Help With New Head Gasket Install

[88 TONKA TOY]

This is my first toyota and i have only had it for 2 months and it blew the head gasket yesterday. How hard is it to pull the head and replace and is there any one in LOWER CENTRAL MI that may want to help me do the job. I have a heated shop and lots of tools. I am located in Jonesville MI.

[88 TONKA TOY]

i also posted this in meets, greets and wrenching

[nmeinc]

are you sure it's a head gasket and not the timing chain cover?
the t-chain can cut into the coolant passageway and make the oil milkshakey.

the head gasket is not a bad job, maybe 4-5 hours if it's your first time and you take your time.

here is a good write up on the t-chain job:
http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/maintenance/timingchain/

a Haynes manual or FSM will help alot in either process

[88 TONKA TOY]

well it is one or the other, but no i am not positive on which, it there any indication on either with out pulling it apart

[nmeinc]

Stupid interweb lost my post

Take the spark plugs out and if they are similar in color it's prolly not the headgasket. does the exhaust smell sweet?

take the Valve cover off and look down the drivers side to see if the guide is broke, if it is there is a good chance the cover has worn through.

the T-chain can be done without removing the head, in about 4-5 hours (taking it easy)

engnbldr.com has t-chain kits with a metal guide to prevent this from occurring again

[88 TONKA TOY]

ok well all of the plugs are burning the same, and yes the exhaust does smell sweet. I will pull the valve cover tomorrow and look to see. Thanks for the info