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Cars with blown head gaskets

GAFF

GAFF

PittState Automotive Tech
Whats need to fix them?

What usually goes bad when a head gasket blows.
 


I'm not quite sure I understand the question??? The most common reason they blow simply by overheating. Getting too hot causes thermal expansion between the head and the block and crushes the gasket armor. Once crushed it can spill water/coolant in the motor, seize up, lose compression. They can blow with nothing going bad internally, simply running the car too hot due to radiator failure, waterpump failure, t-stat stuck closed, coolant line leak etc. If it's caught early enough and water or coolant doesn't destroy the motor, it's not that bad of a fix. When they blow they leak compression and or coolant.

To fix them you of course need new gaskets, and whatever the cause of the gasket failure was to be fixed also. Be it the water pump, radiator, hoses, etc. Internally, it's whether or not the coolant/oil mixture screwed anything up that it would absolutely "need" to be replaced.
 
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What am asking is whats the normal cost to fix everything.. Just gasket wise. I know how they fail.. Just wondering if any engine internals get damaged.
 
If you are asking about a 3.8L head gasket going, ....unsure how to say this. Yes there are gaskets there, but you have a better chance of being struck by lightning unless you seriously abused the car.

Fel Pro are about ~$35 a side, plus lim's, injector o'rings, SC gaskets, TB gasket, coolant, oil, assembly lube, new bolts for the heads.

I'd suggest pulling that apart before ordering anything. Likely you'll find the issue before you get to the HG's
 
So getting a good looking car for 400 with a blown head gasket and fixing it would be worth my time
 


because now you have a top swapped car that if you leave it be.... it'll hopefuly not blow up then you can turbo the other one and blow that one up :D

its called going faster.
 
Ha im happy with my gp ts.. Ill prob try and flip some cars make some money get my cam.. I might get the e85 going this weekend.
 
If its a 600 dollar car when all said and done...and you sell it for at least 3K...I bet you'd have your cam and every other fixin along with it
 


Exactly what BillBoost37 said. If this is a 3800 powered car you are looking at buying then I would investigate it further. 3800's next to never blow head gaskets.
 
Gafford44 said:
looking at different cars then the 3800's
Click to expand...

Make sure you know what you are getting into. As in a cadi cattera you have to remove the trans mission and then the engine to get the heads off. Ford trucks might require the cab to be raised. If it is dohc you have the timing chains to worry about. Aluminum heads like to freeze bolts in them. Find a old chevy 4x4 with a small block in it that would be a great one to start with.
 
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