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Decisions,Decisions....

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AngliaGT

AngliaGT

Great Pumpkin
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Checked today on how much to do the heads on my '94 Dodge Dakota (3.9 V6).
I thought I'd see how much shop (flat rate).That way,it'd get done in a short time.Estimate was $800 -$1K.
I only paid $1500 for it 2-1/2 years ago (put about that much into it.
I could (try &)do it myself,but not sure if I could do it properly.I'd also have to buy something to replace it with.I also don't have the money to fix it right now.
Any ideas on this?

- Doug
 
What's it doing that it needs the heads done?
 
What's wrong with those heads that it'll cost that much?
 
Is that a dealership price for the job or private garage? I'm assuming thats for parts and labor?
 
It's pushing water out the base of the Right head -
- I'm sure the left is soon to follow.The temp guage jumps around alot also.
This was a good shop's rate.It would get done quickly this way.
I'm also tempted to go for another vehicle,but want to think this out,& take my time.

- Doug
Not sure if I want to try tackling it myself
 
Still, $800 - $1200 for a pair of V6 heads?
 
See my "My Toyota... Replacing the head gaskets" thread to see what you'll be getting into... Sounds like you blew a head gasket. I'm doing my own, and instead of a $3000 job (what I was quoted), I'll have it done for about $150 in parts. (and $200 in new tools /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif)

It's a PITA job, but the parts shouldn't be more than $200-400. If you have the time, (I've been doing mine kinda slow on the weekends when I feel inspired to work on it), and don't need the truck right away, and if you have wrenching ability... You can do it. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif
 
If the heads need rebuilt... It's alot cheaper if you have them off, and can take them to the machine shop... I had a set done several years ago for a 289 v-8 ford for about $300. (acid washed, checked for cracks, new valve stem seals, and I think they replaces one valve).
 
Good thought. No "jumping into the fire"!

I've done V-6 Ford (3.8 IIRC) head gaskets in a Cougar and a Mustang, not a pleasant task but 'do-able'. Hand lapped the valves in that Cougar pig "just for drill" too. Haven't tried a Chrysler. What's the hard parts cost? Gasket set, possible machine shop fees, etc?

I've no "standard" to judge this by but: you've the skill level, tools and experience to pull this off with an old English Ford, right? If that's the case you sould be able to "fake your way through" the V-6, IMO. It would just take patience and attention to detail. Maybe just do the leaking one and wait for the "other shoe"?

Bad part is: you'll have to drive it a while longer before you can justify selling it. It'll ~owe~ you. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

This is simply more food for thought, not trying to press the DIY argument.
 
I actually put my headgasket replacement off for about 2-3 months because I was dreading it every time I opened the hood and saw all the parts that had to come off just to get to the heads, but when you get in there and start working, it all goes pretty easy if you like wrenching. If you're not the adventurous type like I am, buy a manual and consult it, and follow the removal procedures. If you're like me, just start yanking parts in what seems a logical order, and take notes. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif
 
I remember the first time I had to replace the head
gaskets on my then daily driver. It scared me to death,
but with a good manual, and the right tools at hand, I
did it in about 4 hours. And it ran fine. That really
scared me...

SteveL
 
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