Toyota Repair: Head gasket, cylinder head gasket, valve stem seals


Question
A friend told me that he blew the head gasket on his Toyota Tercel.  We determiend that there are two parts listed for his particular model:  a head gasket and a head gasket set.  

The part you did show as being available is CYLINDER HEAD GASKET SET A8010-100534.  Since I know nothing about cars - is this the actual head gasket AND mounting equipment for it?  Or is it just mounting equipment without the actual gasket?

Does a head gasket need to be purchased separately and if so, what is the cost?

Thanks.  

Answer
The head gasket is just that, the set is everything you need to remove the head valve stem seals,valve cover gasket, ect, this is the best way to go, no one would put a head back on if it blew the gasket, the head needs to be reworked, take the valve stem seals with you to a good machine shop, by that, see if you can see a head they reworked, we use a place here when we get the head back, it's wraped, it looks brand new, and never have to worry about adjusting the valves as they are shims on top of a bucket.  This is the best advice I can give, go to Toyota and get the set. it's a little higher but well worth it in the long run, get a thermostst, check the pump, radiator and get a Gal of the Toyota red coolant, any other eats the head. If the hoses are not craking inside put them back on, or replace aftermarket every year.