DIY Head Gasket Replacement: Everything You Need to Know

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@drengr2759]

@@dennishassler605 They charge whatever they want, and then say it's "inflation". The parts they bought were already severely overpriced; the parts companies are making record net profits. It is not inflation. And then the mechanics double the cost for parts, and then add shipping fees, and still call it inflation. It's funny how no one will ever admit that price gouging is destroying this country.

[@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

[@Calamity_Leo]

Your pfp is a red flag........

[@jamespower5324]

That's not toxic, or a red flag, actually a good mentality (in moderation) That pfp is gonna cause you more hurt than that mentality ever will

[@kevinite10]

“My toxic red flag” mannnn

[@jtothew4201]

You are a person with two hands and a brain you can.

[@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.

[@drengr2759]

@@masongierisch912 Making a profit doesn't mean charging exorbitant prices. Overcharging for parts they didn't make should be a crime. Mechanics are not struggling anywhere, and you defending them is pathetic. They make plenty of income by being fair and honest, yet most choose to scam their customers because they know they will get away with it.

[@juanrivas1273]

Great video.

[@franktarawa1300]

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

[@chrisogilvie2185]

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

[@juanrivas1273]

Doing this on my Car, it wll be my first-time doing a Head Gasket Repair, everything out now, heads going to Machine shop for Resurface, tomorrow starting to put back all Together, Everybody's Wish Me Luck.

[@yojamflores6238]

How did it go

[@frankcor7977]

​@yojamflores6238 how did it go?

[@josephmichaels9275]

hope it was successful. I am about to try my first one kinda worried ill mess it up lol

[@jfm1097]

@@josephmichaels9275did you do it?

[@danielphresh7]

@@josephmichaels9275how did it go

[@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]

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.

[@RebelPulse]

This is like speaking Chinese to me which is something I can't comprehend. Thank you for sharing what it's like doing this repair this is my first time seeing it firsthand

[@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

[@sk818factory5]

Did it work

[@luisfuentes3012]

@@sk818factory5 So far so good! Not a problem since I used it, I did swap the radiator as well

[@luisfuentes3012]

This was on a Chrysler Town and Country 2009 btw, 170k miles and still going strong

[@twincitiesdashcam9119]

Great video. I've replaced head gaskets on older oil cooled motorcycles before but I'm probably going to have to pull the head on my 1988 Nissan Sentra 4x4 wagon so this is great refresher course.

[@corieydadon]

Where did you get the head gaskets from

[@Ram14250]

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

[@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.

[@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!!!

[@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.

[@roypearson7578]

Well done we all know how back braking this whole process is so please keep up the good work well presented

[@ericrobertson9569]

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

[@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.

[@drengr2759]

Lots of things can go wrong and you could make a lot of mistakes, but those same things can happen at a mechanic shop. The difference is that you will be motivated to correct whatever went wrong, whereas the mechanic will hide or ignore it. I learned that the hard way on my truck. I had no idea how much I got scammed, and I'm lucky to be alive with a still functioning truck after finding so many major issues. They know we can't hire lawyers, and they know the paperwork they make us sign will release them from all liability. It's pure evil. Doctors have to carry malpractice insurance, and they get punished frequently for fraudulent or criminal behavior; mechanics do anything they want and get away with it. Such a sick business.

[@lordjaashin]

​@@drengr2759same, garage completely washed their hands off after they botched clutch replacement job. I was out of labour charge and my new clutch ruined itself within 6 days because of garage incompetency. After that i did the replacement DIY by watching KZbin videos. It took a long time but the installation went smoothly and clutch works flawlessly even after 4 years since my DIY installation

[@majhoolmaroof2065]

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

[@grizzly6385]

You are a GOAT BRO! Well done! Lovely video!

[@SihAza]

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.

[@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)

[@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

[@Gamerboss10]

I’m restoring a F150 1998 and today I figured out that I have a head gasket issue. I’m gonna start it tomorrow and for sure it won’t be an easy job in that truck but let’s do this.

[@steven9492]

How'd it go

[@Markicjusz]

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

[@christopher20k]

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

[@emilly6951]

currently replacing my headgasket on my 95 bmw. very helpful

[@kakacricket]

u got a subscriber from Pakistan!!! THANKS

[@MagicMahoney]

Great video, man! Appreciate it!

[@mg8720-u7j]

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

[@francissalazar2957]

If you have the basic tools needed for the job ! And have some basic knowledge about fixing cars and have fixed car changes altenators water pumps radiators brakes staters sensors and stuff like that , you can definitely change the head gasket , in my opinion if you like working on cars & enjoy the process you can do big jobs like that , but I believe you have to start small first and have to have experience fixing other small stuff on a car before trying to tackle on a bigger job like a head gasket !! thanks for he video REPAIR GEEK 😊 👍🏼💪🏼

[@rayman111]

Superb, clear picture well explained. 👍👍

[@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

[@clarencebrooks646]

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

[@RepairGeek]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/oGmoq6KbnJWEaNE

[@majordog85]

Thank you my brother, got yourself a new subscriber 🙏

[@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

[@nateponyboy7201]

amazing insight, 1 question, after complete reassembly did u wait overnight for the rtv to cure or anything similar to that nature or did u immediately go for a start up? if so how many hours? thanks

[@MarioMyers-r8k]

What type of oil does FORD'S us on what is a oil change kit

[@bobdeengineer7396]

My chevy sonic 2012 1.8 L 263000 miles runs great, noticed the mpg suddenly getting from 38mpg highway to 24.8 mpg. As far as i know, no overheating but it has a dummy light. Did a carbon dioxide block test and it was positive for combustion gas in the cooling system. It was pressurizin it. I replaced the mls head gasket and head bolts but the problem is still present

[@neilnevis5636]

I removed all the bolts for the timing chain cover and it won’t come off . Do I need to take the oil pan off ?

[@mg8720-u7j]

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

[@baby_152]

You earned my subscription, thank you

[@thailand_tour]

Thank you so much ! Very helpful video.

[@nb9536]

Great video, my Acura el is loosing coolant from radiator to reservoar bottle. No external leak, replaced thermostat and rad cap. Any suggestions. Thanks

[@bbrrrrrrr]

yes very likely its blown, i had the same

[@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.

[@neilnevis5636]

Never heard of this. Use dot 4 brake fluid to clean holes ?

[@stevepascoe]

Did you have to wait long before bolting up and starting the engine? Does the RTV need time to set?

[@jamesdooley713]

Is there any main differences changing a head gasket on a petrol or diesel? Do these principles remain the same ?

[@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?

[@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.

[@zahid-ur5lp]

Well explained. Stay blessed

[@Sonego78]

Great video, I learned a lot Can you recommend a tool for opening and closing the engine head screws from Amazon ? Thank you very much !

[@HestnetIT]

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

[@RepairGeek]

Yes but you will have to work around it.

[@smplayboi478]

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

[@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.

[@luisduque4506]

Did you put a OEM gasket or a ticker one?

[@RepairGeek]

OEM.

[@ibrahemzablah7218]

How do I make sure the timing is correct since I’m taking the head out?

[@siphosethuapolisi1814]

You're a Legend

[@williamkent2446]

This is insane. One day, id live to try this. I have a 1973 Cadillac Fleetwood, snd it has as a ton of ehite smoke coming that looks like it's coming out of both the exhaust manifold and the valve cover. I was afraid it was a blow head gasket but now im thinking its just the oils on the block burning off. Idk though.

[@estebanruiz6228]

can i use glue where the leak is ?

[@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

[@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.

[@CesarCano-e7x]

Greetings ! If cylinder heads or block , are warped , or both , and you machine is there thicker head gasket available to compensate .

[@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.

[@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

[@Damashoney]

Good explanation thank you

[@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.

[@Lagos3sgte]

Use a sharpie to mark up the whole mating surface of the cylinder head when doing the DIY head resurface. Then work the head on the sand paper until all of the sharpie markings are gone. That is how you will know how much to remove and that you should stop taking off more.

[@AndyGabbidon]

Thank u bro good job🎉🎉

[@surthrivingalaska2511]

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

[@arfeenmalik8331]

great video!

[@ramanathan9465]

Need to use sealer or not?

[@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.

[@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.😢

[@greylynnjr]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@DenDogs]

I don’t have to change a head gasket, but I feel for you. I got stuck with a lemon from carvana, lived in a bad part of Oakland. I learned fast what to do. Just here learning how to do this just in case I get another car.

[@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?

[@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.

[@Kingphoenixbeats]

I can’t wait to say I did it

[@wilsoniakennelgoldens2259]

No head gasket cement?

[@dc-gm9tm]

I have way too much confidence now. I'm about to go for it.

[@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..

[@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

[@horacecomegna335]

Not to mention auto repair services mark up their parts by 66% or more, so that $250 for parts you bought yourself will turn into into $ 425 minimum. Most repair centers will not install your parts for you unless they are a mom and Pop business or know you personally. Part mark up is how they make a lot of extra money.

[@AquariusTurtle]

Where do you buy brand new engines with no pre-existing problems?

[@JdmForTheWin]

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.

[@chaka11]

You the best

[@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.

[@mattcancan9592]

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

[@hengleekai7788]

Tq I think I will change to second hand engine

[@clydedoris5002]

This is simpler than I thought I just dont have a lift

[@letsgets77]

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

[@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.

[@alexanderstefanxandraswedi5835]

❤🎉 great done

[@mkrp4]

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