make any Gaskets for the VE.

Maxima-4DSC

iTrader: (1)

basterds.......

CandiMan

iTrader: (1)

That's good to know. Even though I don't forsee myself doing another VE anytime soon Fel-Pro is definately one of my best company when it comes to any gaskets.

MIKE