http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Workshop-Man … 20bad6cfd0

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/HAYNES-REPAI … 2565974a53

The second one is the one I have, and it is fantastic. I've fixed 2 EJ22 Head Gaskets and Done numerous other large repairs with this manual... It is like my bible (no offense to Religion intended)!

Yeah, it's entirely possible, you need to;
- drain the coolant,
- remove radiator fan assembly,
- take the timing belt off (I suggest removing the radiator altogether, unless you want a million papercuts on your hands if you slip and hit the rad, or to avoid putting a shifter through the core itself!)
- Remove exhaust extractors
- Remove Intake manifold
- take off all the fiddly bits (spark plugs, fuel lines, injectors etc.)
- Undo head bolts (6(?) from memory), and VOILA!

Obviously, If you aren't mechanically minded, don't follow ^ this list due to lack of detail! Depending on your motor, you may need inverted star sockets to remove the head bolts (not terribly cheap, but available from most parts stores) and you will definately need a torque wrench/torque ratchet, as you will need to bet the right tension on the head bolts to avoid fooking the head gasket and ultimately needing a new one..

It does get a bit fiddly at points, but don't lose hope, it can all be done. Especially if I can do it with my pudgy fingers!!

Hey mate, nah I didn't bother shaving the heads on the 22, as it is in my daily drive, and Higher comp = higher likelyhood of failure. Just a simple fix and back on the road the next day kinda job.

I have done numerous Turbo EJ series donks when I was a mechanic, so I'm no stranger to them, the only thing is the price of repair. An average mechanic will charge through the roof, for some unknown reason, but the reality is, that these motors are no different in difficulty than any other motor, they just take a little more time. To be honest, if you have the ability, you can fix a gasket for no more than $200 (incl fluids and parts) and 8 hours (if you take your time to make sure everything is just right).

In short, if you have the knowhow and tools, fix the gasket yourself. If not, you're better off with a new motor than you are taking it to a mechanic to get it fixed.

Nah, it's easier to leave it in mate. Just a little bit of a hassle getting a couple of bolts out, but it is still a lot easier than having to eff around taking the whole motor out. Just make it easier on yourself by taking out the radiator, gives you a couple of extra inches to maneuver around.

Nah, the bolts have to come out to remove the head so you can fit the gasket. It's not an easy job for a beginner, but if you need torque specs for the head bolts, and all that, i have them here.

If you mean the rockers and all of that, no you won't have to do any of that. the rocker assemply and rocker covers do not have to come off of the head when you remove it. the head bolts are all located so you can remove the head and rocker assembly as a whole, so it is easier to change the head gasket.

will find out tommorrow from my mechanic if i need the head bolts done, because ive reseach about it and its been mixed.. i guess if the heads pritty bad u will have to or like with mine its only the early part of the head gasket being stuffed i wont need the bolts changed.

I'm going to need a torque wrench for this job, which one would be better from supercheap, the 1/4" drive http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/online … escription or the 3/8" inch drive? Or recommend a drive please!
Also what size star socket do I need? Are they different between EJ22's and EJ20's? As I want to do an EJ22 first, then I have an EJ20 to do.
Thanks

Crazyrob, I'll get back to you later after work and dechipher all that for you

No worries 93RS, any Q's or any problems, let me know.

I do apologise for the wait, but i had to do an extra Sydney run with work.

If you need any further clarification on anything please don't hesitate to ask.

well... i think i just freaked myself out and the head didnt go... wasnt any coolent and the cap was dirty just got my dad to have a look and he said its fine just filled it up and its running fine.. hehe me bad! its never happened to me so i guess i didnt think much about it..
sorry guys but oh well i guess this topic has helped other ppl:P