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#1
02-28-2006, 01:24 AM
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Leaking head gasket
So I have a '96 lumina 3.1L. With only about 45,000 miles on it. And it only gets driven maybe once a month if that. And recently it noticed a water mark on the block and check it out a little further and it looks like the it is leaking coolant from the head. And I know these motors are notorious for blowing head gaskets. So my question is, is replacing the head gasket a very involved repair and is there anything I can do so this won't happen again? Also would it just be easier and not too expensive to take it to a shop. It is still about 14 degrees here in Michigan so I don't want to freeze my ass off if the price is right. Thanks for any help guys.
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#2
02-28-2006, 07:53 AM
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Re: Leaking head gasket
It's probably the lower intake gasket. That's the one they are known for (head gaskets not an issue on these). Especially with that low mileage and the age, it's probably deteriorated from sitting.
Still better than a head gasket. Look to pay about $700 for the repair or so. I can't tell you if it's a big job without knowing your skills. I can tell you it will take a whole day to do it, maybe more if you're slow.
__________________
You made three mistakes. First, you took the job. Second, you came light. A four man crew for me? F**king insulting. But the worst mistake you made... ...empty gun rack.
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#3
02-28-2006, 09:04 AM
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Re: Leaking head gasket
Ok, Maybe it was the intake. If I don't do anything about it will anything really bad happen or will I just have to keep adding coolant to it?
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#5
02-28-2006, 10:58 AM
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Re: Leaking head gasket
If the leak were simply external, you could do that. But they have a nasty habit of progressing to internal, and leaking into the oil, then the motor starts getting rapid wear from contamination.
__________________
You made three mistakes. First, you took the job. Second, you came light. A four man crew for me? F**king insulting. But the worst mistake you made... ...empty gun rack.
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#6
02-28-2006, 02:30 PM
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Re: Leaking head gasket
The repair costs will be in the neighborhood of $400-$600 for an intake job, $900-$1000 for head gasket replacement depending on where you take it. I've done quite a few of these, and have it down to under 4 hours, including taking the valve cover baffles out and cleaning the sludge, changing the oil and replacing the oil pump drive o-ring while the engine is torn apart. The first time I did one, it took about 6-7 hours. If you're decent with a wrench, it's not a difficult job. Just be sure you keep everything clean, organized and have a good torque wrench that reads in in/lbs.
__________________
 Still waiting for the "good old days" I'll get to bore my future grandchildren with!
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#7
02-28-2006, 05:26 PM
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Re: Leaking head gasket
ok. That sounds like a plan. Where do I find all the torque specs? Should they all be in my Haynes manual or will I have to look somewhere else?
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