Dear all,
My owners manual suggests I remove the bonnet (hood) as a first stage to removing the cylinder head. Is this absolutely necessary? Is it also necessary to remove the cams from the head also. I was planning to set everything to TDC, mark accordingly and remove the upper timing chain by unbolting the sprockets from the cams. Am I missing something here? The head gasket seems due for replacement and I don't see the need to mess about with the cams. All advice very welcome!
PerErs. XJ40 (1990) 4.0 litre. Manual.

 

HI PerErs:
First off, welcome to the forum! Don't forget to introduce yourself in the intros section.

I've never done the head gasket, and undoubtedly would never try. But, I do know that the bonnet is easy to remove and if I were doing the work, I'd want the best possible access. Don't forget, the head will be very heavy.

I also hope you are planning on doing the valve seals as long as the head is off. That's standard practice.

best,
Scott

 

getting the hood off makes it a lot easier. but you don't have too. i've did a few of them and sounds like you're on track. been so long i can't remember about head bolts ,but i don't think i took the cams out. why does it seem gasket needs replacing? they are bad or not

 

Hood off as noted above makes the job a whole lot easier.
Cams do not have to come out.