Look like I have a blown head gasket on my '95 4.0 Fairmont. Done 220,000km, is in excellent condition.

This is something I'll probably have to fix myself. I've got the tools I need and a good manual.

Can anyone give me any input on how big the task is and how long it's likely to take if "all goes well"? Any tricks or things to watch out for to avoid eff-ups?

I recently swapped out the inlet manifold gasket, shocker of a job, took me an entire afternoon.

Symptoms for my head gasket are: car runs occassionally a bit "fluffy" when cold, accelerating from standstill. Misses slightly and hesitates, and sounds a little bit "five-ish". This has only happened a couple of times in the last month. Main indicator is water level is dropping very very gradually also. No water in oil. No condensation from tailpipe.

Need to do some tests to be sure, before I attack the head gasket.

Any advice appreciated.

get yourself a compression tester, $50 from supercheap, also this thread will help with the job, download the PDF file in there.

also be sure to check spark plugs, leads etc.

You could have a faulty coil and a leaking waterpump.