Re: Head gasket leak - advice needed (archive)

It is minimally a two day job. I currently have mine spread all over my bench top as I reassemble it. Unfortunately, removal of the head requires removal of most of the engine including the complex multiple throttle-bodies, intakes, cam box, water pump, water supply pipes, header, etc. Essentially 90% of the engine components. Also, be advised that at 80k miles you will likely encounter additional areas such as hard to reach fuel lines that should be replaced in the process. This will undoubtedly increase the time and expense and is a false economy to forgoe. That said, Rob and others are correct in suggesting to look for a different source for the leak. More than a few mechanics have been fooled by chain tensioner or front cover leaks from which the oil "sneaks" along the head gasket courtesy of the air blown by the radiator and engine cooling fans. Double, and then triple check as the front cover leaks are much more common than gasket leaks on the S38. Hope, this helps and good luck--if you need digital photo's of the block oil channels I can email them directly.

Greg K

Hello all-

I have had a slow oil leak, which has been traced using dye/UV to the front passenger-side corner of the head gasket. My mechanic
whom I trust is advising doing nothing until it gets worse, then replace gasket, which he says could run $1500 (15-20 hours labor). I
have no other symptoms such as white or blue exhaust, discolored oil, oil in coolant or disappearing coolant. It barely leaks when
parked over night, just get a few drops worth on floor. In fact, they couldn't find it after running the car for 90 minutes, so I had to drive
it a few days. What prompted me to bring it in was I used a quart of oil in 2k miles. Yes I drive it fairly hard, lots of short trips (no
track). Car has 80k miles on it. I would appreciate any advice on: 1. should I just sit tight and monitor it? 2. should I do any other tests
now (compression)? 3. Is this common in the S38 at this mileage? 4. might the head be warped or cracked? 5. Assuming it is the
gasket and I have it done at some point, does 15-20 hours sound right, and what else should be done while it's pulled. THANKS a
million for any advice.

Follow Ups:

Re: Head gasket leak - advice needed Todd Kenyon 09:37 5/04/2001 (1)
- Re: Head gasket leak - advice needed Steve Haygood 21:22 5/04/2001 (0)

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