DIY head gasket replacement - how difficult?

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aj4937

Member
Hey all, so basically a while ago I was driving and my car overheated, as there wasn't a safe place to stop I drove it the 2 miles home and it broke down on me. It now starts but white smokes, misfires and generally runs like crap. I've had a mechanic confirm that there is a head gasket failure. I'm not prepared to spend the money paying someone rebuild the engine for me so was thinking about having a go myself. It's my second car so I'm in no rush at all to repair. Here's the thing, the only thing I've ever done to a car is change a set of spark plugs, I'm pretty much a novice. So I have a few questions ;
How hard will it be? Should I even attempt it?
What kind of work will be involved?
Will I need any special tools other than sockets, torx bits, torque wrench etc?
How much engine will iI haveto take apart?

Many Thanks
 
In my opinion, if you have not done anything more than change a set of plugs, don't even try unless you are prepared to accept that something may go pear shaped!

There some very basic skills / techniques required that are quite important an unless you apply them could effect a successful outcome .
If you have somebody who knows the drill and could sit at your side whilst you do it, then you could have a go.
I don't think it's a job for a self confessed novice.
 
The issue here is that changing the head gasket is pretty straight forward but there could be further engine damage that your not going to solve by just changing the head gasket itself.

Has the engine been taken apart to confirm its simply just the head gasket?
 
Depending on the failure mode, the head may also need a skim - whatever your skill level, I doubt you'll be able to avoid getting someone else to do that
 
Before doing anything you should really get a second opinion from a decent Indy or BMW to find out what the problem actually is.

Don't mention what the original mechanic said either.

Is the car throwing up any error codes?
Any lights showing on the dashboard?
Is it using a lot of oil or water?
Has the MPG decreased?
When was the last service?
What's the service history on the car?
Which Service did it last get?
Are the new plugs good quality?

But then again with the overheating it might well be knackered!
 
'Straightforward' is all relative and I wouldn't say the HG on a sophisticated and potentially toasted all-alloy engine with advanced induction and fuelling systems is good try out project for a newbie mechanic. Driven on after overheating means there is a fair chance that the threads will pull on these engines as well as the head warp as mentioned. I'd agree that a strip-down and competent examination is surely the way forward before committing to parts and a rebuild?
 
^^^^
This...


If its been hot the head will be warped and chances are that the threads will pull out of the block..This is common on the M54 engine...

As has been mentioned its rare that the headgasket just "goes"..... You will have another problem thats caused the water to disappear or lack flow...
 
Sounds like it may be too much for me then. The last service was an inspection 2 service, and the reason for the overheating was a broken expansion tank. I believe there were error codes related to a misfire also. I Certainly don't want to throw too much money at the car so if fixing it myself is not an option then iI probably sell it as a non-runner.
Thanks for the input guys
 
Would a replacement engine be an option? I'm sure there's someone breaking a 3.0 and surely swapping engines is easier then opening one up?
 
Liam-O said:
Would a replacement engine be an option? I'm sure there's someone breaking a 3.0 and surely swapping engines is easier then opening one up?
Click to expand...
Yep, it's here - 2005 3.0l with 88k on it. Could be a good option especially if it's a like-for-like swap
 
Engine swap all the way. Will be easier for you. Label what came off what and where, remove old engine, replace with second hand one and put everything back. Simples. Ok so its a little more complicated than that but it will be easier than rebuilding yours.
 
I think we have to remember that he said he'd done nothing more complicated than change a set of plugs - although an engine swap is simple for some, it's rocket science to others!
 
ronk said:
I think we have to remember that he said he'd done nothing more complicated than change a set of plugs - although an engine swap is simple for some, it's rocket science to others!
Click to expand...

I definately agree, its not something for faint hearted but the difference main difference i can see are:

Swap requirements = Time, space and tools
HG fix requirements = Skill, experience and specialist tools (+ when you open it up it could need even more money spending)

There are considerations around millage of current engine vs. new engine, but a like for like engine swap is not beyond the capability of a novice whereas a HG fix likely is?
 
I think a replacement motor is the way to go but my comment was related to the fellas stated experience.
I've seen ego outstrip ability with dire consequences in the past - I don't intend any offence to the original post by saying this as I've also seen others take to it like a duck to water.
 
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