How To Replace The Head Gasket on 2.4l Toyota and Scion Motor Step by Step (Part 4 of 4)

This video will go over step by step on how to replace the head gasket on 2.4l motor. This motor is found in the Camry, Highlander, RAV4, Corolla, Matrix, tC, and xB. Some of the parts around the vehicle could be a little different. The mechanical parts of the motor are all the same.
Part 1
• How To Replace The Hea...
Part 2
• How To Replace The Hea...
Part 3
• How To Replace The Hea...

[@swappins1ms526]

Bro I’m about to stop procrastinating and dive into the last part of this job. Just got the head back from the machine shop. You’re a life savor ima pull up on the dude who sold me the pos with a smile 🎉🎉

[@csautomotive12]

Got luck to you! Let me know how it goes!

[@swappins1ms526]

@@csautomotive12 my piston heads…. They’re not suppose to have dents molded in them, right?

[@csautomotive12]

@@swappins1ms526 What do you mean by dents?

[@wildfire8341]

​@swappins1ms526 yes your piston will have indentation for better firing 🔥 it's part of the design 😅

[@briancase627]

The best videos I have seen for working on engines. If you could do every car ever made, nobody would need a mechanic. Great work.

[@csautomotive12]

Thanks for watching.

[@godcarstoolsandfun4089]

Fantastic series bro! Now my turn 😳😭🤣 Doing this job for a buddy who is a fellow Christian who has this issue on a car my dad gave him. Wish me luck 🍀

[@csautomotive12]

Good luck too you! Are you going to be doing a video on it?

[@godcarstoolsandfun4089]

@@csautomotive12 nah I’m not a KZbinr… no equipment to record and I’m more focused on the job than trying to keep details together… besides it would be hard to beat your video. I watched several and yours is by far the best and most detailed. Is there anything more to the timing on the cams and chains? Just line up the intake cam with the line and marker on the chain… then the exhaust marker and dot on the crank? I’m used to ls engines and degreeing them isn’t as intense I guess.

[@z4ctaylor]

Hey mate, great video and your a legend for answering peoples questions in the comments so I have a couple for you. My 06 camry 300k kms has been going through coolant over the last few months which has caused a couple of overheatings where I wasnt keeping a close enough eye on the coolant level. Each time it overheated I topped up the fluids and the car seemed fine (no bubbling in radiator, clean oil, no exhaust smoke ect and no obvious leaks). After the last overheat, there was alot of oil sitting on the right side of the engine, underneath the air box sitting in the transmission. The water pump had also sprung a leak and would not hold liquid even when the car was off and there is an engine light that stays on. I took the water pump off and the bottom bolt was only finger tight and there was no metal gasket either - only some gasket maker silicone so i am guessing that is where i have been loosing coolant. What would you say I am looking at with the oil on the transmission? Is it worth fixing considering the kms and heat cycling that has been done to this engine.

[@csautomotive12]

I would get the water pump fixed. That’s part of your cooling problem. It’s not a good sign that you overheated the motor like that. I would get a block tester kit and check for a bad head gasket. If the block test doesn’t show any signs of the head being bad. Then I would say go ahead and fix the oil leaks. Sometimes oil leaks look worse then they really are. A little bite of oil makes a big mess! Hope that helps. The one thing thats good about these motors are there easy and cheap to fix. They do have there problems like anything. Hope that helps. Let me know if you have any other questions. Thanks for the support!

[@pkerlile]

Go get a combustion test kit at harbor freight, under $30 and youll have your answer. Super easy to work as well.

[@ibcrypto6139]

This is the only video explaining not to get too much rtv around the tensioner oil galley. I am redoing my first botched up head gasket because I did not property get rid of a warp on the head. I manually sanded with flat surface. Now I have a gap of .011 when measuring between timing chanin cover and head. fingers crossed. I also was having issues with running bad at higher rpms. I thought I had mistakenly put the crank sensor plate in backwards but It was correct. I also had missed the hole when bolting the timing chain solinoid , (the one up top near the tensioner), so I am hoping that was the problem perhaps not getting enough pressure. My project is with a beater car that ran for 4 years with head gasket sealer so if it does not work out it was just time and minimal cost. You did a very good job of explaining things without wasting much time. Thank You!

[@csautomotive12]

Thanks for watching the video! Hope it helped you with your project! Thanks for watching. Let me know how it runs when it’s put back together.

[@dave6095]

Wow, you made that look so easy, I have a 2004 Toyota Camry and unfortunately, I’ve gotten too old to take this on by myself, so I’ve got to take it to my neighborhood mechanic that has done a lot of work for me in the past, I just wish it wasn’t gonna cost me so much, in the older days, I would tackle this myself and was able to do these things, but now I’ve gotten too old , now, old age has got me. I can’t do this anymore, anyways thanks for the video. It was nice to watch and dream of the days that I could do this. I can’t imagine what this is gonna cost me.??$$$ anyways thanks for the video you are very patient mechanic.Dave 🤘

[@csautomotive12]

Well lm sorry! It sounds like you have a good trust worthier mechanic. There is just something in life we are unable to do. Hopefully he can get you back on the road. Thanks for watching and thanks for the support.

[@steffd8066]

I appreciate you taking your time to film this big help!

[@csautomotive12]

Your welcome. I’m glad you found it helpful.

[@GT1million]

Excellent instruction! Saved me a ton of work. Thanks👍🏻

[@csautomotive12]

I’m glad it was helpful! Thanks for support!

[@maribelperez1692]

Went ahead and liked all 4 vids man, I was just worried about needing one of those specialty tools for timing but is mainly have marks in place, thank you so much keep up the good work

[@csautomotive12]

Yeah just line the timing marks up and you will be in good shape. Thanks for the support!

[@butterflydoze]

So I don't have to set the car to TDC? Just drop the cams in any position as long as the the marks on the chain line up with the marks on the cam?

[@ImOldSkoolBro]

Great video man couldn't have done it without you ❤

[@ImOldSkoolBro]

Might want to post stud size of the through stud on timing chain cover is 9/16 and mention no rtx on gasket took me alot of research but got it

[@ImOldSkoolBro]

Rtv

[@csautomotive12]

Thanks for the comments and support! Glad you got it fixed!

[@ibcrypto6139]

This is by far the best tutorial on removing/replacing Toyota 2.4 clyinder head. Showing all the steps is very helpful! I bought the Toyota, (Seal Packing 103 FPIG). RTV and had been wondering if that was the best stuff to use. My timing chain cover had been leaking so hopefully I get it right. Anyone have thoughts on the right stuff v.s. the toyota RTV? Again. Thanks for this video!

[@csautomotive12]

I’m glad you found it helpful! Good luck with the timing chain cover.

[@ibcrypto6139]

@@csautomotive12 Yes, the leak was fixed perfectly! Ha ha., See my latest comment. I had to re-do. Nothing like having to learn from your mistakes and re-do this job.

[@mshobozikamugisha4080]

Only thing missing is type and size of socket for head bolts

[@arcanewyrm6295]

Man, this job is going to be fun with no air or electric tools. 🤦‍♂️ Very good series on this, though. It will be a big help to me. Definitely helped me realize I'm lacking a few essential tools, though. Better to know now than get stuck in the middle of the project. Thank you for this series.

[@csautomotive12]

Thanks! Good luck to you! Let me know if you have any questions along the way!

[@arcanewyrm6295]

@csautomotive12 Possibly more than you'd care to answer, lol... But if I get hard stuck, I'll keep you in mind. Actually... Do you know anything about ECM replacement in these? Separate issue from the head gasket, but the original ECM was throwing a few codes. 1 was the Bank 1, Sensor 2 o2 sensor, but the other two were duplicate p0606/processor faults that were persistent and wouldn't clear. So I got a used ECM from a salvage yard and installed it. No codes, and it passed its self-diagnostic. But now the car is only getting a very weak spark (dull orange color). It ran for months with the bad head gasket, but then quit even trying to start. That's when I discovered the fault codes and got the replacement ECM. Plenty of fuel pressure (48psi coming out of the regulator while cranking) and good compression on 3 of the 4 cylinders. Security light goes out when putting the original key in, so I don't suspect the immobilizer feature to be the issue. I have heard that the ECM needs to be reprogrammed to the car... something to do with communicating with the rest of the systems properly? I'm at a loss there. Most of my experience and expertise is from OBD-I and earlier. But unless I figure this part out, the head gasket issue is pretty moot. Any thoughts?

[@th.usa4112]

My 2009 Camry has rod bearing knock, I wish if you would come up with a video about how to fix or replace rod bearing. Thank you for your hard work.

[@csautomotive12]

Most likely your going to be cheaper to get a used motor to put in it. The cost of parts and machine work alone would be more then a used motor. If you want the job done right. Hope that helps.

[@7080100]

I have 2003 camry.. Wonder how its heating up all off sudden.. Showed to mechanic. He saw its bubbling in radiator n said its gasket need to be replaced.. Was checking how complicatee it is... You made it look easy with all required tools handy.. Thanks again for the video... How much would be repair cost. Approx so we get fair idea...

[@csautomotive12]

Thanks for the comment. It’s a common problem on the 2.4 liter. It’s hard to say on the cost. There’s a lot that goes into the job. Every state has different labor rates. Hope that helps. Also sometime it’s cheaper to put a motor in them than to do the head gasket.

[@ronnietronic2786]

Cylinder head bolts torque: 52 Foot Pounds + 90 degree, or 58 Foot Pounds + 90 degree ??? I noticed you torqued to 52 foot pounds, but I'm seeing spec's for this engine that say 58 ft lb + 90, I don't want to over torque aluminum threads. Can you provide guidance on which is correct (2003 Toyota Camry 2.4l) ? Maybe 58 ft lb is too much for the aluminum threads holding the cylinder head bolts? Thanks for the great video! I am able to proceed with confidence after watching all 4 vid's.

[@csautomotive12]

I got the torque spec straight off Mitchell. These have issues with the threads pulling on the aluminum blocks on the earlier models. If that happens, just get an insert and tap. Don’t waste the money on buying the kit they make. Just go to your local parts store and they should have a tap and insert that will fit.

[@kren1101]

I have an '03 that I just recently bought for my kids to drive. It overheated the other day so I was trying to track that down. I was doing a compression test (my book called for removing all the spark plugs). I found two cylinders were within range, but at the very low end, and two cylinders had an oil/coolant mixture squirting out. Sounds like I'll be doing this job...

[@csautomotive12]

Yeah it should like it could be the head gasket. Let me know if you have any questions if you end up taking on the job!

[@h2o40fpv]

Great video did watch all of it thank you.

[@csautomotive12]

I’m glad you found it helpful!

[@briankellydanoteddy]

Liked and subscribed. Great series. I have a 2004 Camry. It is in great condition, and bought for my son. Sounds great and I was happy with it. All of a sudden, it started to overheat. Luckily, we have not driven it much in that condition. It showed a heat sensor code, so I replaced that. Code did not come back. Still overheating if actually driving. Idles fine and no overheating. When it overheated initially, coolant escaped and blew onto the engine from the cap under the radiator cap. So I replaced the thermostat and radiator. Still overheating. The heater inside does NOT blow hot air. No smoke or anything out the tailpipe. Sounds great idling. The only thing I can think to do is replace the water pump. Any suggestions for this somewhat handy person? Anything else I should be looking at? Thanks!

[@csautomotive12]

It sounds like you have an air pocket in the cooling system or a blown head gasket. You could get a liquid tester like this this to check it. www.amazon.com/Block-Tester-BT-500-Combustion-Leak/dp/B06VVBSFTF/ref=asc_df_B06VVBSFTF/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312177448019&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14980946154144061300&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9029705&hvtargid=pla-570352767565&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=61495038909&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=312177448019&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14980946154144061300&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9029705&hvtargid=pla-570352767565 Keep in mind that earlier years had problems with the head bolts pulling the threads due to the aluminum blocks. If you have an air pocket in the cooling system, you’ll need to lift the front of the car up while it is running and let the air pocket bleed out.

[@TinLe-fk5uz]

Or bad water pump

[@josepha6227]

Did you figure it out? Check your radiator fans are working if it's over heating when stopped. Replace the radiator cap too, that was my problem.

[@joshualagan4832]

So we don't need to adjust the oil pump chain? I thought we would, since we are resetting the upper chain.

[@csautomotive12]

You don’t need to do anything with the oil pump!

[@WPreece]

Hi. Thanks for these videos, they help a lot. I do have some questions about some of the parts. 1. Did you get the cylinder head with or without the cams, and if you don't mind, could you share the seller that you got it from? 2. Do you have a preference for gasket brands? I've usually used Felpro, but there are lots of no name brands out there online that are cheaper, probably for a good reason. 3. Do you have a preference for head bolt brand? 4. Good idea to change the water pump while doing this? Thanks so much for the video and the help.

[@csautomotive12]

I’m glad it helped. 1. I would get it with the cams and get a rebuilt head. 2. Felpro is really good. Just make sure you get multi layer metal gasket. 3. I have used all brands of head bolts and they all work great. 4. It’s not a bad idea to change it. Hope this helps. Let me know if you have any other questions.

[@mikehanlon9773]

Nice job.i had to do my stripped block threads.a pia.

[@csautomotive12]

Thanks!

[@peerless8967]

just had a new motor put into my 2007 camry ive refilled the coolant reservoir 2 times and it runs low no over heating no check engine light no trouble with power minimal exhaust smoke and im not seeing any coolant leaking from the radiator while parked heat and ac work great. The oil also looked fine last oil change. Could I still have a head gasket leak or was there not enough coolant added to my system with the new install? great video by the way thinking i may have to do this if it is my gasket

[@csautomotive12]

It’s a used motor? If it not over heating I would say its mostly like not the head gasket. I would get it pressure test and find out where the leak is. Let me know if you have any others questions.

[@peerless8967]

@@csautomotive12 yeah used jdm motor and from what I read it could just be as simple as the radiator cap idk didn’t see any coolant missing from the reservoir today and was driving for almost 4 hours stopped in between for about an hour or so no leaks still.. checked around water pump and everything, no overheating. What’s the best way to pressurize the system

[@jaylee931]

Great video after watching it i decided it seemed like less work to just get a used e low mile japanese engine mine has 223k with burning oil before & now coolant..

[@csautomotive12]

Thanks! With that many miles thats not a bad option.

[@huibofu9995]

Good video

[@csautomotive12]

Thanks I appreciate it!!

[@yenghang1609]

Gezzz my 2007 camry smoking and smell like radiator fluid. I want to do the head, but after looking at this its a bigger job 😆

[@csautomotive12]

Yeah it takes some time! There’s a lot of parts to it. Are you sure it’s the head?

[@MattFearney]

When removing the head bolts, Should I follow the same order you did them in? Do I have to take my head to a machine shop before replacing the gasket? Can I still use the old head? It looked like the head you reinstalled was brand new.

[@csautomotive12]

It doesn’t matter what order you take them off. You will want to take it to a machine shop. They will need to resurface it. In my case it was cheaper to get a rebuilt head off eBay then it was to rebuild the one I had. Hope that helps. Let me know if you have any other questions.

[@joeljunior4584]

Great video, going to do my Rav4 this weekend, what’s the silicone you use again? Thank you 🙏🏾

[@csautomotive12]

Thanks. Good luck with your project. This is the silicone. www.amazon.com/Permatex-99070-Right-Stuff-Gasket/dp/B000HBM6PE/ref=asc_df_B000HBM6PE/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=241895017383&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=11834544272722263921&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9029705&hvtargid=pla-491792822069&psc=1

[@the250mikec]

Just watched the whole series Might need to help out a friend 06 camery (ran it hot, thermostat) After installing cams is the dot on the crank gear the correct TDC for the correct cylnder? Or should I roll it around before putting head on?

[@csautomotive12]

Yeah once you pull the head off you can just bring the cylinder 1 up and line the timing makes up. Let me know if you have any other questions.

[@the250mikec]

@@csautomotive12 thanks, you're awesome. Always sweating bullets when it's time to set timing.

[@csautomotive12]

@@the250mikecIt can be stressful! As long as all the marks are set you will be good!

[@JuanDiaz-vm1pv]

Thank you so very much for this helpful video. Excelent job. I'm considering doing the same on my 2005 Camry LE 2.4L, 250,000 miles. My coolant is disappearing, running rough, no much power going on a hill, a lot of white smoke through my exhaust pipe, misfiring codes on multiple cylinders, even after installing new plugs, swapping coils, and new coil connectors. No visible/external coolant leaks. I also performed a compression test and pressure seems to be good. I assume the head gasket is blown and the coolant going into my engine. Any advice will be much appreciated. Thanks in advance!

[@csautomotive12]

Thanks for watching. It sounds like a head gasket to me. You could get a block tester kit and check it to make sure that’s what it is. It’s a lot of work if that’s not yours problem. Also just something to add the older 2.4’s had problems with the head bolts striping and pulling the threads. They make a kit to fix them if that happens. I will put a link the a block tester kit that works really good. Let me know if you have any others questions. www.amazon.com/Block-Tester-BT-500-Combustion-Leak/dp/B06VVBSFTF/ref=asc_df_B06VVBSFTF/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312177448019&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6562844620573683751&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9029705&hvtargid=pla-570352767565&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=61495038909&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=312177448019&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6562844620573683751&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9029705&hvtargid=pla-570352767565

[@JuanDiaz-vm1pv]

@@csautomotive12 appreciate your kind reply!

[@shadowpevenski]

I’m replacing the head gasket on my 09 tC do I need to do the 90 degree torque?

[@csautomotive12]

I would think so! But you might want to look at the torque specs just to make sure they didn’t change it on the tC.

[@shadowpevenski]

@@csautomotive12 thank you!!

[@greatbritt6801]

Thanks for the great videos with all your help. Couldn't have got that head off without it. Whats your thought on getting a used head?

[@csautomotive12]

I’m glad it helped. I would get a rebuilt one on eBay. I have had the best luck doing that. I wouldn’t do used.

[@greatbritt6801]

Thank you soooo much

[@alfredohernandez1124]

Did you put it back the sprock on the cranck shaft after the chain and before the timing chain cover u didn't mention. That i supost u did but for the people who dont know its good to mention i think but thanks for the video

[@csautomotive12]

Yeah I put it on first and then put the cover on.

[@yepyep4840]

What Car is this? Thanks for the awesome video.

[@csautomotive12]

It was a 2008 Toyota Camry! Thanks!

[@yepyep4840]

@@csautomotive12 You're the man! THanks for the content

[@grapeape780]

The "click" on smaller torque wrenches is very subtle! If you go too far, loosen and redo it.

[@csautomotive12]

That’s a great point!

[@mdkzztop]

My sons 2005 camry overheated and I believe the head gasket is blown cause there is oil in the block past the thermostat housing! Looks like i Will have to replace the gasket.

[@csautomotive12]

Yeah you might want to chemical test it before you do it!

[@mdkzztop]

@@csautomotive12 I'm pretty sure it's blown. Was behind him and it blew steam all over the place and blew the top off the overflow tank. Antifreeze is brown and very oily.

[@jimtener1437]

Did I miss the Head Gasket installation? Great job on the step by step instructions, well done and very informative.

[@jimtener1437]

Actually, i went back and saw that it was there, my mistake.

[@csautomotive12]

Your good! Thanks!

[@rickdavis2600]

What socket did you use for the head bolts? And should I replace the crank shaft seal while I got the cover off?

[@csautomotive12]

Mine was a CTA 10mm x 12 Point. Yeah just get a head gasket seal kit and replace all the seals. Hope that helps. Thanks for watching.

[@faizahmed3752]

I have 2006highlander has coolant leak from back of engine, maybe Head bolts sprained due to closed /stuck thermostat,does it need to rebore head or just put new head bolts.reply appreciate.

[@csautomotive12]

If it’s coming from the head you will need to take it off! Is it on a 2.4l?

[@dekonfrost7]

Thanks

[@csautomotive12]

Your welcome.

[@zachballinger6583]

What is the labor time on this job? Thanks for the good info

[@csautomotive12]

It calls for 12.1 hours. You could easily do it in 6 to 8 hours. It’s a really easy head job. As long as you get the timing chain set right.

[@aaronkendall689]

Is it worth replacing the head cylinder because of burnt valve on cylinder 3 on 2009 Toyota Camry 206000 miles on

[@csautomotive12]

If you can do the work I would say yes! If you have to pay a shop to do it probably not. Hope that helps.

[@zoktoberfest]

What about adjusting the valves? How could you leave that procedure out?

[@csautomotive12]

There’s no valves to adjust on this car.

[@adlp12]

Hey man, i have a question. Is it normal to be coolant around the cylinders when the head its removed??

[@csautomotive12]

Yeah. Just clean it all up really good and make sure you don’t have any cracks on the block.

[@xESPplayer500x]

The service manual does not say oil the head bolts?

[@csautomotive12]

Yeah you don’t have to! I just like to do it that way on all of my head jobs.

[@KayCutta225]

31:02 where that goes? the only part missing is where u put that piece

[@csautomotive12]

Are you asking on the tensioner?

[@KayCutta225]

No bro I get it now it was a tensioner

[@csautomotive12]

@@KayCutta225 Ok cool! If you have any other questions I would love to help!

[@lancestyler9441]

I have a 2009 toyota camry LE 2.4L with 230K miles lost all coolant and overheated at highway speeds, stalled and would not restart. An OBD2 scan indicated it reached 275F when an ETC code was recorded. I later refilled coolant and tried to start but only turns overwith little compression and coolant squirting out at head gasket area bewteen middle two cylinders under exhaust manifold on front of engine, Due to the temperature reached and high mileage, I was told by a repair shop that an engine swap should be completed instead of replacing head gasket and machining head, since it likely damaged the rings and cylinder walls, so it would burn a lot of oil, etc.Sounds like you do a lot of these, so would you agree with this advise? or should I attempt the head gasket replacement and head machining or remanufactured head option? Thank You!

[@csautomotive12]

I would have to agree with your repair shop. With that mean miles you are rolling the dice. When they get hot its not good on them. If you rebuild the top half of the motor. It will put more pressure on the bottom half that was not repaired. Most of the time they don’t hold up for very long. Hope that helps.

[@lancestyler9441]

Thanks for reply! How difficult is an engine swap?!@@csautomotive12

[@csautomotive12]

Not very bad. I would say easier then the head job hands down. Are you thinking of doing it?

[@lancestyler9441]

Yes, i'm considering the engine swap, but trying to find a good reference video. Plus concerned about not having the proper tools, like a lift and engine hoist, etc. Your head gasket video series was exceptional, plus all of your responses in the comments with others were very helpful and gave me confidence that I could do it. Thanks again! @csautomotive12

[@csautomotive12]

If you can get a motor hoist you can do it. They are one of the easiest motors to pull. I need to do a video on how to do them. I would say it’s easier then the head job.

[@greatbritt6801]

Hi is there no camshaft bearing on the bottom half moon side of the smaller shaft? I know its no way I lost it and the machine shop said it wasnt in the perfectly set up box that I turned over to them.

[@csautomotive12]

Yes one does and the others doesn’t.

[@greatbritt6801]

I previously liked all 4 videos and Thanked you for all your help. Thank you again cause its no way I would be doing this job without your videos. To try and not be confusing im asking about the front, bottom bearing ?

[@csautomotive12]

There is not one on the exhausts cam if that’s what your wondering. On my part 3 of 4 of my videos if you go to 9:30 on it. I show that there’s only one bottom bearing cap on the intake cam. Hope that helps.

[@greatbritt6801]

Great! Thanks! If I would've went back to part 3, then I wouldn't have had to worry you again. The 4:30 and the 8:30 mark show no bearing. You are amazing!

[@damianweidemann1871]

Question for you sir, I followed the instructions because it’s my first time replacing a head gasket in one of these engines, but not my first one. Got it all put together and bolted up, timed it according to the forums, timing stays in spec but I can’t seem to get it to start. At first I was getting a P0351-4 and it will kinda cough like it’s cranking but not turn over. I’ve checked grounds, coils are new, along with spark plugs. Is there something I’m missing something? I’ve tried seeing if I get spark and nothing seems to be coming out even with the spark plugs out of the cylinder

[@csautomotive12]

Your sure you have everything plugged in? I would check all the wiring for the coils. Does the motor have compression? It sounds like something’s not hocked up right if your getting that code.

[@damianweidemann1871]

@@csautomotive12 I’ve checked and double checked. I took the coils out and did a good ol shock yourself test to make sure they were getting spark and now it’s getting spark, but still not turning over. Is there a way that I could’ve put the timing 180* off TDC? Or does it not matter as long as the crank is in that same position you had it? I used the alignment with the block and crank main to line up the crank gear and then the middle notch on the exhaust cam and longer notch on the intake cam. It just doesn’t seem to want to start

[@csautomotive12]

You can’t timing it 180 out. But your timing could be off. So does it turn over or not? And if so does it back fire or making any wired noises?

[@damianweidemann1871]

@@csautomotive12 it tries to turn over, it will cough and try and sputter but then dies out after a few seconds. I’ve checked timing twice now and it’s on time, marks lined up on the cam and crank gears and the cam gears aligned with the arrows on the cam bushing caps. I am going to try replacing the crankshaft sensor because I noticed that when checking for spark last night it would intermittently stop sparking, then spark, and then stop again. So I’m thinking that, since moving the crank sensor wiring a little would change it, the sensor or wiring may be bad. I’ll let you know what I find

[@csautomotive12]

I see. Hopefully that fixes the problem. Let me know what you find out.

[@thomashmoore]

I did'nt see the placement of the actual gasket.

[@csautomotive12]

Yeah I put it on before I starter to record. Just look at the gasket most of the time they have wording on them to say what side goes up.

[@angelortegaguerra2928]

ive seen somewhere to only put oil on the bolt and where the bolt contacts the washer.. does it matter?

[@csautomotive12]

I like to put oil on the bolts and then just wipe them off. You don’t want a lot of oil on them or you can ruin the threads. Everyone has their way of doing it!

[@lekendriccastion8188]

Recently had a head gasket replacement done. However, car will crank but not start when trying to start it up. Any thoughts on why this is? Thanks.

[@csautomotive12]

Could be a lot of things. How long after you did the job did it stop running?

[@bchang13]

How do you line up the dot on the crank gear with the orange tab and line? Just spin it?

[@csautomotive12]

Are you talking about when taking it off?

[@bchang13]

When lining up for timing

[@csautomotive12]

Just line it up when you are putting it back together. To get the marks on the chain with the marks on the crank and cams. It could take hundreds of rotations.

[@deeeyewhy5949]

Did you skip the gasket installation? Are there any steps to ensure the block is not warped? What about cleaning the block surface before installing the gasket? Sorry I just want to understand this job as thoroughly as possible and know when it’s best to just pull and replace the whole engine as opposed to going through with a half measure if it’s bound to fail due to catastrophic engine damage from overheating

[@csautomotive12]

I have never seen a block that is warped. The head lifts before the block warps. You could put a straight edge on it to make sure. Also you can clean the surface of the block with a razor blade, brake clean, and a rag. In most cases it’s cheaper to rebuild the top half then the to put an engine it it. My family has done thousands of head jobs over the years and some of the cars are still running from 20 years ago.

[@deeeyewhy5949]

@@csautomotive12 oops, I meant cracked. Also I was under the impression that you needed to disconnect the battery whenever working on an engine. some people have shorted out their electronics when replacing a radiator and forgeting yo disconnect the negative terminal of the battery.

[@csautomotive12]

@@deeeyewhy5949 You can visually inspect it. Very really does it crack. The top of the piston walls is where you would see a crack. Yeah the negative battery cable.

[@mikealcorta9111]

Hi sorry I needs help my neighbor the lifters make a noise, the lifter is part the head on where is because I saw you remove the caps but never saw the lifter 😅

[@csautomotive12]

This car doesn’t have lifters. It’s an over head cam. Hope that helps.

[@redmi-rz5lx]

I'm attempting to replace a head gasket on my 04 Camry for the first time, this video is everything, thanks so much Big questions I have: What brand air ratchet did you use to get into those tight spaces? Do you have to have the cylinder head resurfaced when replacing a head gasket? How much does it usually cost? How did you know the engine block also didn't need resurfacing? I see that you didn't include the actual new head gasket installment, is it because resurfacing the cylinder head came with a new gasket mounted on it?

[@csautomotive12]

You can do it. The air ratchet is an old 1/4 inch drive from Mac tools. Yes you will want to get the cylinder head resurfaced. You will need to call a local machine shop to ask them how much they would charge you. Another option that some times is cheaper is to buy a rebuilt head off eBay. I have had very good luck doing that and have saved a lot of money. When buying a head off eBay everything is redone on the head. We have been doing head jobs for years and have never seen the block warp. We have seen a few crack so just make sure you don’t have any cracking. It’s really hard for the block to warp. The block is so thick it can’t really change shape very much. You can get a head gasket kit that will come with all the gaskets and seals you will need for the job. Make sure you get a metal head gasket. It will have writing on it make sure you follow the instructions on what side goes up. You will put the heads gasket on the block and then set the head straight down on it. Make sure you don’t let the head slid you can damage the head gasket. Hope that helps. If you have any other questions don’t be afraid to ask.

[@redmi-rz5lx]

@csautomotive12 Your detailed feedback is amazing, thank you! So far it's been a week and I'm at the point where I'm about to remove the timing cover.. (such a painful process!) Further questions: -all the bolts have been removed from the cover, I noticed I didn't have to take the timing chain tensioner out beforehand (hope that's fine), it's only those 2 darn studs sticking out through the oil pan that's in the way. How did you get those out?? I saw a special tool you used at the last 2 seconds of the vid but it ended too fast -found a machine shop that will resurface the head for $150, but I might go with your suggestion buying a renewed one from eBay Long story short (how it started): -Obd scanner gave me P0117 - coolant was low after refilling (not sure where the leak was) - didn't listen to my dad, drove it on the freeway with radiator topped up with water temporarily to get to work (was waiting for a new radiator that I ordered) - engine started smoking and shut off, I pulled into breakdown lane immediately. Had it towed back home, it cranks but wont start ever since.. - did compression test, none of the cylinders had pressure. Tried with teaspoon of oil, still no compression which indicates it's not due to a warped cylinder head/block/piston, I think? I hope.. -i thought the overheating may have damaged the chain throwing the timing off but my dad thinks the head gasket blew out.. (since water was in the radiator I couldn't confirm that by checking oil/radiator cap).. Hence I'm following each step of your vids hoping all this work will reveal the answer... - I noticed you mentioned the water pump is notorious for failure on these cars, but I'm so lost on how to diagnose that. Can't really diagnose anything if the engine won't start.. Anyways thanks again, I'm learning a lot. Im hoping the reason the engine shut off was bc of a sensor detecting overheating and hopefully that prevented the further damage to the point where parts got warped.. -

[@csautomotive12]

@@redmi-rz5lx The bolts for the timing cover on the oil pan are just inverted torques. These motors blow the head gasket pretty easy when they over heat. So most like that’s what happen. Just make sure you check the cylinder walls when you get the head off. If they don’t look bad you will be good to go. This motors also have problems with the piston rings. Just something to keep in mind. If they will resurface the head for $150 I would just do that. If the pulley is not lose on the water pump you will be good. Hope that helps.

[@1969camaro]

Ain’t you supposed to add some oil to the head bolts?

[@csautomotive12]

Yes you will want to do that!

[@MARCM0DE]

What are some of the parts you needed with this job?

[@csautomotive12]

Just a head gasket kit and take the head to be resurfaced.

[@jimmyhilburn3950]

Where do i aquire a 10mm double hex socket like this

[@csautomotive12]

I got mine for the Mac truck. You can find them online.

[@jimmyhilburn3950]

@@csautomotive12 thank you!! I reached out to a local driver to ask about one . The one's I've found online weren't very well built I'd prefer to have impact grade to prevent an "oops "

[@jimmyhilburn3950]

The one you have is a double hexagonal correct?

[@csautomotive12]

Yes.

[@csautomotive12]

I agree with that! Cheap tools are not always the way to go!

[@foqsi_]

Jesus christ. I didn't realize head gaskets were that far into the engine...

[@csautomotive12]

Yeah right in the middle!

[@nighttime9539]

@@csautomotive12 🤣

[@flyingman358]

What reason to remove the engine header?

[@csautomotive12]

It makes it lighter when you pull the head. Also, you’re gonna have to take it off so you can take the head to the machine shop.

[@cuongly523]

Isn’t it 27ft lbs and not 53ft lbs?

[@csautomotive12]

In lbs

[@chriss4365]

What a pain in the ass to do this. My Honda with a timing belt was so much easier.

[@csautomotive12]

Yeah I agree!

[@chriss4365]

@@csautomotive12 I was considering doing this for a guy i know but I don't think i should get involved. I saw today the water in the radiator disappeared and exhaust was coming out the radiator cap but the engine still runs i guess its a slight gasket leak. 166k miles np idea why the gasket failed and if its warped changing it wont do anything. When i did my honda i marked the belt and cam gear with paint and never removed the belt and after reinstalled it and it ran fine.

[@csautomotive12]

What year is it? If it’s an early Camry most like the head bolts are pulling the threads. If that’s the cause you will need to put new threads in for those bolts. There’s a-lot of videos out there on that. It’s not that big of a deal to pull the chain as long as you mark it really good it will line back up. Most of the time these motors run good even with blown head gaskets. They just over heat really fast.

[@chriss4365]

@@csautomotive12 2003 camry. Not sure if it warped or gasket failed in only one area. It has 166k on it. When it was running the cams sounded bad like a diesel engine. The oil didn't appear to have coolant in it.

[@csautomotive12]

Did you figure the problem out?