I have an 04 Pacifica with about 137k miles on it.

The other day my wife was driving it and it overheated and poured coolant out. I have been hearing a squeal over the past few months and assumed it was the water pump going bad. Looked at where the coolant was coming out and confirmed it was the water pump.

I didnt have the time to do this job myself right now so I took it in and had it fixed.

Mechanic called after replacing the water pump and the timing belt(figured since he was in there it was the time to do that too) he informed me that when the car overheated it blew the head gasket and put a hole in the radiator.

He wants another $2k to replace the head gasket and radiator on top of the $700 for the repairs already completed.

At this point with this car I am not wanting to sink this much money into it. Before I sell it "as is" has anyone done a head gasket replacement that could give me an idea what's involved. Trying to determine if I can handle this job or not.

I have experience with my wifes last car(Saturn), I actually replaced the water pump(it was accessible from the outside of the engine) and I did a head gasket replacement on it as well. However that car seems to have been way easier to work on than this Pacifica is.

Thanks for any info on a head gasket replacement with this Pacifica.

 

buy a service manual and read all of what is involved with it

 

I dont see that Haynes or Chiltons makes a manual. Could you point me in the right direction of the brand of manual you are refering to? Thanks!

 

try alldata.com