BHG Aaagh - To skim or not to skim?

DialTone · 03-03-2005, 05:27 PM

OK, looks like I might be finally suffering the dreaded BHG - Engine "missing" when cold, and water/oil contamination visible on the oil filler cap. Haven't yet compression tested, but I'd imagine the results will be fairly predictable

Toyota (UK) want GBP214 for a full gasket set (and I do really need the replacement manifold gaskets unfortunately), but I see that HKS MHGs are available for around USD150 - 250 depending on thickness.

The HG has been replaced before (and the head skimmed) according to the service history. Was about 5 yrs ago and maybe 10k miles. Have a few questions now

- If I go for an HKS MHG, which thickness should I go for?
- Toyota say their HG is a metal HG - I'm confused ?!? Will this do the job, or should I really consider an HKS?
- Can the head be skimmed period? Toyota say no, but clearly it can as long as care is taken not to warp the cam I believe? But can a skim be done twice without damaging anything?
- If a skim is unadvisable, is there anywhere recommended in the UK to obtain a new (or second hand) head?

Finally, for reference, it's an MA70 with 7MGTE (1990) with approx 78k miles.

Thanks in advance

Tony

03-03-2005, 05:27 PM	#1
DialTone Stock Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 8	OK, looks like I might be finally suffering the dreaded BHG - Engine "missing" when cold, and water/oil contamination visible on the oil filler cap. Haven't yet compression tested, but I'd imagine the results will be fairly predictable Toyota (UK) want GBP214 for a full gasket set (and I do really need the replacement manifold gaskets unfortunately), but I see that HKS MHGs are available for around USD150 - 250 depending on thickness. The HG has been replaced before (and the head skimmed) according to the service history. Was about 5 yrs ago and maybe 10k miles. Have a few questions now - If I go for an HKS MHG, which thickness should I go for? - Toyota say their HG is a metal HG - I'm confused ?!? Will this do the job, or should I really consider an HKS? - Can the head be skimmed period? Toyota say no, but clearly it can as long as care is taken not to warp the cam I believe? But can a skim be done twice without damaging anything? - If a skim is unadvisable, is there anywhere recommended in the UK to obtain a new (or second hand) head? Finally, for reference, it's an MA70 with 7MGTE (1990) with approx 78k miles. Thanks in advance Tony