96 SL1 SOHC need help w/replacing head gasket

[dylanzachgabby]

I need step by step instructions on changing my head gasket in 96 SL1.

Thanks

Dave

[blackeagle1]

First of all, are you sure it's the head gasket? What are the symptoms? The SOHC engines of that vintage are more prone to cracked heads.

[dylanzachgabby]

My antifreeze reservoir is light brown creamy looking, I heard if the oil is mixing with antifreeze most likely it is a head gasket problem. If it is a cracked head how can I tell, I still would have to take it all apart to check right?

DM

[blackeagle1]

The brown mixture in the reservoir is definitely a sign of a cracked head. You have the remove the head and replace it. After that, you will have to do a thorough cleaning of the coolant system to get rid of the oil. Rebuilt heads can be found on eBay for around $300. Do a search on "cracked head" as there are lots and lots of posts on the subject.

[BarnOwl]

The people to deal with on Ebay are Clearwater Cylinder Heads. Several people on here have gotten heads from them and been quite satisfied. Oh and yes, I'm telling you it's a cracked head too. The SOHC has more of a tendency to do that than other engines and the head gasket is practically bullet proof.

[eljefino]

you also need the following new parts when doing a sohc head gasket of that era:

intake and exhaust gaskets.
head bolts.
head.

Not being a smarmy pants but the people above are correct, the head has gone out.

If you look at the sticky interchange guide, you'll find years that'll work with yours.