96 Previa Needs Hg

[hindmost]

Hi All,

I've got a 96 previa that's had the headgasket let go just recently. I'd like to have a go at it myself.

propnut, I've seen in several past threads that you've got a guide that you reference on previaowners.co.uk. Problem is the site seems to be down??

Is there anywhere else that you have this posted? I'd really like to have a look.

Thanks very much.

[propnut]

Unfortunately that site has now been taken down as it wasn't very well supported, mainly because these cars are so reliable.

Now I really don't feel like typing the tutorial again and in fact have deleted many of the pictures so the advice I can give you is this.

DO THIS FIRST

Flush the cooling system by removing 2 litres of water from the rad. Then dilute 1KG of Citric acid in 2 Litres of water in a plastic jug and add this to the rad. Let the engine idle for as long as you can before it starts to overheat. Leave the acid in there for at least another 2 hours, then drain not only the rad but the engine block as well. Then mix 1KG of baking soda add this to the system , refill with water and run again. Then drain completely and when 100% cool take all pipes off and get a hose into the top water housing in the engine and flush it well. The baking soda neutralises the acid and the hose flushing removes the rest of the junk. Throw your old radiator away, new ones can be had from

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/TOYOTA-LUCIDA-ESTIMA...id=p3286.c0.m14

If yours is a manual transmission then you will either need to ask them for the relevant raditor or just not use the bottom pipes on this one.

THEN

1. It is NOT a difficult job for someone who has done a head gasket before irrespective of car - it is however a pain in the a**e due to where the engine is.

2. You need to buy the Chilton Previa manual - there is an online version which you will find reference to in my other posts, BUT i strongly suggest buying the manual. When you are stuck under the car getting to your PC will be the last thing you want to do. The manual details the process very well and if followed you will have no problems.

3. You DO NOT need to remove the entire engine

4. TAKE YOUR TIME

5. You will need a set of ramps from Halfords or similar to get the front of the car at a decent height.

6. You will be removing the front engine mounts and so you will need a small hydraulic jack to raise the engine slightly to remove the weight off the front mountings so you can loosen the bolts and take the mounts off. You will then need to lower the engine SLOWLY to the point where the oil filter housing just touches the cross member. This will allow sufficient space for you to move the inlet manifold back to allow clearance to get the head off. Lots of things need to be taken off before you start this phase though.

7. Gasket sets can be obtained from these guys

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie...A:IT&ih=001 and bolts as well. You strictly don't need to replace the bolts but most people prefer to do so. That choice is up to you but for £20 it is probably worth doing.

8. TAKE MANY MANY PICTURES AT EVERY STAGE ESPECIALLY OF THE WATER PIPES AND MOST NOTABLY THE ONES UNDER THE THROTTLE BODY.

9. Getting the EGR pipe off is a real pain in the a**e make sure you have a decent socket set.

10. You will need a torque wrench.

Don't be afraid to do it, just take your time, be methodical, work tidily and as stated above take lots of pictures. You can do this for under £150 even less which is a massive saving over garage fees. I am always here to give advice if need be.

Best of luck

P.S. I have just noticed that you are in the USA and as such the eBay links I have provided will be of no use to you. I have scanned eBay .com and there are plenty of US suppliers of these components.

[hindmost]

Thank you so very much, propnut, for taking the time to write out these instructions. I should not have too difficult a time sourcing the tools and parts that you've indicated needing. I will probably start on it this weekend.

Again, thanks for your time and generosity.