Don't get me wrong, I love my truck. But, I'm really only mechanically capabable of minor fixes. Now, I'm pretty sure I've got a bad headgasket. I just changed oil and there's a good bit of 'mayo' in there already. It's so low mileage I'd hate to sell it, but at the same time I just don't know how much this fix is going to cost me. There's really not a lot left that hasn't been done. We just replaced the exhaust, radiator, flywheel, and thermostat.

Anyone have any thoughts on how difficult a headgasket replacement would be on a 75' i6 with the 300?

What would it cost approximately to have it done somewhere else?

Think it's worth fixing at this point? I purchased it for $1500 (I've been told it was a steal) and maybe put about another $500 into it.

 

pics? and engine work is a whole lot simpler than one thinks. if you take lots of pictures during disassembly and remember where everything went you can do it yourself no problem

 

Oh pic's are great, but it can't be that simple can it? LOL! I mean I could really screw something up on this if I do it wrong, right?

FYI, got an estimate over lunch and they said 500-600 to fix it. It's always worrisome when it's over a third of the value of the vehicle.

 

Get yourself a Haynes manual and jump in there.

 

ha no i just wanna see it cuz i like the body style! and when i said engine work i mean like swapping motors over or tearing them down for the most part. to do heads you could very well do it yourself. i remember the first time i had a major issue with my truck (i broke a bolt off) i had to take the whole intake off manifold off. literally everything came off except the heads and exhaust manifolds. i had no prior experience with what i was doing but i knew i had to get it done and it couldnt hurt to try. worst case i brought it in and had em fix it. the heads are just a few bolts pop em out clean up the block put a new gasket in and follow torque specifications putting it back together. haynes manual and im almost positive you can do it. and for alot cheaper than bringing it somewhere!

 

I had planned on picking up a Haynes for it sooner or later. Do you really think they're in depth enough for me to be able to do it? Time isn't so much of a factor, it's more so about the money. I know there's quite a variety of gaskets to choose from, does it pay to get more expensive ones? What's the headgasket set contain? While I'm in there is there anything else that should be replaced?


This is him:

 

i believe you can do it as long as you have a decent memory label stuff and take some pictures. keep all the bolts in the same place or bucket

 

either way you go whether you do it yourself, (take your time and have a good place to do it in) or pay someone to do it, your truck is worth it, its in MUCH better shape than mine is in..
I am sure others will agree here.

 

^^ hell yes. you cant even find a 80s truck with no rust up here

 

Well, you convinced me. I'm going to start my hunt for a good Haynes manual this weekend and see if I can't 'learn up' on the ol' ford.

I've got a good size garage space to bring it into, so I guess if it takes me too long I don't have to worry about it. If nothing else it should be a great bonding experience for me and the green machine.

Yes, there is very little rust on it. That's one advantage to ND winters, no salt. Any thoughts on doing a POR 15 job on the underside, just for good measure?

Thanks again for all your help! I'm sure I'll be back. Maybe even with pictures