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The engines heads gasket went bad and I need to replace it. The engine is a 4cyl. which believe is a 2.6L or 2.3L, I can't remember. I was told that its really hard to change the head gasket do to the timing chain configuration. Could someone please tell me how hard it i to change the head gasket.
As someone who has owned about a dozen B-2200s before I started running Rangers I can't say how much you know about doing it but it's about the same as any 4cyl overhead cam motor. I always thought getting the exhaust air injection/heat shield/ex manifold off was the hardest part.
I will suggest if it's a 2000/2300 motor only buy a graphite type head gasket (what they left the factory with), the print-o-seal aftermarket (Fel-Pro and now Mazda too) are crap and you will live to regret it. With a iron block and alum head you need that type.
I bought my graphite ones online from a Japanese aftermarket parts place (in California) and never had troubles again.
Sorry for not being clear, but now I have the info you guys need. The truck is a 1990 B2600i, with a 4cyl fuel injected overhead cam engine. So I guess that makes it the 2.3L.
Can anyone give me some tips or info on how hard it is to do the head gasket?
Well that's interesting...musta had an engine swap at some point.
Head gaskets aren't bad really. You must remove all the stuff attached to the head, but it's not bad. I believe you can remove the entire intake including the carb as one unit, and the exhaust the same. None of it has to be removed from the truck, just enough outta the way you can get to the head bolts.
Remove the timing mechanism and the head pops unbolts.
Now...of course, my description is quite simple. I haven't pulled a head on a 2.3L (though I have done a 300-6), so I'm sure I skipped a few steps. It's quite simple however. Even a Haynes could lead you through it.
I was told the timing chain configuration was real tricky. I guess because it comes up through the block. Its up to my father wether we tackle it or send it off to the shop.
Off the topic alittle, but when we go to the parts store they tend to list the 2.3L and 2.6L for the truck so maybe some came from the factory with the 2.3L.
As I said before I have done a bunch of 2000/2200s (the same) but don't know the 2600 real well.
It should have a timing belt behind a plastic cover. I know on the 2000s they had chains up to 84 and went to belts in 86 then came out with the 2200 gas in 88 I think.
If you don't have experiance doing timing belts on anything then I would suggest not starting here.