head gasket

[makavel]

Hey guys just wanted a rough idea on how much changing a head gasket would be in a 99 VT berlina as the ex owner of the car is paying for it to be done for me, and is there anything else that should be changed at the same time ?

[WPN_L67]

Better off with a 2nd engine, muuch cheaper!!

[acarmody]

Better off with a 2nd engine, muuch cheaper!!

Wow, how did you work that out? Especially since the OP said the previous owner is paying for it.

To the OP, I haven't had to do mine but I imagine it would take about 5 odd hours, maybe more. Then you also have to get the heads machined, and obviously need new parts (head gaskets, inlet manifold gaskets, etc). The price will depend on what the mechanic charges per hour. Just ring up a few local mechanics and ask them.

As for other parts, just the inlet manifold gaskets, and the exhaust gaskets.

[WPN_L67]

v8 or v6?

yeah, i supose, it would be better to have the heads done. only because they are paying for it.

an ecotec engine is only around $600 plus, 5hrs fitting at $86.00 an hr. plus, oil, coolant, powersteer fluid and other consumables $100.00.

around, $1100??

cylinder heads, gaskets, coolant and oil.

another mechanic just done one........ $2500.00.

i thinks thats how i worked it out??????????????????????????????????????????????

[CommVTS]

Are you absolutely sure it's the head gasket and not something else like inlet manifold gasket?

[makavel]

The car has not been taken for compression test yet. however can the inlet manifold gasket put oil into the radiator ?

[WPN_L67]

no, it cant. head gasket.

[WPN_L67]

then again, what type of oil is it?? definialty not auto trans fluid?? is the car running rough?? does it blow steem if you leave it for a while when you start it, after its been driven?? is there water in the oil??
does the coolant smell like exhaust gas??

[makavel]

the oil under the radiator cap is black and when you rub its its thick and oiley. It does not blow anything that i can tell as in smoke but the temperature gauge on the dash takes for ages to get to operating temp and i do not believe it shows the correct temp. Further more of course depends where the head gasket could be damaged if it is. Eg near water jacket or something. The radiator smells oily

[WPN_L67]

sounds like a head gasket. if the other blokes going to pay for it, get the heads done. if its a mate and u want to save him money, get a 2nd hand engine with low k's and decent warranty. all the engines we have fitted have been running for years, never had a problem. aslo, a good $200.00 investment is, an engine watchdog, with an lcd display and audible alarm. it can be programmed to go off at any temp, whereas the standard commo ones go off AFTER is overheated.

[makavel]

ah k thanks for the advice and feedback WPN_L67

i mean the pain in the arse thing is i just put a new radiator in with new hoses etc if they flush the system will it get rid of all the oil in it ?

[makavel]

also what would the general cost be to do the head gasket ?

also the big timing belt has alot of cuts in it from wear i assume maybe ill get him to change that too

[WPN_L67]

the auxiliary drive belt, yeah, they are around $30 i think.

depending on the condition of the heads, the price will vary. they are usually bullet proof but.

if all they need is a good scrub up, it should only be around $1000.00, if that.
also, depending on the mechanic, like i said before, the other mechanic charged $2,500.00 to do them on a vy ecotec.

abit of nulon radiator flush will clean it right out!!

[makavel]

ah ok thanks, i guess i will find out this week with the old owner takes the car to "his" mechanic and the work begins. But honestly that oil in the radiator the mix of them is the most dirty thing i have ever smelt. Because when i found that the old radiator was leaking before i changed it what little fluid was in the old radiator it was like they filled it up in the ganges river its was brown and it smelt sickening.