my car started overheating really bad a couple of days ago so i checked the thermostat today and it wasnt opening at all so I changed that but now my exhaust is shooting out huge clouds of white smoke.Someone told me its my head gasket is that it?

 

someone told you the truth..

 

yep def head gasket

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by kulangot &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">someone told you the truth..</TD></TR></TABLE>

 

I found a guy to change it for me for $250 (the shops wanted $600 to do it) and change all my gaskets along with it and fix my oil leak and redo all the wiring but I found out one of my heads were warped so its another $100 to send it to the machine shop and I need a new radiator so about $500 now including parts but its better than paying probobly a grand or so at the shop

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by dipsetcrx &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I found out one of my heads were warped so its another $100 to send it to the machine shop </TD></TR></TABLE>

you only got one head on your car man... but after the head is milled you will have a lil more compression ... if i were you while it was at the machine shop i would go all out and get the head completely machined

 

one questions mine smokes as well...not that much though..and sometimes only when the car is at normal temperature..car bogs on take off. then kicks in normally. head gasket as well?

 

bump

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by dipsetcrx &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I found a guy to change it for me for $250 (the shops wanted $600 to do it) and change all my gaskets along with it and fix my oil leak and redo all the wiring but I found out one of my heads were warped so its another $100 to send it to the machine shop and I need a new radiator so about $500 now including parts but its better than paying probobly a grand or so at the shop </TD></TR></TABLE>

New radiators are only about $100-130. I got a nice one from a radiator shop for $114. If I was you I would change the head gasket myself. Anyone can do it with basic hand tools. Go ahead and change the timing belt and waterpump while your at it, not very much and will save you the trouble of doing it later.

What do you mean by redo all your wiring?
Also I would take it to the maching shop myself if I were you. When I got my head decked because it was warped they only charged me $30.

So break it down:
Head gasket set (which includes all the gaskets and seals for the head) $80-$120
Water pump $25
Headbolts $50 (or go all out and get some ARP for about $50 more)
Machine work $30
Radiator $115
Timing belt $25

SO taking the higher prices thats about $360. Still cheaper, and not to mention replacing more.

 

I have searched the FAQ and through the search but i didn't find any good how to write ups on a headgasket change. Can someone find me a good how to change a headgasket? What are you refering to when you say decked out? Do you just mean getting it machined so the head isn't warped?

 

You really don't need a manual or write up. Just start by taking the valve cover,dizzy, exhaust, and intake manifold off. Then disconnect any hoses and what not, the pull out your head bolts. Just make sure you have a manual or look on here for torque specs.

 

Do you have to replace the headbolts if they were changed with less than 300 miles on them? Should I get a new intake and exhaust manifold gasket?

 

You need a new intake gasket if you take the intake off, exhaust gasket can be reused. As far as the headbolts I think you will be find with only 300 miles on them.

 

i meant 3000 miles but i think that is way over what the miles really are on them. i just said that number so i make sure that i don't under est. the number of miles on them.