Mazda 929 1992 Head gasket replacement and radiator

[929dash]

Hey guys im from sydney, i have a mazda 929 1992 HD (huge fan of them) and im have suspitions that it needs a new head gasket. Im going to attempt at replacing the head gasket myself, yes your all probly thinking only a mechanic can do it, shit loads of work, impossible etc.. but i have a method and along with loads of reserch im going to attempt it this week any help or suggestions you guys have would be great i think i need a little support on this one lol. also today ive taken out my radiator and did a pressure test on it and its shit itself so i need a new one without spending big dollars any help there ha??? btw if anyone needs a hand with imformation or general questions about the car i can help. i also have the full service book/manual. cheers guys

[Matsuda9]

if you intending on keeping the car i would get radiator custom made making sure tanks are aluminum (as the plastic ones are failing bad), if you just want to keep the cost down see ebay or local mazda wreck. Here is one for ya

with your head hope this helps

[929dash]

wow! i thought i had all of the reapir manual but ive never seen any of this before. thats alot of help cheers man! what would be your advice on this one? because these 1992 engines look like a pain in the ass to work with

[Matsuda9]

you got it pretty much right on, it is a PITA

not real help with HD motors (am more of SOHC kinda guy )

as far as i remember the manifold comes out in two parts then a fair bit of screwing around with exhaust manifold... but from there its a bit of straight forward job.

oh yeah, the timing to reset is a nightmare, get a few soft tipped clamps to clamp the belt to timing gears. you will need at least 110-120mm vice... but a G-clamp could do (thought a nightmare in that as it is, tried it... won... but wish had a larger vice ) this is for the hydrolic belt tensioner.

oh, don't know about HD but HC (SOHC) have swappable heads (right to left) but the head gaskets are right to left.

[929dash]

Ahh thanks for that haha im not looking forward to this timing belt, my game plan is to record or video what im doing so when it comes to putting everything back together (wich im fearing lol) i will know the steps, im hearing alot of different talk on how hard and complicated this job really is but im going to still attempt it, before that im going to get a new radiator then try this liquid glass thats ment to seal a head gasket because from what ive read mine MIGHT be fixable through that what do you think??

[Matsuda9]

that glass stuff is great but i wouldn't use it, there are a few small hoses and connectors around the motor that could be blocked as well. over all not cool

[929dash]

Ohh ok in that case i wont use it then, not sure why they would make it for that purpose then messes up your engine lol sorry to be bugging you with all these questions but what would be the order of things/parts to remove to get to the head gasket?? once again thanks for all the help

[Matsuda9]

not good with HDs at all. just take it logicaly.