[s-cars] Pulling the head on an AAN any BTDT??

[Ian Duff]

I pulled the head on my '95.5 S6 Avant last fall to replace the head gasket.
Not that big a deal. Lots-o-PB Blaster on the exhaust manifod nuts made
things Much Easier.

Briefly, follow the t-belt FAQ as far as getting all the t-belt and
serpentine belt off. Disconnect all the plumbing and electrical connectors
from the intake manifold. Unbolt the exhaust manifold from the head. Remove
the head with the intake manifold still attached. I did it this way as
removal of a lot of the intake manifold bolts would have required the
installation of two additional elbows on my right arm, and separating the
turbo from the EM was more difficult than removing the EM from the head.

The head and intake manifold are heavy, but I managed it myself, and I'm a
geek, not a stud (I'm sure you'll get a lot of independent verification on
this observation from some of my so-called friends). However, if you can
corral someone into being your friend for a minute, it's got to be easier
with two people.

I purchased a head gasket set from Darin at Parts Direct on S-Cars.org. It
was inexpensive, a very complete set, and very nice. The head gasket was
layered metal, very different from the paper one I removed. Everything else
was fairly easy. I did take the opportunity to convert to pink antifreeze,
but missed the opportunity to do all coolant hoses at the same time, which I
should have and will recommend very strongly doing when the head is off. I'm
doing it now, and have contemplated requisitioning a second right elbow.

The biggest problem I had was removing and reinstalling the bolt for the
timing belt. I am of a mind to buy a 100-600 ft-lb 3/4" torque wrench and
the locking tool. Have not done so, but it's not far from happening. I was
fortunate in that I had the 12 point tool for the head bolts from having
worked on a 1972 Capri way back when. Go figure.

Installation is the reverse of removal. The block has two small pins to
locate the head, making reinstallation of the head easier.

More info if you want, just ask. HTH.

-Ian Duff.
-----Original Message-----
From: s-car-list-bounces at audifans.com
[mailto:s-car-list-bounces at audifans.com] On Behalf Of Kurt
Sent: Thursday, 06 October, 2005 12:39
To: s-car-list at audifans.com
Subject: [s-cars] Pulling the head on an AAN any BTDT??

Hello all...long time lurker here.

I wonder if those of you who have done it can give me an idea how long it
would/should take to pull the head on a 1993 AAN engine.  Any gotchas or
stuff to beware of?  Anyone ever done a write up on such a procedure?  Car
is '93 S4 with 101k miles.

My mech (not a stealer)is saying that there is no compression in #5,
apparently a stuck valve.  He estimates 11 hours and a total of $3000.00 USD
parts/labor to fix (?)  This seems nuts to me.  Thinking of doing it myself.
Just had all the lifters replaced and new head gasket last December and now
this.  I think we have a bigger problem here.

Car was in a no start condition and determined that TB had jumped 3 teeth.
Fixed that and car will now run but rough.  Seems the top tension roller is
too loose, too.  It had lateral play and may have caused the TB to jump.
Also prior to all this had *a lot* of white smoke on cold starts which would
go away after warm up. Car uses no oil, but oil, Mobil 1 15-50 is already
getting sludgey after only 10 months of new head, oil pump, etc.

Suggestions welcome.

Thanks,

--Kurt
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