Head Gasket?

[rmmagow]

Steel Seal. Seriously, I have used this stuff as a temp fix for 3 years in my other car. My son just put it in a 190000 engine with a leaking freeze plug, no issues. It can be removed once the head is removed with common vinegar. I've talked about this stuff before. It does not use little particles floating around to plug the problem and it is designed for a head gasket fix. Talk to them, they'll let you know that it is all reversible once you've decided to go do the job right.

[318mike]

I've been doing research and I'm still not sure which way to go.The mechanic down the street quoted me 800 to fix the head gasket.The repair would be remove the head and replace the gasket,period.My concern is what if its not the gasket.What bif the head is warped and it needs skimming,which I'm not sure can be done.My research so far tells me that if you skim the head then you need to use a thicker gasket,and one might not be available.Does anyone know if this is true or what is the correct procedure for repair of a warped head?As far as block sealers go I might try one as a last resort.I am grateful for everyones opinions...Thanks in advance

[wjhandy850]

$800 is about book on this repair. When I had it done, I exchanged the head for a rebuilt at @ $450. I got a head gasket kit for @ $100. I was told that all heads need to be shaved when they were overheated.

[318mike]

Are you saying that 800 covers shaving the head,the cost of a new gasket,antifreeze,and labor?...Could you tell me what a remanu head consists of ..ie,new valves,guides,lifters?

[jtp]

This tutorial will answer virtually all your questions about what could/ needs to be replaced during the job.For what it's worth, my symptoms of a blown HG have been dramatic loss of coolant from the system, a swollen upper radiator hose where the hose meets the radiator, and coolant in my oil. My compression test was normal and I had no oil in my coolant.

[rmmagow]

Check out some Subaru web sites. Subaru had a very serious problem with leaking head gaskets, so much so that they require a bottle of secret sauce be added when changing the coolant. Now, for sure I do not know 100% what that stuff is but it was a liquid without particles and it really does keep the problem from coming back. I have one of those cars, blew head gaskets at 10K miles, fixed under warranty, again at 75000, fixed for 1500.00 BUT this time they used that stuff and told me about adding it if I changed the coolant. They call it a conditioner. I still have the car, rapidly approaching 200K miles and no sign of head gasket problems. A small leak like you probably have can be repaired this way for under $200.00. $800 sounds good IF they don't have problems, snapped head bolts, screwed up exhaust manifold bolts etc etc. If you really love the car, go ahead and have the engine repaired properly by a good Volvo mechanic, if you just need to get a couple of years out of it, try the sealers. If you go the remanned head route, be sure to check here for good vendor recommendations. It should have virtually everything new although I don't know if that would include cams. Good luck with the job. You did good catching it so early.

[318mike]

Thats interesting about the sealers.They are very contraversial,some people hate them and some people love them.I think it depends on your situation.I measured the exact amount of coolant that I have been using and its just about 8 ounces evry three days.I'm positive its not leaking and if you stand behind my car first thing in the morning upon start up you can smell that distinctive sweet smell just for a couple seconds and its just first thing in the morning.I think I have a little time to come up with a plan.As I stated in an earlier post my biggest fear is what I will find when and if I take it apart what the damage will be.If the block is cracked the car is toast and I took it apart to junk it and right now it runs great and the only immediate issue is adding coolant evry three days.Its like you said rmmagow it depends on how much you like the car....thanks for the info.

[rmmagow]

It really just sounds like a head gasket minor leak. Since you didn't overheat your head is probably fine. The mechanic will check for trueness when the head is off. You could very well get away with a headgasket change only and at $800, that's not too bad. Keep an eye on your oil dipstick and oil filler cap for any whiteish crap appearing. Once that starts you'll need to get the HG fixed ASAP.

[318mike]

Thanks rmmagow.I noticed that your from Rhode Island.I'm from the Boston area.Do you know of a good reputable place to get a good reman head in the general area,just in case I need one.

[rmmagow]

I'm not sure if these folks will actually have one in stock, but I am sure they could get one. They could also do the job for you and they are good and honest. They are a couple of miles south of Gillette stadium.

http://www.dalzellbrothers.com/index.htm