Yes, I know I've gone missing for a while but...
It all started just over a year ago when the wife was on her way to work and the idler pulley froze and trashed the belt, she kept driving the lat 5 miles and it overheated...boiled over (yes I know it starts out bad!) So fixed the pulley, new belt and added coolant. Drove for a few months adding coolant every so often, no smoke and oil looked good. Then it started to overheat again, found out the fan was not spinning properly, replaced power steering pump and we were good for a while but still using coolant. Finally found the leak - replaced water pump and it was fine for 6 months or so...then it started to get warm again and she was able to get to work before it got too hot. Coolant was fine, added 2 cups and drove it home, 20 miles mixed driving. Replace thermostat and it overheated straight off. So then the last thing to change is the rad and you bet this time I see the infamous white smoke...The head gasket finally popped after a year or so after the first overheat.
I have Googled and Googled and this is when I decided to join...I need some advice/assistance/shoulder to cry on. My mechanic buddy stated these engines do not like to be opened up but I have to give it a go, need to keep the old girl alive for as long as possible. Were still in good shape with about 150K on the clock.
I have ordered a gasket kit with lifters and bolts and I believe I have most of the tools I need to pull the heads. I have changed a few 90's Toyota HG's without any issues so I figured what the hell.
My main concern is the timing chains, I really don't want to pull the front of the motor apart. I have read that you can make a wooden wedge to keep the chains from falling...does this actually work? I'm going to check the heads but for going a year+ after the overheat I'm hoping I don't have to have them shaved.
Any input would be greatly appreciated, I'm starting the tear down this weekend and hope to have it running by next.