Is it worth getting two head jobs?

[lifestyler]

Hi everyone,

Sorry, but I could help the title

I've got a bad coolant leak at the back end of my 99 D2 and I've got coolant literally pouring out down from the tranny housing. I've also got little bits of coolant on the stubs that stick out at the back of the block (where the block meets the heads). I can also see coolant below the coil packs when I use a torch...so everything is working fine by the looks of it.

From what I have read - and I've pretty well read all the threads on coolant leaks - it looks like it's either a head gasket, a valley cover gasket or both. I've replaced the throttle assembly heater assembly as that used to leak before so I know it's not that (have also checked).

So, basically, I've decided to fit a head gasket kit and do the valley gasket at the same time and this should cover all possiblities.

Anyhow, while I've got the heads off, I was wondering if it is worth getting a coule of head jobs?

What should I do as the basics? Do the over overhaul myself using the guides on the rave cd or send it to a head place and get them do it?...or should I just check the tolerances what the rave cd says and only send to a head place if they're out? I'm going for the third option but I thought I'd ask some of the pro's here.

I've done engine rebuilds before (Holden inline 6 red motor), so I don't have an issue doing this.

The truck has done about 160k kilometres (100k miles).

...hmmm, also thought - what about the rings?

Thanks for any and all info.

Cheers

Erron

 

[az_max]

Hi everyone,

Sorry, but I could help the title

I've got a bad coolant leak at the back end of my 99 D2 and I've got coolant literally pouring out down from the tranny housing. I've also got little bits of coolant on the stubs that stick out at the back of the block (where the block meets the heads). I can also see coolant below the coil packs when I use a torch...so everything is working fine by the looks of it.

From what I have read - and I've pretty well read all the threads on coolant leaks - it looks like it's either a head gasket, a valley cover gasket or both. I've replaced the throttle assembly heater assembly as that used to leak before so I know it's not that (have also checked).

So, basically, I've decided to fit a head gasket kit and do the valley gasket at the same time and this should cover all possiblities.

Anyhow, while I've got the heads off, I was wondering if it is worth getting a coule of head jobs?

What should I do as the basics? Do the over overhaul myself using the guides on the rave cd or send it to a head place and get them do it?...or should I just check the tolerances what the rave cd says and only send to a head place if they're out? I'm going for the third option but I thought I'd ask some of the pro's here.

I've done engine rebuilds before (Holden inline 6 red motor), so I don't have an issue doing this.

The truck has done about 160k kilometres (100k miles).

...hmmm, also thought - what about the rings?

Thanks for any and all info.

Cheers

Erron

While you're there, it's another $50-75 per head to have them checked out, milled and cleaned. No sense getting that far into the job and not doing a thorough job. You'll have to replace the valley/intake gasket as the factory one is a crush type. Rings require a lot more work. If I was going that far, I'd pull the engine and go through it from top to bottom.

(not a professional, but I play one on the internet)

 

[robertf]

I lapped the valves on a v6 engine myself and decided I would never do it again.

Unless you've got a kickass workshop, lapping them is all you'll be able to do yourself. If its got a blown headgasket and aluminum heads I'd find it hard to believe the heads don't need to be decked.

300 bucks and mine were pressure checked, cleaned, decked, and ready to go by a reputable shop.

 

[lifestyler]

Thanks guys

Cheers