Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) how big of a job is a head gasket?

[telliott]

90% sure I have a bad head gasket. Slow coolant leak down back of the motor. Can see a wet spot at the head/block joint on very back of the motor. However, there is no coolant in the oil, seems to just be an external leak.

Should I just put a can of stop leak in the radiator and forget about it? Or should I tear it down? How big of a project would it be? What else should I consider doing with the head off? 187k miles on it

 

[HDR]

please do not use stop leak. please.

 

[Bob4x4]

The answer depends on your skill level and tools on hand. I have seen it done in the pits in about an hour and a half or DIY guys take a week

 

[SAndreasen]

pretty big job to and do right you want to take your time and it right or it will leak again its not a hard job just takes time

 

[mweiman]

You make want to make sure it is not the core plug at the right rear corner of the head. About 3/8 in diameter and I believe right behind the exhaust manifold. Mine corroded through with about 40,000 miles on it. Very hard to see but I was able to fix mine in the truck. Head gasket is a pretty good job, with the mods that you list I would have the head worked over by a machine shop(valves ground and everything checked out) while it is out.
Matt

 

[BMelhuish]

Yes. Check the freeze plugs for leaks. They can be difficult to get to. Keep in mind that the head weighs about 160 lbs. You will need a hoist or at least a friend to help you get it out of the vehicle. The head may also need to be resurfaced. Consider doing everything else possible to rebuild the head while it is out. It's not a difficult job to do-depending on your skill level. Since I'm not trying to beat the clock to move on to the next job anymore, I just relax and do the job. It takes as long as it takes. But if you are only doing the gasket, I would set the day aside. Most of my time doing a job seems to be spent running to get parts that I didn't anticipate that I needed. If you resurface the head, do a valve job, replace injectors, etc., you'll obviously need more time. Good luck.

 

[monkeyman]

not hard to do, but a hoist makes it much easier as head is real heavy! get studs if you want your life easier and a top quality head gasket like Cometic
Rick