HELP! headgasket = BLAM!

[BoMbS]

Oh crap. The headgasket blew. 91 Tsi AWD auto.

Looking for advise from anyone who's had to change a headgasket.

I wouldn't call myself an expert mechanic, but I have never taken my car to a shop. I've always done my own repairs.

I need to know how nasty a job it is to change a headgasket.

Do I absolutely have to pull the intake and exhaust manifolds off?

Do I have to rip the whole timing system apart or can I just take apart the top end?

If this is too big a job for me, how much does this cost at a shop?

Any and all information about changing headgasket parts, and costs for doing it is greatly appreciated!

Thanks all!

I swear this car will be the end of me...

 

[kpt4321]

You can just leave the manifolds bolted to the head. You can also do the RRE method on the timing belt, and you don't even have to remove it.

Use a shop manual, for sure.

 

[cait sith]

The problem isn't the changing the headgasket, it's the fact that the head could be warped.

It's not really that hard of a job, but I've done it 4 times, so I kinda know what I'm doing.

 

[BoMbS]

I hate to admit it, but I think I'm going to sell it as soon as I get the headgasket changed.

If the head is warped, will it still seal? At least until I can sell it?

I know, I know, I am an asshole.

 

[Moosh]

If the head is warped then you are going to spend a lot of money and once its back together you are going to regret it dearly let alone find anyone stupid enough to buy it

 

[psychlow]

Please don't cross-post in multiple forums.

 

[Blam]

I see my name...BLAM!

 

[EclpzLvr97]

I could be wrong, but I don't believe there's much chance that anything is warped unless the engine has ever been over-heated.

 

[AwdEi]

If anything, take the head to a shop and ask them to see if it is ok. Most will charge little to none just to look at it.

I would definately take it to a shop if the engine was run hot because luck is always like that, if you dont, it is messed up for sure (at least my luck anyway).