This truck has been sitting since early Dec. I had noticed a pretty healthy stream of antifreeze while running, and after a little poking around, I pulled the dipstick, and it was rusty. The truck had also been running a little rough throughout the speed range. So I'm guessing that I blew the head gasket (looks like it's probably driver's side). Truck has 143k, engine was short-blocked at 93k.

So, my question is this: what should I look out for when changing the head gasket? Do I need to pull the heads in one session, get them machined/checked, then put them back in another session? I don't plan on pulling the engine to do it, and would only be able to work on it here and there, nights and weekends.

I've also heard something about having to get the manifold re-machined if the heads are machined. True? Do I need to replace BOTH head gaskets, or can I just do the one side? What am I looking at cost-wise for the gasket kit (are there any other parts I'll need)?

I'm fairly certain I have most of the tools necessary for the fix, with the exception of a good torque wrench for the head bolts (will get that soon). I'm no mechanic, but I know my way around this engine pretty well, as I've had the truck for 7 years, plus I watched my BIL (mechanic) do the short-block (I couldn't be there for the re-install, so he wouldn't let me touch it ).

Thanks in advance!!

Jason

 

Oops. Sorry. Looks like this actually belongs in the engine forum. My bad.