Blown head gasket, how hard is it to replace? Is a complete gasket kit required?

Dear David ,maybe you can fix it by some special powders like (WONDER SEAL) but it isn't a logical way for long time . actually for winter because of antifreeze liquids. (they release wonder seal) I always prefer rational and main way with original parts .this is my experience : Don't choose cheaps .they are most expensive .

To replace a blown head gasket requires a lot of labor on this vehicle. Its a v6, meaning you have 2 head gaskets to replace instead of just 1. It requires removing air cleaner, disconnecting battery, removing most of the accessories that are belt driven, removing the intake manifold, egr valve and tubing, exhaust manifold on both sides of engine, timing belt removal, valve covers, and a few smaller items. After removing everything on top of the engine, you'll have access to the cylinder head bolts. Removing them will allow you to lift off the cylinder heads. Before replacing the gaskets, you must send them to a machine shop to have the gasket surface milled true flat again. They must also be inspected for cracks (which will sometimes happen with blown head gaskets) which would render them useless.
If this is a vehicle you really like, perhaps consider investing in a quality used motor. Its less labor intensive, less repeat repair, and you may come out saving a few bucks.

Hi. The most likely cause is a blown head gasket. When the gasket blew water entered the pistion cylinder which fowled the plug and having water in the cylinder make it hard to turn over the engine. Pull the oil dip stick and look for a white milky residue on the stick, this would indicate water mixing with the engine oil, also look inside the radiator cap if the coolant looks foamy and oily the motor oil is leaking into the cooling system through the blown head gasket. If either of these conditions are present then the heads will have to be removed and a new gasket kit installed. The heads will also have to be sent to the machine shop for servicing.

The best way to tell if a head gasket is blown is to buy the test kit from AutoZone, Advance Auto or NAPA and test the radiator fluid for combustion gases. This is a very positive and determing test that leaves very little doubt. There are other ways to test for a blown head gasket but this is the easiest and quickest way and the test kit is easy to use, you don't have to be a mechanic to use it.
Hope this helps.

go search on ebay, they sell kits for everything. yes there are gasket kits and timing chain kits much cheaper than buying each part

two ways to buy a head gasket,1 on its own cost 25/30 dollers.2in a gasket kit that comes with all seals and other little gaskets that might be needed cost about a 100 dollers my advice go for the kit.adrian,,,,,,,,,

The only way possible: remove the cylinder head and replace it. And do it quickly because a blown head gasket can seriously damage an engine if left unfixed.
This is a serious job, which requires mechanical knowledge and some special tools - a torque wrench is mandatory.

If the smoke is more of a white then the piston rings a worn out and the engine would require a complete overhaul. If the smoke has a bluish tinge to it, then it is most likely a blown head gasket which can be replaced by removing the head and putting on a new gasket. But before you preform repairs, has the vehicle ever been over heated, if so it is possible the a cylinder wall has a whole in it which would require a new engine.

Seems as though once again you are in the blown head gasket or worse situation. This can also be a result of either a cracked head or block. There is a dye test that can be performed on the head once it is removed, the block would have to be magnafluxed to make sure of no cracks. The later requires complete engine rebuild.

Yes, driving around with a blown headgasket is BADDDD....

If you've never replaced a headgasket before then I would suggest that you not try it without proper supervision and help.
On a v8 when you replace one headgasket you replace the other as well. The gasket kit comes as a set of 2 headgaskets and all other gaskets and o-rings that will need to be replaced. You will need an array of tools to accomplish the mission - some hand tools and some specialty tools for dismantling the cylinder head.
I'm really not trying to scare you off but this is NO SMALL JOB. It will require patience and it will require tools and prior knowledge - so get the HAYNES RePAIR manual for the car and read up if you decide to go for it. I did the headgastets on my Acura Legend v6 - and what should have taken 30 hours start to finish took about 55.
Good Luck and Happy Motoring!!!!!!!