Blown Head Gasket

Hey all,

I've got a 96' v6 that's in the shop right now, and they're saying that it's a blown head gasket. However, I just spoke to them about prices and they're saying it's $750 just for tear down of the engine and then they have to send it to a machine shop to get it "microscoped" for cracks? I remember my dad changing head gaskets on his old nova by hand, and it not taking too long at all.

Does this sound right? I don't know enough about engines to know if i'm getting ripped off or not, so I think I need some help.

Also, I have another question for those of you who are mechanics that work in shops. When I first took the car in, it was overheating. This was a week ago today. By Thursday, they had replaced the radiator and thermostat and they said it was ready to drive. I paid for it, and on the way home it over heated again(less than 3 miles away). When i opened up the hood to see if there was coolant inside, there was absolutely none. I checked the invoice immediately, and it says that they charged me for coolant. Now they're saying it's a blown head gasket. However, before i left with it on Thursday, the guy told me he did a block test and everything was fine. What are the chances that this head gasket blew during the second overheat? If so, are they liable?

Thanks guys

if ur using the car for an average daily driver i wouldnt worry about cracks especialy if it has alot of miles already. unless its leaking coolant or any other fluid from anywhere the block or running any different then u may have a problem and then u need a new engine anyway but if u plan on keeping it and eventualy doing some performance mods u may want to pay the money.(shop around u may find someone to do it cheaper) so if it doesnt leak make sounds or lack power it realy depends on the milege if its alot dont worry just wait til it goes. as for the gasket just replace it and leave it at that.

Blown head gasket is quite simple to change, remove all air intake system, fuel linkages etc. remove valve covers, remove "head bolts" I believe there is 6-8 per side, and theres the head, be sure to retighten to specific torque specs on the head and work from the middle bolts outwards to be sure even spread of the new gasket!

If you have the 3.8L engine, the head gasket is a KNOWN defect. The cars were recalled, but the deal was ONLY if you blew the head gasket before 70K or something like that, then they'd cover it. My 94 model blew BIG TIME at 100K. Same kind of CRAP!! Cost me $1800 to replace the gasket, water pump and timing chain. 800 miles later the engine BLEW anyways (rod knocking)!!!! mechanic said the engine must have been "overstressed" and it took that long to fail. Bottom line: another 4 grand for a reman engine!

Try googleing a product called thermogasket. Used this on a 94 jeep cherokee and believe it or not it instantly fixed that blown head gasket. This product is abou $110.00 well worth it!!!