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ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Suzuki 4x4 Forum => Topic started by: Tattoo on December 08, 2006, 10:26:49 AM

Title: Head gasket.... how hard to do??
Post by: Tattoo on December 08, 2006, 10:26:49 AM

Hello,

I need to replace teh head gasket in a Samurai.  How much will it cost
and how hard ic it to do?  Can I tell if its a cracked head easily or do I have
to take it apart?  Thanks.

T

Title: Re: Head gasket.... how hard to do??
Post by: Amilla on December 08, 2006, 04:48:52 PM

Head gaskets arnt that bad, a lot of work goes along with them.  I think most shops will do it fro around 500 for a sammy,  If you were to pull the whole engine apart your self and then take it in.  Its about half to do it then. its a lot better to do i think.

Hope that helps

Amilla

Title: Re: Head gasket.... how hard to do??
Post by: 1badzuk on December 09, 2006, 11:44:29 PM

do a compression test that will tell.  Like he siad it aint that bad. it wont be that much to do your self. what is it doing why do you thing you need to whats the problem??????

Title: Re: Head gasket.... how hard to do??
Post by: Tattoo on December 12, 2006, 09:28:50 PM

I got a compression test and it was 155-160 on all 4 cylinders.  So would'nt the head
and gasket be OK?  It could'nt test that high if the head has cracked or gasket blown right....

Title: Re: Head gasket.... how hard to do??
Post by: 1badzuk on December 12, 2006, 09:49:46 PM

right head sounds good why did you think you need a headgasket whats wrong

Title: Re: Head gasket.... how hard to do??
Post by: Tattoo on December 12, 2006, 09:58:58 PM

Basically it has been idling like crap.  New plugs and wires, but I was told it has radiator fluid
in the wrong type place and it has a blown gasket of cracked head.  I just don't see how this is true if the compression check is ok............

Title: Re: Head gasket.... how hard to do??
Post by: Rhinoman on December 13, 2006, 08:36:36 AM

I did a compression test on my 413, had to do it cold because it wouldn't start. The numbers came up good but when I pulled the head there were signs of coolant in the combustion chamber. The head gaskets not too difficult to replace, they make these Zuks fairly simply.

Title: Re: Head gasket.... how hard to do??
Post by: Tattoo on December 13, 2006, 10:33:16 AM

Hmmm, 

So I would think ( hope) that because it compression tests ok that maybe it is just a
bad gasket as opposed to a cracked head? 

Title: Re: Head gasket.... how hard to do??
Post by: Jimiweld on December 13, 2006, 11:47:59 AM

Can you perform a leak test of the cooling system.
Most part stores around here also lend/rent tools. You could pressurize the cooling system at the rad and then take the spark plugs out and look/listen for leaks into the cylinders. It may be small enough now that it is leaking a little coolant but not enough to throw off the compression test.
Jim

Title: Re: Head gasket.... how hard to do??
Post by: Tattoo on December 13, 2006, 05:49:46 PM

I can look into doing that I guess.  I did take the cap off of the radiator today and fired
it up and no fluid  came flying out of the radiator...........   

I also started it up and it fired right up and warmed up at high idle then when it idled down to  low idle it went down to the point that it got rough and then eventually quit. 

 I also held a paper towel up to the exhaust today and it leaves a nice black ringed spot on
the paper towel???? 

Anyway I will look into pressurizing the coolant system. 

Thanks for the help.

T 

Title: Re: Head gasket.... how hard to do??
Post by: john1974 on December 14, 2006, 10:02:59 AM

not that hard to do, I did mine on the side of the road in the rain onetime... worst part was the manifold bolts were rusty! Just take your time and follow instruction if u have a FSM