greetings:

i think i have a blown head gasket. the symtoms are bone dry radiator and no power. was blowing white smoke. i can't check my dipstick because i have a dead battery, so i don't know if there is water mixed in w/the oil.

q: for a weekend wrencher, how difficult is it to replace the head gasket? my car has been sitting for about a month now. tried to sell as parts or project veh, but no bites. figured why not try to do the repair work myself, however, don't want to start something i can't finish.

any and all comments welcome.

thanks.

 

if the radiator is dry and you think the headgasket is blown you should check the oil any way, even if you cant get it running (which you shouldn try untill your certian whats going on) you should be able to find water in it or not even if it wont run

 

Yep, check the oil! If it looks like a milkshake, then it's the head gasket.

 

Well, all I can say is because of the fact there are 2 head gaskets, you should do both. This most likely require a complete removal of the IM, valve covers, timing belt, and exhaust manifolds. Since I have no idea what your mechanical experience or ability is, I think it's probably safe to say it will take you at least 2 weekends to do the work. Either way it's a good time to put in all new gaskets every where, do the timing belt, the water pump, thermostat, CHTS, front seals, etc.

S

 

I dunno I had mine redone when I got my heads replaced about 2 years ago at a shop. I think the only problem will be the rear one.

 

Its not that hard to do the head gasket, just time consuming. You need a torque wrench and some allen sockets to do it right.

 

There is are a few sellers on ebay that sell gasket sets for $70 plus shipping, it will have all of the gasksets you need to do the repair. Including the waterpump and thermostat ones. I dont mean to spam your thread but if you need all of those parts, like the waterpump and the thermostat, timing belt, tensioner, acc. belts I have them and all of them are new.