Do the vavles have to be removed to replace head gasket on 1993 s-10 2.3 l 4x4 manual 5 speed TBI vin z. Also what is torque for rocker nut upon replacement. Yes, it's a head gasket, plug #5 cyclinder is wet and blowing white smoke! I have a Haynes, but am waiting for a Chilton which should have much more detail. Any help would be appreciated. Have invested some serious money in tools. Also purchased the complete gasket kit for head gasket replacement by Felpro. This included the o ring and vavle retainers. That is why I ask if vavles have to be removed. Don't want to do more than once. Even in garage it is cold here in Ma. Have kerosene heater ,but that only warms place up to about 60. This is my work truck and times are hard for an old carpenter like me.
2bejustme

 

No the valves dont have to come out in less you want to replace the valve seals. I just did the head gaskets in my 92 4.3l vin z. The rocker nuts are tightened till the push rods cannot be turned or rolled between your fingers and then the nuts are tightened one more full turn. There is a sequence of which ones you can tighten when the engine is tdc and the other one btdc. If you need those let me know i can look them up in mu service manual. Good luck