Blown Head Gasket: Replace or Repair?

[chruzzie]

If the head gasket is blown is it a difficult job to replace? Or is it better to replace it?

[merc-304]

Replace Head Gasket - 1hr nth you have the man for the job ...mercmad.

[julian]

I think that the choice comes somewhat down to how much you can do yourself. Having followed some of your earlier threads you seem handy.

I would be inclined to strip everything as it is in the engine bay, and if you can then remove the head yourself. Timing chains make this job a little painful, but not impossible.

Once the head is off a close inspection might reveal a crack or significant warp, and then the decision is made, and you are already halfway there having stripped the engine bay ready for the new motor to be installed. But, if it looks clean and the block is not damaged then a 4 cylinder head rebuild wouldn't be very costly, and judging by your poor mate's description damage is likely to be minimal.

The big money for this kind of job is in the labour. Handing someone the job while you sit at home drinking beers in front of the computer (probably researching to the minutiae the job the mechanic is doing for you anyway) will end up costing plenty more.

[chruzzie]

Thanks Julian.

[mathuisella]

remember, solve the issue that caused the problem in the first place :)

was it a bad thermostat or low coolant or a coolant leak that made the car overheat ?

[chruzzie]

1. The fuse that controls the electromagnetic system that engages the fan to activate as it reaches running temp

[mathuisella]

The water pump could have a slow leak as well,. it's almost unnoticable.

Best way to check is to put a bunched up bit of paper towel wedged into play underneath the waterpump and let the car sit overnight. If it's got coolant on it the next morning you have a bad pump gasket and possibly waterpump itself

this is from the om617 diesel though, not sure about the petrol 2.3

[Mercmad]

It's pretty easy to work on these engines .I would say the head gasket was quite possibly due to blow and at 350,000 it has done well. If you want to do it yourself ,get ahold of a manual or scour the German websites where others have rebuilt these engines. Get the car intro a space where you can pull the head off yourself,with plenty of light ( the bonnet opens right up to give great access. ) all too often i have seen owners strip their cars down,only to find they lose interest or the working conditions are like hell on earth and they give up . Theres a few things you need to budjet for, besides fresh oil and a filter. A head gasket ,A1020162420,manifold gaskets A1021412780 &A1021421480 x 4 , a radiator check (get it flushed) , new belts and a water pump. A thermostat and spark plugs.

[Tony From West Oz]

You have already spent the big bucks getting the body up to scratch. Find a garage or workshop you can rent some space and do what you can yourself. Farm out the head testing and / or reconditioning to specialists who machine and test heads. When you get it back, put it together again, confirm valve timing and repair the coolant leak.
Get a quote for the work to be done to the head. Price a replacement radiator and water pump. If you replace them both, you know that they are there for the life of the car.
ps, she looks fantastic.

[chruzzie]

If the head needs shaving, can it be shaved or does it need to be pressed?
Do to my current circumstances I will need to find someone to do it.
Otherwise the car will rust before I get around to fixing it all properly, I'm in the middle of building a house.

I'll start to get some quotes this week for the head gasket replacement, head overhaul, thermostat, water pump etc.

[chruzzie]

Compression test and all cylinders are at 170. Operating temperatures are stable for now at 80-100.