How to replace head gasket on a 235?

[LuckyLightning]

I want/need to replace the head gasket on my 235. I've never done it before, but I'm pretty good at following directions. Problem is, I'm not finding a lot of directions out there. Google and youtube, even advanced search here, is not yielding any solid step-by-step directions.

So far, just looking under the hood, it looks like I might need to remove the following:

• valve cover
• instake manifold
• exhaust manifold
• thermostat/water inlet
• spark plugs

It seems like a lot just to replace a gasket. I'm concerned I might be trying to do too much, and would rather not do more than I need to; work smarter, not harder, etc.

I'm fine doing what needs to be done though, but I don't want to be guessing at it. Also need to have all the other gaskets purchased and ready (valve cover, intake manifold, exhaust manifold, other?). Would appreciate if anyone has any resources for directions they can point me to?

[AcampoDave]

Can you get your hands on a Chiltons manual? Pre 1963 should do it. Maybe at the reference desk of the library. I know ours has them. We can't take them home but they will photo copy pages. Car or truck the steps are the same. The trick is torquing the bolts in proper order and to spec.

[LuckyLightning]

That looks great, I'll check the local libraries.

The only Chilton's I have is the big Truck and Van 1960-197x/8x that includes Chevy, Ford and Dodge. Very comprehensive, but not always enough details. I also have the Haynes Chevy 1960-1972, plus the GM assembly manual.

[LuckyLightning]

My local library is already closed for the day/evening, but I'll check tomorrow. They have an auto repair reference center:

Provides auto repair manuals for most major manufacturers of domestic and imported vehicles. Content includes approximately 25,000 vehicles covered from 1951 to present; over 100,000 factory drawings and step-by-step photographs; over 65,000 technical service bulletins & recalls issued by the original equipment vehicle manufacturer; wiring diagrams for easy viewing and printing; specifications & maintenance schedules; Labor Time Guide & Estimator; Quick Tips, a complete guide to vehicle ownership & maintenance.

I also found this set of directions on the internets. There are other pages on this site with good bits of info on the Apache as well.

[TJ's Chevy]

I had the head pulled off my 292 in 15 minutes. There really isn't that much to Pulling the head...its putting the head back on that will take time; as you will have to readjust and time to TDC....adjust the rockers..ect.. If you have a blown head gasket though...then the time to change it is worth it.

[Greg63]

What has led you to decide you need to replace your head gasket?
Greg.

[LuckyLightning]

TJ's Chevy, think you can provide a quick outline to the steps needed to remove the head? Am I overthinking it? I'd like to get the gasket replaced today (I already have the head gasket and valve cover gasket). I'm fine taking my time to make the necessary adjustments once it's all put back together.

Greg63, good question - I'm optimistic, but there are a few reasons:

• the PO said the last time he drove it a few years ago, he was pulling a cow on a trailer and the engine started producing a lot of blue-ish/white smoke and smelled of burning oil; he also stated the truck wouldn't run; he then had it towed to a person/shop who looked at the pistons and claimed there was a whole in the top of one of the pistons (this could be the actual problem, but I still need to pull the head to inspect)

Currently visible issues:

• when running the engine there is white smoke coming from my tail pipe, also from the crankcase breather, and valve cover breather when warmed up
• water is also coming out of my tailpipe
• looking inside the valve cover through the hole of the breather, I can see white smoke inside right after running the engine; can also see little bits of green-ish/waterery stuff inside that should clearly not be there

Please keep in mind I'm barely driving the truck, and when I do it's just in my neighborhood to get it out of the driveway. Otherwise this is really just from letting it idle in the driveway.

If there's a different reason I'm seeing these things, I'm definitely open to suggestions though.

[Greg63]

Sounds like you are on the right path - pull the head at least.
Greg.

[LuckyLightning]

Thanks Greg63.

Do I need to pull everything off the head to remove it from the block? I expected the valve cover to come off, but what about the other items: the intake and exhaust manifold, water inlet, etc.?

What needs to come off, mechanically, versus what should come off?

[Jeff La]

You can take the head off as one unit with the manifolds and carb attached. Just disconnect what you need to do it.

[LuckyLightning]

Will do, thanks Jeff!