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Blown head gasket

2K views 16 replies 4 participants last post by  WICruiser 
#1 ·
I need help! My 1995 YJ 2.5 blew today and need to know how hard it is to fix and what all I would need?
 
#2 ·
You will need a 1/2" socket set with a breaker bar to remove the head from the block. A 3/8 socket set to remove the intake and exhaust manifold and p/s pump from the head.
You will also need a torque wrench to reinstall the head. Once you have removed the head send it out to a machine shop to have it checked for cracks , resurfaced and a valve job. Don't cheap out on this you don't want to do this job twice.
Parts you will need are
#1 A head gasket set. This will have the new head gasket and all the other gaskets you will need and also will have a new set of valve guide seals which you will need to give to the machine shop when you have the head done.
#2 new thermostat and gasket (thermostat gasket may come with the head gasket set)
#3 New spark plugs ( start fresh)
#4 New head bolts , people will tell you they are not needed buts lets just do the job right the first time.
#5 A good repair manual It will give you torque specs and a diagram of the sequence that you will tighten the bolts in.
Look carefully at the exhaust manifold if its cracked or leaking now is the time for replacement.
Also look for You Tube videos on head gasket replacement even if its not for your vehicle it will giver you an idea of what you are in for.
Plan on spending a couple hundred dollars on this project , if you take it to a mechanic it will cost you $500-$800 dollars.
There is probably something I have forgot but you get the idea. I have been doing this sort of thing for a living for 45+ years so feel free to ask any questions you need to.
Good Luck
 
#3 ·
One thing I forgot to mention is you need to find out why the head gasket blew in the first place.

Check for coolant leaks
Check for bad thermostat
Check for bad or leaking water pump.
Check for bad hoses
Check for leaking or plugged radiator a radiator shop can help you with this or better still buy a new one its cheap insurance.
Use the proper mix of antifreeze it is the major reason cooling systems fail.
 
#6 ·
Hot coolant will stem up like even on 60 degree day. The knocking is because you overheated it. The white smoke and the coolant on the firewall probably came from the same place. There's coolant hoses that there and it easy could have squirted out. Easiest way to see if you busted your head is to check the dipstick for milk like oil and then to drain the oil and if you did the first bit that comes out milky then it's a bad head. If neither of those happen then I would jump to it being a head gasket. Sounds like you need to inspect it more and figure out where the coolant was actually coming from not just the general area
 
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