i have a 79 280zx with bad valve stem seals... im waiting on the new head gasket set to get here but i was wondering if anyone had any tips that may help me... iv taken heads off of several cars but most were mpfi and the ones that werent mpfi werent overhead cam engines... iv also never worked with a timing chain before

 

Tips on removing the cylinder head? Buy the Haynes manual. Seriously... don't touch the car w/o one. All the steps are in there.

It's fairly simple, just time consuming, especially the first time (for you & the car). The crappiest part is getting the exhaust disconnected from the manifold. After that, just disconnect all hoses, shove a 1" wide wood block down the inside of the timing chain, remove the cam gear, and remove the head. There's also several threads here talking about head removal... search em out (I would for you, but I'm doing homework).

 

Valve spring compressor comes in handy, and dont loose the little pieces!

 

yeah i have a chiltons manual... just thought maybe there was some extra tips that they didnt include in my manual

 

A magnet.

 

Just do not let the timing chain loose between the guides... otherwise the tensioner will pop out and you'll have to remove the timing cover to reset it.

Also set the motor to TDC on cyl #1 and mark the timing chain & sprocket... then you'll have no confusion when putting back together.

 

Make sure that wood block is secure too. Dropping the timing chain sucks!

 

S.n.a.f.u.!

 

"S.N.A.F.U" What?

 

Try checking out this for removal of the manifolds. It helped me a lot.

https://www.zdriver.com/forums/240z-280zxt-s30-s130-tech-tips-275/how-do-your-intake-exhaust-gasket-18779/

 

do the valve guides have to be removed to get the valve stem seals out?

 

No. Just like every other head you just remove the valve springs and you can just pull them off.