Headgasket

[donsrno1]

I'm a bit worried about mine maybe having gone as there sems to be a bit of oil leaking from above where the flywheel is. A few questions:

How long have others taken when replacing theirs before?
Are there any good guides anywhere, or should I just go by the haynes?
When removing the head is it easier to just disconnect the manifold from the downpipe rather than the manifold from the head (because of the rusty bolts holding it into the head)?
What other seals/gaskets should I replace?
If the head needs skimmed how much is that likely to cost?
Anyone used one of the kits off ebay before?

Thanks.

[dannyb1986]

head skimming cost me £30 roughly, id get it pressure tested while its off and replace valve stem seals, also replace inlet and exhaust gaskets while your at it! it depends how good you are with cars as to the time mate, should imagine a weekend would do it!! also obvisouly repalce the cam belt aswell

[donsrno1]

thanks mate. I'll see what condition the head is in when I get it off and see what I'll do. There's no rush either as I have my 1.4 to get me about till I fix up the 16v, just wanted a rough idea for time. The belt on the car was replaced about 8000 miles ago, do you think I should just re-use it or replace it? How much is just a belt on it's own?

[Chris H]

new belt and I will look at it tomorrow and tell you whats what.