I believe now it was from the long period of sitting that the car had, nearly two years. I disassembled, cleaned, bled and reassembled, and so far so good.

Just a word of advise. You started our asking about a blown gasket. Then went to a brake problem. Before someone makes a big deal of this. The brake situation should be a separate thread. This is because in the future someone else looking with the search function, might have there question answered by accessing the discussion. With the 2nd topic mixed in with the gasket problem , makes it difficult to find. No harm no fowl, this is just how we operate here. good to have you in the Club.

Gary

Don't mean to bring this thread back to the head gasket, but i wanted to ask Stevef1972z a question. What tools did you need to pull the head off and how did you assess any issues with the chain, since my biggest concern is the timing chain as well.

Thanks

Don't mean to bring this thread back to the head gasket, but i wanted to ask Stevef1972z a question. What tools did you need to pull the head off and how did you assess any issues with the chain, since my biggest concern is the timing chain as well.

The only specialty tool you need to pull the head is a 10mm allen wrench socket for the head bolts. I bought this one years ago when I replaced my head gasket. Be very careful wedging the timing chain tensioner; I learned that the hard way. Even though the FSM shows a special tool you can make a wedge out of a block of wood or use a screwdriver handle as others have suggested. You'll also need a torque wrench to properly reassmble.

Plastic tent pegs are exactly the right size and length for holding the tensioner in place, and unlike wood, won't splinter.