Hi guys.
My 3.3 V6 Voyager has sprouted a coolant leak. Its coming out of the back of the rear head gasket.
I know I've got to do the gasket [or have it done!] & I've read it up in the manual, It looks straight forward enough except for the usual space / access issues round the back of the engine!
Are there any pit-falls / problems that I might come across?
Does anyone know the 'book time' on the job?

Cheers Gareth

 

Fixed it!!

In the end I just used a product called Milliput, its a two pack epoxy with the consitency of clay, just mix it & smooth it over the [cleaned] area, it sets like steel over night & can be drilled, filed etc.
The acid test comes tomorrow when I repplace the water with 50% anti-freeze!

 

There is no way this will work. Have you ever overheated the vehicle? Head gasket is inevitable.

 

Why the heck don't you just fix it? The head gasket is broken...yes broken....like a cookie! The material is old and has split. You probably had a little stream peeing out the back of the engine, correct? The rear one is usually the one that goes first. Replace them both. The only isue is the exhaust crossover assembly. The bolts are one hell of a bear to break loose. I usually do the heads with the exhaust still in. I use a prybar to get to access the head bolts. You have to be careful not to dmage the aluminum heads. I belive book time is about 9 hours. I can do them in 4...lol

Never just run water..use a 50/50 mix

 

Well, you all seem to be wise after the event!

Quote"There is no way this will work. Have you ever overheated the vehicle? Head gasket is inevitable".
No, never over heated. I noticed the heater wouldn't work & stopped to check the coolant level. It's worked, I have no leakage, level stays good & no other problems.

Quote, "Never just run water..use a 50/50 mix"

When i got the leak i was topping up with water so I could use the car, now it's done I've finished the job buy using anti-freeze.


QUOTE,"Why the heck don't you just fix it? The head gasket is broken...yes broken....like a cookie! The material is old and has split. You probably had a little stream peeing out the back of the engine, correct? The rear one is usually the one that goes first. Replace them both. The only isue is the exhaust crossover assembly. The bolts are one hell of a bear to break loose. I usually do the heads with the exhaust still in. I use a prybar to get to access the head bolts. You have to be careful not to dmage the aluminum heads. I belive book time is about 9 hours. I can do them in 4...lol"

If you fancy doing mine I'll pay you 5 hours! Do you get the heads skimmed in the 5 hours or stop for a coffee whist they're done?
, Yes i had a little stream from the rear as you say. I'm not doing them due to cost & the fact i do so little mileage now.
I'm also selling the car shortly TBH

 

You won't need to machine the heads, just clean them and make sure they're smooooth. Yes, for the record I drink coffee all day when it's cold. I stop about 11:30AM now, but in December it will be till about 3PM

Cheers!

 

Hi TNTech.
Seiroisly, now. i'm thinking of doing the heads if I get any more trouble, when you say you leave the exhausts on, did you mean lift the exhaust manifolds with the heads or leave the manifolds attached to the down pipe in the engine bay?
The other problem I have is getting a gasket set at a reasonable price, I've been quoted £160 [roughly $250] for a gasket set & bolts [do you change the bolts?] I wondered what you would expect tp pay for these parts?
I remember I needed a fan relay, it was £60 here, I payed £30 including shipping from the U.S.!
I've contacted a couple of companys on e-bay.com, asking if they could ship to the UK, but heard nothing back.
Cheers Gareth