Headgasket Need Help

[STINKINLINCOLN]

Well it looks like I need a head gasket I need to know how hard these are to change if there is anyone that has changed one before I need a step to step guide I have a 1993 Murcury Tracer I was told that they have the same engines as the escort's Please help if you can

Thanks

[jeffescortlx]

There easy to change.
But you might want to find out why it blew. Did it over heat? If so you could have a cracked head.
The head gaskets dont blow just cause, there's a reason. Do you know why it blew?

The stock HG are plenty strong, I made 212whp and 262tq with my 1.9 93 Escort. The HG is still fine.

[STINKINLINCOLN]

thanks man No I do not know why the head gasket blew The car has not got hot that I know of
do you know who can walk e threw the steps are if you could that would be great thanks again

[Escort_Service]

I had to replace mine. It was really easy. I used the Haynes manual and it was no problem. I did take the entire engine out though. You dont really have to but I was doing some other work.

When I did get the new one I used a port polish kit I picked up from a friend. (They are basically different grades of sand paper. They start at 800 then 1000 then 1200 then 1500.) And I picked up about 5 hp. Not that bad for free really.

[STINKINLINCOLN]

is there any free sites that can walk my threw the install ?

[nditech]

your best bet is to get a manual from autozone or someplace like that. I would aslo get the head cracked checked to make sure there is no damage. My 93 escort dropped a valve seat so while you have it out you might want to think about doing that also. JMO

[STINKINLINCOLN]

Ok I will try that where is the best place to go to get the car pressure check and the head checked ?

[nditech]

I had NAPA do all my work they did an outstanding job and they said the do a lot of the escort heads. I didnt even get it out of the bag and he knew what it was. They charged a little more then a few of the other shops but were closer to my house.

[STINKINLINCOLN]

is there anyone that has some picture are if there is anyone that can walk me threw is that would be great

[jman63]

the haynes or chilton manuals have good illustrations and very detailed step by step instructions...keep it opened to the section you need and keep it near your work area...read and re-read each step until you understand it completely...study the illustrations often...you'll do fine...

[nditech]

Originally Posted by jman63

the haynes or chilton manuals have good illustrations and very detailed step by step instructions...keep it opened to the section you need and keep it near your work area...read and re-read each step until you understand it completely...study the illustrations often...you'll do fine...

Thats how i did mine. I took the hood off the car so i could see the book as i took everything off. It sits perfect on the windsheild and wipers. I dont think i would have even tried it w/o the manual. And I still had to call my father a few times for his help over the phone. Talk about a long distance mech.

[jman63]

absolutely...ya' saved a ton of money...and now it's really easy to find the cylinder head section in your book 'cause it's the section with greasy fingerprints everywhere...lol