It's been several years since i've pulled the heads off of a 420A, but i have done dozens of them while i worked with Mitsu. You definitely need the rod that goes into the center of the crankshaft (where the crank bolt would be) to pull the harmonic balancer off. Aside from that, it's a pretty straightforward job. To skim through the actual removal sequence, start with removing the timing belt components, then move to the top removing the valve cover- camshafts, and headbolts. (you'll need to remove the cams in order to remove the headbolts). You can leave the intake and exhaust manifold bolted to the head, just be sure to unbolt the brackets under the intake. Mitsubishi now offers a MLS head gasket for that engine (Multi Layered Steel)- this gasket will likely eliminate any future oil leaks from the same area (whichwas common before the MLS gasket was available). Buy the MLS headgasket SET (which will include new v/c gaskets,tube seals,intake/exhaust gaskets, etc)You can remove theintake/exhaust to replace the gasket when the head isoff the car. Be sure you used the revised headbolt torque specs and tightening sequence when using this gasket.

J

 

yea, i used the Cometic head gasket. i can't believe the guy just gave up though.... the forum is here for a reason... or he could have just gone to an auto parts store and asked them.

 

an easy fix? retorque the head bolts, which loosen badly over time. in fact, overtorque the four corner bolts a tiny bit.

that fixes 90 percent of them.

 

Ha ha ha.. True flat rate brother! I've done that a few times in the past until they released the MLS gasket. The Dodge guys next door were doing the same things to the Pee-ons (Neon).

J

 

yea i plan on taking my vavle cover back off at 100 miles and makin sure everything is as tight as it should be