i have concluded the slight coolant leak under spark plug 2 is from a failing head gasket. is this a common failure in 203,000 miles? leaking to the outside?
no coolant in the oil whatsoever and no oil in the coolant whatsoever.

since there is no over heating ....yet and the coolant has leaked out at a pint in 4 months i am fairly sure no damage has been done yet.

can anyone point me or tell the the torque specs for head bolt tightening for a 92 240 wagon.

there is some disagreement as to the best method and such.


also i plan to leave the exhaust manifold on the head and just unbolt the downpipe. does this sound sensible and doable?

if i need to remove the exhaust manifold what are the torque specs?
am i better just split off the nuts or try to loosen them and maybe snap a bolt?

the intake manifld i thought i would unbolt and let hang there. is this sensible?

should i replace the water pump while i am there and the timing belt as well?
opinions please.