DIY Head Gasket Replacement: Everything You Need to Know

DIY Head Gasket Replacement: Everything You Need to Know
In this video I'm going to show you what is involved with replacing the head gasket in your car. A blown head gasket has multiple symptoms. I covered how to properly diagnose a blown head gasket in this video: • Diagnosing a Bad Head ...
A blown head gasket replacement is a large job on just about any vehicle. I will show you the basics of what is involved in the replacement of your head gasket and what you should be checking when you are doing this type of repair. I will also detail how to check your cylinder head and block surface for flatness to make sure that you have a head gasket repair that lasts.
Tools needed for this repair:
Torque Wrench w/angle: amzn.to/3ULfN6O
Die Grinder: amzn.to/3A71Syy
White Roloc Discs: amzn.to/3V2xnUd
Red Scotch Brite Pads: amzn.to/3LaABBp
Machinist Straight Edge: amzn.to/3UXnxms
Feeler Gauges: amzn.to/3mR97Ys
My Amazon Store: www.amazon.com/shop/repairgeek
Help support the channel, buy using my Amazon links
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases and your cost is exactly the same.
I source all of my service data from the same place that professional shops do. You can as well: www.pntrac.com/t/SENKSUZKRktD...
Questions? Shoot me an email at [e-mail]
00:00 Intro
00:04 How to diagnose a blown head gasket
00:34 Information about my particular head gasket issue
1:54 SHOULD you replace a blown head gasket?
4:28 Engine teardown
10:13 Cleaning the head and deck surface.
13:18 Checking the head and deck surface for warpage after cleaning.
17:26 What should you do if the head is warped?
18:46 Concerns about resurfacing a cylinder head.
21:21 Engine Reassembly
26:03 Engine Startup
27:47 Final Thoughts
#autorepair #headgasket #diy
Disclaimer:
The information, demonstration and any content contained in this video is for informational purposes only. The user Repair Geek makes no warranty, express or implied, regarding the effectiveness or safety of the contents of this video. In no way should the contents of the video, including the tools used, be repeated or tried by anyone. Viewers should only seek the help of a trained professional located at a licensed auto repair shop for any fix, modification, alteration, or any change to their vehicle. Repair Geek shall not be liable for any injury, damage, or loss to any person or property that may result from use of the tools, equipment, or any content contained in this video. In addition, there is no way to guarantee that the video is not altered or modified or is not in the final form submitted by Repair Geek and therefore, Repair Geek does not warrant that the video is unaltered or not modified. The links on this video to products are for informational purposes only and in no way are an endorsement of the safety or effectiveness of the particular product. Viewers understand that anything contained in this video or linked to or from this video is the sole responsibility of the viewer and in no way provides an express or implied warranty as to the safety or effectiveness of any linked tool, product, or video. Therefore, viewer agrees to release, waive, and discharge Repair Geek or anyone affiliated with Repair Geek, from any and all liability, claims, demands, actions, and causes of action whatsoever arising out of or related to any loss, damage, or injury, including death, that may be sustained by the viewer, or to any property belonging to viewer, regardless of whether the loss is linked to the use of the contents of this video, or otherwise and regardless of whether such liability arises in tort, contract, strict liability, or otherwise, to the fullest extent allowed by law.

[@RepairGeek]

Tools needed for this repair: Torque Wrench w/angle: amzn.to/3ULfN6O Die Grinder: amzn.to/3A71Syy White Roloc Discs: amzn.to/3V2xnUd Red Scotch Brite Pads: amzn.to/3LaABBp Machinist Straight Edge: amzn.to/3UXnxms Feeler Gauges: amzn.to/3mR97Ys My Amazon Store: www.amazon.com/shop/repairgeek Help support the channel, buy using my Amazon links As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases and your cost is exactly the same. Link to AllData if you need service information for your car:www.pntrac.com/t/SENKSUZKRktDSEpOTEtGQ0dKRk9LTw

[@igorfed993]

AllData link is broken. Please check.

[@RepairGeek]

@@igorfed993 Fixed, thank you!

[@alexshatner3907]

Is it extremely important to use antifreeze coolant in the radiator, or is pure water just fine?

[@RepairGeek]

@@alexshatner3907 you need antifreeze for a variety of reasons. Just buy it.

[@michaelknorr6825]

Antifreeze resists rust, has a lower freezing point and higher boiling point, lubricates the water pump There are other reasons also.

[@RAHUL_KZN]

This guy sounds like he actually cares about our money being wasted unnecessarily, keep up the good work man

[@dennishassler605]

Yes, it's not JUST the mechanic, but prices are just too high burdening labor at over 100/hr. and using time studies so it's more like 150/hr. Then, TAXES from government, etc., makes the price very high. I like the engine swap idea as well. Great video!

[@waynekendall6196]

Thank you! I was under the impression that the entire engine has to be lifted out, the way the mechanics say it!

[@RepairGeek]

It depends on the car. If it's a Subaru it's a good chance the engine needs to come out.

[@Btu555]

@@RepairGeek What's about 2018 cx5. I need replace the cylinder head due to the hairline crack and some mechanics told me they need to take the whole engine out but one doesn't.

[@darrenomalleyy]

Damn man, glad I came across your channel...My car suddenly overheated on the Motorway pulled over and got it towed.....Im confident its head gasket... Id rather try a DIY gasket change than strip or scrap it....Best video yet so well explained...Should teach this stuff!!!

[@KennyRichardson-pj6wl]

My toxic red flag is that I can watch a single KZbin video on how to fix any single issue on a car and immediately think I can fix it

[@folkk1514]

It’s pretty easy, only thing that got me iffy is tryna resurface the block

[@chrisogilvie2185]

Thank you for taking the time to make these videos. Much appreciated man 😊

[@luisfuentes3012]

Awesome explanation dude. Now I'm even more scared of attempting to do this honestly so I think I'll just give Bar's Leaks a go lol

[@Ram14250]

Excellent! Great vid! May the Honda go on to 1 million miles!

[@jimmyfavereau]

thanks for the vid RG, love the garage and lift too :D I used the glass from the coffee table for a flat surface and the wife wasnt too happy bout that LOL, Toyota 1NZFE (great motor I call it the 8th wonder of the world) 337k miles.

[@dennishassler605]

I love your discussion!!! I have a coolant leak in a V8 and I know it's likely a head gasket. Labor rates are over $100/hr. and it's not worth it to trust local mechanics - some of them also double the price of parts for the repair.

[@masongierisch912]

Yeah it's called making a profit....

[@dennishassler605]

Making a Profit, BUT the little guy that needs a cylinder head job is getting screwed big time with high labor costs and using those ridiculous time studies for auto repair. Anywhere else in the world it's economical to repair your car. I see too many cars on the road that need a paint job and wonder how road worthy they are - it's best if our vehicles are in good repair if we have to share the highways with the cars. The solution is not forcing overpriced new cars on the public - it's making auto ownership affordable to properly maintain the cars. The best deal on the auto market are older vehicles in excellent condition.

[@franktarawa1300]

Another fantastic, comprehensive video. Thanks again. Regards from Sydney Australia

[@baby_152]

You earned my subscription, thank you

[@letsgets77]

I HAD ONE QUESTION!!! and you answered it. Thank you. *subbed

[@renediaz6523]

My name is Rene Diaz i will do this job same care exact year I've done this job on Toyota Corolla 1.8. You are best I've ever seen in my life this the #1 of people that Ever did a head gasket job on KZbin you knocked them all out! YOU R THE MAN! FROM RENE DIAZ THIS IS ULTRA HONDA FIT HEAD GASKET VIDEO!

[@dennishassler605]

Rene - the best mechanics are often not the local guy! I had someone do a head job and screwed up a thread on the head and just skipped the bolt there, which is insane. I took the car to Mexico and for a fraction of the cost had it done right by adding a helicoil. Mechanics (and body shops or paint shops) are charging far, far too much in the USA.

[@majhoolmaroof2065]

You are simply a good person; good “Geek” that is!

[@dennishassler605]

This is an excellent exercise for you - you'll be able to do most jobs on any car unlike most mechanics in the USA that are just trained to be parts replacers - some mechanics actually go down to fix what's wrong with a part - such as replacing the brushes on an alternator instead of just swapping the part for a replacement rebuilt part.

[@ericrobertson9569]

Best video I found. Exactly the info I was looking for. Keep them coming. Subbed

[@majordog85]

Thank you my brother, got yourself a new subscriber 🙏

[@christopher20k]

Congratulations on 100k first time I’m watching your videos

[@siphosethuapolisi1814]

You're a Legend

[@sophiegrisom]

Our 1996 Plymouth 2.4L had a similar head gasket leak of oil to the outside but no coolant or compression leak. A generic problem and why they changed to a MultiLayer Steel gasket, as did many other makes. The oil leak began just before the 36K warranty, but I thought it was minor (valve cover or cam sensor) so didn't take to the dealership. Lived with it until 96K miles. Not losing much oil, but dripped on the exhaust manifold for that burnt-rubber smell, so finally changed to an MLS gasket. Not hard on a 4 cyl. Took the head to a machine shop for "valve job" and leak check. Changed the camshaft oil seals, timing belt, and water pump. Time for another belt since OE failed at 39K miles from a tensioner pulley bearing. I also did a "ring job" (drill-honed cylinders) and new rod bearings. The old rings were a bit worn but still in-spec gap. I found easiest to bolt the intake and exhaust manifolds off-car since can still get to all the head bolts. I re-used the "torque to yield" head bolts, which is not-advised, but now at 240K miles and no more head gasket problems.

[@Markicjusz]

Very good video. Maybe soon I will also do this procedure on my old, good Nissan😉

[@MyLifeThai371]

I also have a 2008 Honda FIT with 208,000 miles. I have not had any problems with my car. I hope I don't have any issues like you did.

[@Damashoney]

Good explanation thank you

[@thailand_tour]

Thank you so much ! Very helpful video.

[@votago]

Dude holy shit. I have a 2010 Honda. I changed out the ignition coil on it and I was like phew! This is some next level stuff. You dissemble so much!

[@Paul9424]

Can one get to the head without dissembling so much

[@rayman111]

Superb, clear picture well explained. 👍👍

[@zahid-ur5lp]

Well explained. Stay blessed

[@PeteyMcSavage]

Your the man. Here’s a cool product you might like to play with it’s called slip plate super thick paint on graphite coating nothing sticks to maybe you can find application. I use on farm mowers

[@goranekstrom708]

I glued the sand paper to a thick float glass pane and then used regular sand paper blocks to do the finish with 400-800 grit. Got an almost polished surface.

[@arfeenmalik8331]

great video!

[@azzeddinefoura4741]

I had the head gasket replaced on my Nissan Almera Classic,it was only driven for 78k miles with the QG16DE engine under the hood, now it seems like a successful operation as the car runs smoothly and good as new, I hope it will last long because I heard people saying that after replacing the original head gasket, the car will keep overheating and blowing more head gaskets with time, especially the sixth generation honda civic owners as I have heard them saying this alot.

[@BenoJ3000]

I replaced a trans cooler on a jeep liberty for my wife. 2 days, 12 hours. Over 100 steps logged, 30+ fasters/pieces removed, and 3 trips to the auto parts store ( once for a charge kit of the AC ). What a bitch of a job. I did the job for 1/8 what it would have cost my wife. Still runs cold AC and no leaks 6 years later. Not having a clue about what I was doing, when i was done it was the best feeling ever.

[@davida871]

Great video. Im losing small amt of coolant but not external leaks. Did exhaust gas tests no change of color. No white smoke. Spark plugs are clean. Cylinders dont look washed. Im puzzled. Great explanations. Love the content.

[@jimmyfavereau]

any bubbling at the radiator cap at a higher rpm? that was my issue after overheating (bad fan relay sensor)

[@smplayboi478]

Would I still need to to remove the timing chain, housing , guides etc if im just replacing the head gasket?

[@greylynnjr]

Is that a manual version? Would you justify a cvt model gasket repair

[@staffordshirebullterrierli7411]

One of the best cars Ive ever brought was a 04 English ford fusion 2 1.6 duratec with 86000 miles, 5 years ago, was well looked after, this thing has been Amazing!!! 156000 + now, my nest tip is sprat silicone lube every where under car, it rejuvenates rubber and protects metal! Still running on original springs and ext year it wont have failed an mot! Paid 330 quid no mot, needed a tyre😍

[@staffordshirebullterrierli7411]

I did do many maintenance things though, cam belt, waterpump, 3 piece clutch kit after 143k

[@staffordshirebullterrierli7411]

Brakes, disks standard

[@codygoldade3984]

There was a few times the feeler gauge went under the straight edge was that a smaller size you were showing? Also were you worried about damage to the rings seals etc did you check all that? And did you change multiple gaskets there’s a lot that comes with a bunch of o rings and seals that I’m not even sure what for on my car.

[@mg8718]

Ive always re-used the cyl head bolts with no problems. Only need to use new bolts on race car engines.

[@davianceable]

You can use shelllac if it is little uneven use it on al over face of where the head gasket sits wait 30 min and stick the gasket , use dot 4 to clean holes of gasket place.

[@alexanderstefanxandraswedi5835]

❤🎉 great done

[@michaelknorr6825]

The tricky part is that in order to pull the head off, the belt has to be removed. Machining the head will effect your compression ratio also. It may not be much, but as hot as they run, that won't help.

[@chiefdenis]

I had that in mind the whole time, the compreession ratio will be a little bit higher, but probably within margin of error

[@chaka11]

You the best

[@MosesTouch-um4ql]

When putting the head gasket, is there a need to put grease Regarding the crankshaft bolts, is there a need to put the lock tight?

[@mg8718]

What type of abrasive disc can i use with my regular drill?

[@salekanayake8416]

Thanx mate. Love all the way from aus . I seen some people putting some oil on the head n block between the gaskets to help with minimising stress when torquing head bolts . What do you think if this method?

[@RepairGeek]

No. I install everything completely dry. Only thing that might need lubrication is the head bolt threads and those I don't lube unless specifically told to by service information.

[@clarencebrooks646]

Could you comment on what symptoms you had prior to identifying the repair needed (leaking coolant).

[@RepairGeek]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/oGmoq6KbnJWEaNE

[@surthrivingalaska2511]

Man I would have been shitting myself if I did all that and then it started smoking. lol great video man!

[@hengleekai7788]

Tq I think I will change to second hand engine

[@waynegomillion4976]

Appreciate it. Just changed a lower radiator hose that split. I added 2 containers of coolant. Now it's all but gone. No visible leaks. Any idea where it's going?

[@steveclark..]

Check the engine oil, if there's a crack or failed gasket, coolant can run into there.

[@wackey3455]

hi can you tell me how do you organize fasteners please working on a car after work how do you remember. great video

[@RepairGeek]

Simple. Thread them back in the holes they came from.

[@steveclark..]

@@RepairGeek When taking gearboxes, crankcase etc apart, I've drawn the shape on a piece of cardboard and poked each bolt through that.

[@RepairGeek]

@@steveclark.. That works great as well. Or labeled plastic bags. I just thread them back in so I don't need to find a box, bag, or a marker to write what everything is.

[@Codrean]

I have a Honfa Fit and almost cried when I saw that smoke on first start.

[@cesar2carmona910]

How much would this cost for 2011 challenger?

[@limamantapachitas]

If you reduce the height of the head, it will change compression and ratio, some people use copper spray on the gasket fro better sealing

[@mvukosa]

What brand head gasket kit did you end up using?

[@RepairGeek]

I bought a full top end gasket kit from Fel-Pro.

[@mkrp4]

Felpro is not the best anymore @@RepairGeek

[@n9wox]

How much material is being shaved off to resurface the cylinder head? I would think the timing chain/belt tensioner could adjust for a small amount of material being removed.

[@RepairGeek]

It depends on how badly the head is warped. If it's warped .007" you need to remove .007" if it's .010" you remove .010" of material from the head to make it flat again. The timing tensioners usually have no issue with it, it's the ECM detecting that the cam and the crank are not in time with one another. Changing the physical distance between the cam and the crankshaft changes the timing. Think of it like this, if you're playing catch with someone. You know how long it's going to take for the ball to travel through the air to come back to you. Now, reduce the distance between the 2 people. It will take less time for the ball to travel between them. The ECM can't compensate for this distance change and it triggers a timing code.

[@ichhassekleineohren2131]

​@@RepairGeekThis doesn't make sense to me. Because the distance of the chain doesn't interfere with the timing. Take this for example: if the crank does 1000rpm the chain will move also at 1000rpm even if it is 5 cm longer it will still move at this speed and does not affect the gear ratio between the cam and the crank shaft. Correct me if I'm wrong or if I misunderstood this.

[@N-e.o]

Is it possible that an internal oil leak between oil channel and cilinder will cause my oil burning problem? My oil consumption is like 1 liter oil every 10.000km.. to my knowledge these engines {om602 diesel} do normally not consume a drop of oil.. I have no black smoke, starts fine {also when it freezes} sounds fine no oil in my coolant and visa versa and the compression is fine.and no outside oil leaks Please if someone know the answer.😢

[@mkrp4]

Not common thing on Fit. Using cheap coolant and not changing it on time is number one reason for leaks like this

[@ichhassekleineohren2131]

18:52 This doesn't make sense to me. Because the distance of the chain doesn't interfere with the timing. Take this for example: if the crank does 1000rpm the chain will move also at 1000rpm even if it is 5 cm longer it will still move at this speed and does not affect the gear ratio between the cam and the crank shaft. Correct me if I'm wrong or if I misunderstood this.

[@behhaibeng8523]

If early in the morning, start the engine n there is tiny bubbles white foam appears on radiator opening,is it serious blown head gasket? Running for half an hour to & fro water temperature normal but about 300 ml water escapes to spare tank any one can help to solve the problems ( 25 years car) over haul 3 times by inexperienced foreman mileage about 200k less than 300k miles.any one willing to advise, please..

[@HestnetIT]

Would an engine support bar work instead of using a floor jack?

[@RepairGeek]

Yes but you will have to work around it.

[@pauloisidoro2]

I understand 👍, but sometimes you buy a replacement engine with head gasket problem and it goes like a circle, in my experience if a second hand engine is for sale it means he has trouble unless you buy from a low mileage car that had an accident and you take it out yourself.

[@Darkipod]

Did you clean the block the same way as the head? how did you keep the oil passages clean?

[@RepairGeek]

Cleaned the block the same way. Cleaned everything with brake cleaner to remove any remnants of the scotchbrite pad.

[@Darkipod]

@@RepairGeek I meant more like, how did you keep debris from going into the oil passages from the block when you roloc’d it

[@RepairGeek]

@@Darkipod You're not removing enough material to create any major debris. The scotchbrite shedding creates far more debris. If you're doing it correctly you can still see the original machine marks in the head after using the roloc disc.

[@ii7365]

Hi great video, I am no mechanic and I am new to diy changing head gasket and half way through taking my engine head off and I want to learn more about it, I got a question to ask, what happens when the engine block is over the warpage limit, can I resurface or machine the engine block or both the engine block and the head to fix that or do I have no other choice but to dispose it. Thanks very much

[@RepairGeek]

The head is much more likely to warp than the block generally speaking. The head has a lot less mass than the block so usually that warps first. If the block is warped you have to remove it to machine it correctly, at that point it's easier/cheaper to replace the engine on most vehicles. You literally have to remove the engine to fix the warpage problem correctly.

[@mattcancan9592]

Hey So i was wonder if this was patched...

[@themagpie_1]

replacing the engine is ok, if you know its good and isn`t gonna blow its own HG after another 10k..

[@senditsquad69]

Bruhhh. What vehicle? I'm looking for a headgasket replacement video specifically for a 2010 Honda fit.

[@biglos9d]

Shop wanted about $11K to replace the engine

[@robertoudokrapf453]

OLÁ. 03/01/24 Observei visualmente entre cil.1 e 2 no bloco a mancha característica de falta de planicidade e a removeste com sua forma incorreta de limpar a superfície do bloco e cabeçote. Sua "régua de precisão" é legítima mas a forma usá-la é incorreta. (Deve medir com inclinação sobre uma das quinas usando "luz e sombra". A quina diatralmente oposta é utilizada para "aferir" a régua). O uso de apalpadores é desnecessário pois o apalpador 0.05mm é pouco maior que a tolerância máxima para a largura de Bloco ou cabeçote. ABRAÇOS... Roberto Udo Krapf

[@zush_kenya]

15:13 what do you do whn you find its not flat..

[@RepairGeek]

Remove the engine and have it machined flat or replace the engine.

[@hanialjabri6952]

8 man we changed it like in 3

[@MonicaRelaford]

I'm female, and usually work on motorcycles, when my Honda blew a head gasket I was broke, in between jobs, and financially strapped. I have to replace my head gasket I have no other choice. I've never worked on a car like this but still I know I can do it. My car isn't over 100,000. And baffled how this even happens no warning nothing just a 30min drive car died as I was exiting frwy. 😢 Ugh 2015 Honda Accord sport

[@manishpatelmkp1]

First view your video

[@RepairGeek]

IDK, I think I saw it first haha. Thanks for watching.

[@Gager1985]

I didn't hear right did I hear you used a jack from underneath on the main bearing caps

[@RepairGeek]

Yep had to. Otherwise the engine falls out when you remove the timing cover. Car runs great 15k miles after this video.

[@Gager1985]

@@RepairGeek just asking because I'm wondering how you're main bearing caps are holding up

[@imorganmarshall]

The next engine doesn't have a new head gasket though.

[@AlanMiozza]

Lol he said I know this there’s gonna be controversy on this don’t flip out lol that’s funny. I know I won’t be taking no dye grinder, to my cylinder head or no brake cleaner that’s a little much. he’s taking it to a machine shop to have it shave down so what was the point of that truly would not have mattered😂

[@mg8718]

Most timing chains will last for 300,000 miles.

[@beachboardfan9544]

11:24 🤦‍♂

[@RepairGeek]

I always check it for warpage AFTER I do this cleaning. If I screwed up the deck surface it would show up when I checked it with the straight edge. Car runs great, no leaks.

[@azazelakira12]

I really don't see what is the problem here, unless you are not mechanicly inclined!

[@bartsarton2212]

Yeah, but if you replace the engine, it won't be numbers matching anymore. 😂

[@mg8718]

All you need to do is put a block of wood on your jack. No need to pull the fukin oil pan.

[@mowski9]

Noice

[@istoleyourpc6721]

so if i understand correctly, if the engine block is warped then all the work is forfeit? the only choice after that is to just replace the entire engine?

[@erikhernandezzz9272]

you can take it to a machine shop and they’ll resurface it

[@noobulon4334]

If you are going to redneck engineer your head resurface, a pane of glass is both stiff and very, very flat Also do yourself a favor and get some marking fluid so you know when you're done

[@ralphwhakinfus4661]

Correction you will not cause the timing to be off by taking off too much material off by machining. The valve isnot a function of the distance between the cam and the crank but the size and teeth in the timing gears. The danger is you may take off too much material and cause the chain to be too long and have adjustment issues but it wont change timing. Also with these interference engines you may run into clearance issues but still wont affect timing.

[@ralphwhakinfus4661]

A thicker head gasket is to make up for block or head warp not to add distance between the gears that doesnt matter if not for adjustment it could be two inches bigger or smaller the chain length will not change the speed of the timing gears

[@ralphwhakinfus4661]

Push rods is also a matter of adjustment not timing speed

[@mkrp4]

@@ralphwhakinfus4661 The increased distance between cam and crank axis will cause slack on the radiator side chain thus the valve timing will be retarded few degrees once engine begins to rotate and the slack on the tradition side will be taken out by tensioner (similar to the stretching of the chain) This is why Toyota 4M-E 2.6 engine had 3 holes in the cam sprocket for dowel pin; using them compensated for the chain stretching by advancing cam relatively to "retarded" sprocket!)

[@ralphwhakinfus4661]

Dont forget to fill with oil

[@brandoblack3732]

The intro is way to long just get to the damn point!