Head Gasket Replacement M42

[longms]

I found what I am assuming to be coolant, in the oil. I am really assuming this is a head gasket job. I am considering two things really: having someone do the job or doing it myself. How much would this cost to have a mechanic do the job? How long would this take and how much would I be spending to do it myself??

This car is possessed by satan himself and tries everything to keep itself off the road.

I need to get torque wrench and parts. Any other specialty tools that I might need? Can the head come off without removing the camshafts???

[FredK]

The HG job probably 8 labor hours. Whatever your shop's labor rate is, plus an HG kit and miscellaneous supplies, is how much it'll cost. Typically, it might be around $500 - 800 in labor alone.

I need to get torque wrench and parts. Any other specialty tools that I might need? Can the head come off without removing the camshafts???

Yes. You need an angle gauge, because the headbolts are tightened to jointing torque, then angle torqued in 2 stages.

You will need cam blocks to prevent rotation and to lock the cams at TDC, and a special thinwall external Torx socket.

http://www.samstagsales.com/images/hz2925.jpg

[longms]

Got the first quote from the local shop...$2000...yea...i will be doing this on my own I think

[stegosaurus]

I did this myself just this past summer, if you have questions feel free to PM me. Also, check out m42club.com if you haven't already. Wealth of information devoted to this engine. Good luck.

[longms]

Thanks. I am slowly starting to think that my issue was just some condensation in the system. Oil looks normal and all my fluid levels are still the same and there is no indication of one leaking into the other. I am going to hold off on the head gasket for now and keep an eye on everything.

Thanks for the moral support guys.

[ck_taft325is]

Keep an eye on your oil and read up on yonder "Timing Case Profile Gasket". Very regular fail point.

I was pointed in this http://timthurber.com/tcpg.htm direction when I suspected mine being faulty. Very informative and helpful little bit on how to address the issue.

[longms]

Everything has been new as of about 1,000 miles ago. So I am just going to keep an eye on everything and cross my fingers. Wish me luck and hope for the best.