i think i got a blown head gasket, how can i be sure? is there any way that i can find out w/ out a machanic? and if i do have a blown head gasket is it expensive to fix? same question for a cracked head.

 

either way its very hard to get the head off without quite a bit of knowlade..why do you think its carcked or blown?

 

because when i bought it that's what they thought was wrong with it? and they said that it over heats real quick too, i don't know but can any one tell me if it's expensive to replace?

 

It's dirt cheap if you do it your self.

Is there lots of air in the coolant?
The coolant cap might blow off.

Is there coolant in the oil?
Oil will be milky and there will be like an extra inch or more of "oil" on the dip stick. Your oil level will go up and coolant will go down.

Are you burning coolant?
Your car will make white smoke and it will smell bad.

 

My head gasket is busted right now, and I'm sure of it. If you're not sure if it's busted, take off the cap on the coolant witht the engine cold and let it run for about 15 minutes, see if any bubbles are coming up. Are you getting any white smoke at start up?

I called around, and it would have cost me 600+ just for labor on one side to get the head gasket replaced, and like another 50 for the gasket kit.

The best thing to do it have someone you know that's into fixing cars do it for you. I'm having my dad do it for me, and even though he's been working on cars since he was my age (I'm 17) it will take a while of a couple hours a night or a solid weekend if you're luck and go from dawn till dusk if you don't have a garage.

 

and vice-versa, oil in the coolant.

On my old 94 3.4 I had a gasket blow. but I did'nt have the smoking, or the bad smell. I did have the water in the oil pan and oil in the coolant. If you have ANY mechanical skills, you SHOULD be able to preform the work. I have a pretty extensive collection of tools, but a basic set should get you by. Took me a half day to get everything torn down, another day to have the heads milled, and another half day to get everything back together.

I would say try it yourself, you can always take it to a mechanic if you get lost. Mike

 

thanks to every one that replied, and i'll probably buy the replacement kit and try it myself, and again thatnks t every one for the tips. -BOWTIE_BIRGADE- END$ -