Advise!!

[dpetersen]

Sorry for the repost but really need a bit of advise from the experts.
So I've done the head gasket on the patrol, 2003 model, zd 3ltr manual, 300000ks.
I've been quoted around $4300 to have a new head fitted.
What are your thoughts? I have seen a couple of reco motors for around $4400 on eBay. What do you think? Would I be wrong to assume around $1000 to have mine removed and a second hand one fitted? Would I get anything for mine or is it worthless?
Located in Melbourne.
Thank guys

[4bye4]

I have helped a mate in a head facing shop and building motors for racing. Problem is you really need an expert to look at each job as they can vary. You might put a new head on yours only to have the bottom end, big ends or somthing go because of the "new" motor stresses. On the other hand if its only the head gasket why not have it faced, valves done and put it back on. Same goes for the "recon" motors on Ebay. Recon what. Reconditionioning can go from renewing everything down to back yarders that wash them in kero and give them a paint job. You really have to get some quotes from reputable people who arn't afraid to tell it like it is and be honest with you. possibly some members on this forum may be able to help with reputable repairers in you area. Get a few opinions and see how many are saying the same thing.

[nissannewby]

Does your engine have an egr cooler? If these fail they can give the same symptoms as a head gasket. They are easy to check and could be a much cheaper repair than a head.

[dpetersen]

Iv had checked out briefly and compression tested so all I know so far is that it's the head gasket so not too sure on the condition of the head. Iv called a couple of mechanics for advise and been told that I might as well change the head while its off.
The quotes Iv got for around $4300 are for a new head, gasket, glow plugs, pistons and rings (I think there's something else I'm missing) all fitted.
This is the one I was looking at on eBay
http://m.ebay.com.au/itm/291420148735?nav=SEARCH

[Rock Trol]

Oil pump and water pump?
Sounds like a rebuild to me and you will have a new engine at the end of it. I suppose 300,000 km is midlife for a diesel so might as well give it a refresh. But if you don't and the head is OK and just needs a gasket and skim then the motor should be good for another 200,000 km.

[4bye4]

Iv had checked out briefly and compression tested so all I know so far is that it's the head gasket so not too sure on the condition of the head. Iv called a couple of mechanics for advise and been told that I might as well change the head while its off.
The quotes Iv got for around $4300 are for a new head, gasket, glow plugs, pistons and rings (I think there's something else I'm missing) all fitted.
This is the one I was looking at on eBay
http://m.ebay.com.au/itm/291420148735?nav=SEARCH
If it's only the gasket or even gasket and head, why would you do the pistons and rings? I also don't understand why you might as well change the head while you have it off. Maybe the approach has changed since I used to work with my mate, but we used to face heads if they were OK and use them again, not replace them because they were off. I am no longer in that side of the trade so I won't argue, but seems to be assuming a worst case rather than opening it up and having a look.

[dpetersen]

What I was told was that if I just change the gasket and in a few months the same thing happened again I wouldn't have a warrenty on it and that the alloy heads are prone to cracking even after the gasket has been changed.
I'm no mechanic so they could be pulling my leg. What do you think?

[4bye4]

Don't know mate. Sounds like things have changed since I was doing it. Sorry if my comments have confused the issue even more. That was not the intention. I guess you have to hope for an answer from someone who is in the business now.

[nissannewby]

Don't know mate. Sounds like things have changed since I was doing it. Sorry if my comments have confused the issue even more. That was not the intention. I guess you have to hope for an answer from someone who is in the business now.

Still the same. As long as its not to far bent or warped or cracked then it should be fine for reuse. It should still be sent to a shop and checked and faced before refitment.

As i said earlier check the egr cooler first before going to the extremes of the head change. Im sure these engines have one.

[kevin07]

just for the record what were the symtoms and what did the compression test show.

[dpetersen]

Symptoms were;
Shaking violently when starting the car,
Loosing coolant,
Sounded like it backfired when I started the car
White milky paste under oil cap.
I had it serviced in Darwin and asked the mechanic to check the radiator as I was loosing coolant, he said it had the wrong radiator cap on it and replaced it, got down to Adelaide and that's when everything above started to happen. Took it to a mechanic here and he said the mechanic in Darwin had fitted the wrong radiator cap.
I don't think I can prove that this has caused the head gasket to go though.
When the mechanic in Adelaide compression tested it he just said that it was the head gasket and put the correct cap on the radiator.

[kevin07]

so I think taking the head off seeing if its gasket clean it all up check and machine head and off you go

[4bye4]

The only way you are going to find out if it needs a new motor or a new head gasket it to take the head off and have a look. Everything from a head gasket through to cracked head or even warped block can cause the symptoms you have. look and learn I think.

[dpetersen]

Got the patrol back today;
New head gasket, refaced the head, new Pistons, bearings and seals, new glow plugs, replaced the thermostat and installed an oil catch can.
Total cost was $4500.
Hopefully will be alright for another 300000ks now.