How hard is it to replace a head gasket on an AU?

I never done it before but to give you an idea of myself, I can pretty much do all the basic stuff, brake pads, engine oil, filters, spark plugs.

Just wondering if I should attempt a head gasket myself or bring it to a pro.

cheers

Very strange for a au to do a head gasket, whats it doing.

nothing wrong with the au

i just wanted to replace the head gasket with a new one

is that fine? or a bad idea

You will need all the gaskets (assuming your replacing them all)? A new set of headbolts (once stretched once they can't be used again...)

Worst part will be arguing with the broadband manifold, I'm told its easier to remove by unbolting the top section first...

You will need the tools to reset the timing chain tensioner, I believe people on here use pointy nose pliers to unscrew the outer nut, I have only ever used the Ford issued socket type thing for it...

Once you get the head off (being very careful not to break the timing chain guide off) you will need to get it skimmed to true the surface again, clean the top of the block with carby cleaner and we found that the last one we did that a wire buff on an angle grinder cleans it up nicely...

When re-assembling the head bolts are done to 40Nm plus 90degrees from memory... So you will need a torque wrench to get 40Nm and then a degree counter to get the extra 90degrees required... Overhead gear is 25Nm from memory...

As long as you have the tools and are sort of clue-y you should be fine... Just a rather big job removing everything that's in the way of getting it off (manifolds, fans, PS pump, belt tensioner bolts, etc etc)...

Cheers,
Tim

I wouldn't replace it for the sake of it not worth the hassle or expense... Only do it if its leaking...

how much is it gonna cost me roughly to do this job myself? (parts cost)

i always thought the gasket was a normal maintenance thing that needed to be done - like spark plugs, filters etc.

or am i wrong here?

is a good head gasket able to last for the life of the vehicle? let's say 15 years.

HG will be fine! Dont change it unless you need to eg leaking, or if you pull the head off to have work done to it. There is no benefit putting a new one in just for the fk of it.

Depends how its driven... My ED needed one when we bought it at around 310,000kms... My brothers needed one when we bought his too at only 170,000kms... Depends on many things, and eventually they will either leak water to the outside of the block where you see it running down the side of the motor, or they leak to a cylinder and cause it to "miss"... Its not a regular maintenance thing... You only worry about it when it plays up...

Cost could be anything... Depends on how much you replace, mandatory things are head gasket and head bolts... While you've got the head off check the pipe that runs behind the head for corrosion, if it is, easiest to replace with head off... Heater hoses if they are old are easier to get to with head off... thermostat housings if corroded... other gaskets (intake, rocker cover, thermostat, thermostat housing upper and lower BBM)... You check all as you dismantle and replace while you going (depending how much spare cash you have)....

You will need to pay a machinist to skim the head and make sure its true so it seals again... Cost could vary greatly... You'd need to enquire on prices on your end to see what locals sell the parts and labour for the skimming for...

Plus you'll need to have it off the road for a few days til your machinist has time to do your head, lots of work really if its not leaking...

Cheers,
Tim

AU MLS gaskets dont deteriorate like the earlier models.

If you wanna waste money, give it to me!

if it isnt broken,dont fix it..