I have an 03 SCrew with 105k miles. The vehicle and engine are in great condition, never had any problems, until the head gasket began leaking. I have a guy that can fix it for around $2,000. I can get a reman engine (5.4l) for around $1,900.

Any thoughts on just fixing the leak, or putting a reman engine in?

 

It would depend on several facters. is the reman a long or short block? Is that an installed price? What kind of warrenty and who stands behind it What is the over all condition of your present engine? If you buy a reman and then have to stand the laber of the install your probably better off to just change the head gaskets and be done. I assume since your paying $2000 for a gasket change [thats a little steep] that your arn't doing the work your selfOh and I see this is your first post so welcome to the forum.

 

Thanks for the quick response. I do not know if it is a long block or short block, and that price does not include installation. My current engine is running good, and I have had absolutely no problems with it (I am the original owner). So, I am leaning towards just getting it fixed. That $2,000 price for a head gasket replacement was the cheapest I could find (the dealership wanted $3,000).

 

Find out what their labor rate is per hour. Here is a screen shot of the actual labor time they should charge, if they charge more time then your getting screwed.

$300 max for gaskets and new head bolts, (torque to yield)

Dunno why the forum shrank the pic so small it cant be read but the labor times are.

10.7 hrs right side
10.8 hrs left side
12.6 hrs both at the same time.

 

I would rather repair as opposed to replace. After a set of head gaskets and cooling system service you should expect another 100k out of your engine. The bad thing is paying someone else to do this but I wouldn't recommend this type of repair if you don't have a mechanical background. Replace the water pump, t-stat and belts and hoses while it's torn down.

 

Thanks for the info RNL and Harley, I very much appreciate it. So the plan is to get it taken care of next week. I will have the mechanic price out replacing the waterpump, thermostat and belts...makes sense to my non-mechanic mind. I need to figure out the pricing based upon the Chilton's stuff and call the mechanic out if he is overcharging me. You guys are great!