Headgasket

[Speaking]

Is it a good idea to change the headgasket on a diesel engine.  Will it run properly after. I have people that told me that it isn't a good idea to change the headgasket, i will run in to more trouble and my car not run like is used to.   How much should i expect to pay for a job like this?

Thanks.

[toomanycars]

If it ain't broke...Don't fix it! You only need to change head gaskets if you suspect a problem related to them...eg: water in the oil or vice-versa, oil or water leaks at the join with the block, poor compression (usually not the gasket but to fix the problem you'll have to buy one!) If someone tells you you have a head gasket problem get a second and third opinion from somebody who knows what they are talking about.

[chrissev]

Is it a good idea to change the headgasket on a diesel engine.  Will it run properly after. I have people that told me that it isn't a good idea to change the headgasket, i will run in to more trouble and my car not run like is used to.   How much should i expect to pay for a job like this?

Thanks.

easy job, can do it yourself.  Why do you want to though?  Oil leak?

[RajendirSharma]

Do not think of changing head gasket when there is no issue with it, such as leaking.  If you do, you may end up in a nightmare.

[maxfax]

x3 on the "if it ain't broke, done fix it"

However, if you need to change it the answer to the second part of your question is that the engine will run just fine, if not better after a HG change..  That is, if the job is done properly... The surfaces of the head and block need to be straight, the proper thickness gasket needs to be used, and the timing has to be set properly..  The other part of a proper job that will last pends on what year your engine is..   If it is a later engine with 12mm head bolts they need to be replaced..  IF it is an earlier engine with 11mm head bolts the block needs to be inspected for cracks, and head studs are highly recomended...

As far as cost, a lot of that will depend on your location..  AS far as parts you'd be minimally looking at a head gasket, valve cover gasket, head bolts (or studs),oil & filter, and coolant..  It's an excellent time to replace the timing belt and tensioner if it is due, or if you have no clue when it was last changed.. You may need some other gaskets for the intake, exhaust, and water necks if the head requires machining..

Machining varies wildly pending on your location as well..  It may or may not be needed, and there's really
no way to know until it's apart..  Typically this consists of pressure testing and resurfacing of the head..

The official labor time given to change a HG on one of these is 4.1 hours.. Figure a bit extra if things need removed for machining, or the timing belt is to be replaced..  The most time I've ever had to bill out for one of these was 8 hours.. And that one was a bear due to rusted and broken bolts among other things...

The biggest thing to consider about the cost would be, is the person doing the work (teardown & assemebly as well as the machining) competent?..  A few extra bucks for someone who knows what they are doing, and will do it right is priceless..   AS mentioned earlier in this thread, this isn;t really a terribly difficult job for a DIYer..  Take your time, get a Bentley repair manual and by all means feel free to ask questions!

[mtnbob]

  LOL

[R.O.R-2.0]

LMFAO..

[maxfax]

Oh wow      How the @#$% did this one get dug back up..

[catlin_cava]

there are little warnings on threads over 120 days...in RED, Please read before posting lol

[maxfax]

Or just stay the heck away from the PC when you've been awake too long..  Darn, can't even blame this one on beer! 

[8v-of-fury]

lol, I wonder if he ever actually did it? or if it needed it? if not, is it still running to this day?

Brett, your hilarious lol