1986 Toyota MR2 head gasket repair

My husband thought our MR2 was garbage after he diagnosed the problem as a blown head gasket. A very kind friend offered to help my hubby change the head gasket, using his garage and tools. They both had fun doing it, and completed the project after just a couple weeks. While in there, he also changed the water pump, replaced the drive belt, distributor cap, rotor, and the damaged oxygen sensor. He did two oil and filter changes, two radiator changes, and flushed the brakes. I love this little car, and she's back on the road :) He used the green Toyota repair manual, that I got off of ebay, every step of the way.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• 1986
• toyota
• mr2
• head
• gasket
• repair

[eva0392]

dang, i usually go by the cheat sheet

if its older then 2000

if the engine is in the back and its not a Ferrari, Lamborghini or Porsche

if the head gasket is busted

then junk the ride.

but good job for saving this one from the bone yard. though emissions wise should it be saved?

about the video- no info on how you actually did this, just showing off that you did, so that is not really helpful at all.

[blytheluv]

@eva0392 I would have liked to have documented it better, but I was working in a friend's garage and felt time constrained/stressed/happy just to do the job. It was the biggest job I had attempted on a car, and I wanted to encourage others that it could be done. I could not have afforded to pay for the job, so it was fix it myself or adios to the car.

[blytheluv]

Here are the torque specs --

Cylinder Head: 610 Kg-cm (44 ft-lb, 60 N.m)

Camshafts: 130 kg-cm (9 ft-lb, 13 N.m)

[Dillonj177]

i almost got a 87 mr2 for 500

[blytheluv]

@Dillonj177 I got mine for 800. It's still going strong.

[DavideMichelle08]

Hello, when replacing the head gasket do you need to add any sealant to the gasket before putting in on?

[blytheluv]

@DavideMichelle08 No, not that I am aware of, and not mentioned in the Toyota manual.

[GregDucati]

@techdavey1000 can you get me some? what colour is it?

[techdavey1000]

@GregDucati There is also John Deere Coolgard although it is a little expensive. Allegedly this beats all the others for minimising corrosion although any kind of glycol is better than plain water. Try not to use tap water if you live in a hard water area.

[GregDucati]

@techdavey1000 volvo protect is the best corrosion inhibitor coolant

[GregDucati]

@eva0392 what do ya mean emissions wise should it be saved?

[DavideMichelle08]

@blytheluv Thanks so much!!! 

[techdavey1000]

When you are SURE that there are no leaks any more you could try John Deere Coolgard. This is special antifreeze that stops engines corroding. Ordinary antifreeze is quite good as well. Some tightwads just use plain water, this is a very bad idea especially in hard water areas.