BHG Aaagh - To skim or not to skim?

[DialTone]

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

[das]

not sure about a source for a new head but for a full gasket set try ebay.co.uk as your in the uk, i've personally bought a brand new full gasket set from there for 45 uk pounds , good luck with the problem

[suprra_girl]

bummer bout the hg... i feel for ya

your machine shop will be able to tell you what thickness hg you will need... also the stock one from toyota is not metal... it is still a composite gasket

don't forget to torque the head to 72ft lbs and new head bolts
do you know how many times your head has been skimmed in total?

if you want to go the easy way out and be good for everyday driving and 250-300hp the standard toyota one will be fine... get another head that hasn't been skimmed, new toyota head gasket, new head bolts, slap together torque to 72ft lbs and away you go

just be sure there aren't any major defects in your block tho... pitting etc or the hg will go again

good luck with it