here are my thoughts on $800 v. DIY:
DIY!!!
-not quite as simple as say, changing a starter, but
rather straightforward none the less
-list members are here to help; ask away, there is no
such thing as a stupid question, IMHO
-spending a large sum does not guarantee that the work
would be done any better that you can do yourself
(perhaps even more so if you were to find a bargain
price)
-the hardest part, it would seem to me, would be the
removal or loosening of intake/exhaust manifold. If
you feel comfortable with that, then definitely go for
it!
-start with the $800 budget, buy a good torque wrench,
buy both Haynes and Bentley, order up new head bolts,
and a full set of the highest quality gaskets you can
find.
-look around for a good machine shop knowlegeable
about LBC's. Once the head is removed, take it to
them for evaluation and reconditioning (I pay about
$80 for this service, and would not consider pulling
the head without going ahead and having this done).
-total removal of all traces of the old gasket is
imperitave
-be patient
-consider decarbonizing the cylinders and tops of the
pistons while the head is off (the books will explain)
-'cracking' the bond between the block and head can
also be challenging for someone never having done it
before, but there are tricks that help consideraby,
such as cranking the starter (with ignition disabled)
bottome line: you will not regret doing it yourself;
you will have the satisfaction of knowing it was done
right; and finally, you will have enough left over to
take the car and a 'so' away for a fun weekend.
Good luck!
--- JustBrits@aol.com wrote:
> In a message dated 09/29/1999 8:58:09 PM Central
> Daylight Time,
> Lawrie@britcars.com writes:
>
> << So, if your $800 quote is just to replace a head
> gasket, may I suggest
> second thoughts about the suitability of the shop
> you are dealing with?
> >>
>
> Well, Lawrie got to this first. I totally agree the
> that amount is WAY high.
> Is this a LBC shop??
>
> Cheers..........
>
> Ed
>
=====
Terry O'Brien, RDU/NC/USA
-'77 MG B (daily driver)
-'82 Dodge Ram 50
-'90+ various boring things
-other people's British problems
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