1.8 liter needs a headgasket how $$$ to fix it?

[JJay]

I have a 1993 Plymouth Laser and it has 108,000 miles and the headgasket just went on it and the car needs a new headgasket. I just wanted to know how much that costs to get fixed if anyone on the page has already done a repair like this. Thanks

 

[1.8laser90]

it should be no more than 30 bucks for a head gasket. and i found this it should guide you

*origianly post by ginsu417*
You'll need an 8MM allen wrench socket. If you can't find one, get an 8MM allen wrench, saw off about 3 inches, and put it in the end of an 8mm socket.

Label all the wires and connectors on the intake manifold. Same with vacuum hoses. Disconnect the throttle position sensor, and ISC motor connectors. Disconnect the two connectors on the distributor. Disconnect the PCV lines. Disconnect the coolant lines from the throttle body. Remove the intake tube. Drain the radiator. Disconnect the exhaust manifold from the downpipe. Remove the drivers side motor mount. Remove the upper timing cover. Remove the drivers side splash sheild (if you still have it). Remove all the accessory belts. Remove the AC tensioner bracket. Remove the crank pulleys. Remove the water pump pulleys. Remove the lower timing cover. Crank the engine to top dead center. Loosen the tensioner and remove the timing belt. Remove upper radiator hose. Disconnect both ends of the fuel rail. Disconnect the injectors if you haven't already, disconnect the coolant temp sensor and pull the wiring harness out of the way, and near the firewall somewhere behind the intake manifold. Remove the valve cover. Loosen the head bolts in the following sequence.



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Remove the head. Replace the gasket.

Installation is the reverse.

First timers should expect to spend all day.

When you put the head bolts in, torque the head bolts to 55ft-lbs. After you get everything back together, before you start the car, change the oil. Coolant will have inevitably dripped into the crank case. Start and run the car for 5 minutes, then retorque the head bolts to 65ft-lbs.

 

[JJay]

Should I change the radiator? Someone told me it should be changed too.

Thanks a lot for the information.

 

[1.8laser90]

unless its damged like leeking or clogged, but other than that i don't know why u would change it. why did the head gasket blow ?

 

[JJay]

I sold my 1993 Plymouth Laser 1.8 liter today for $1,900 cash.

Young guy 17 years old and his dad bought the car. We signed the title over and about 20 miles going home they call and say the car is on the highway stalled and leaking oil. So they had a "mechanic friend" look at it and he said the car probably needs a new head gasket.

So they want me to refund their money in full and I said I would and now I am stuck with a 1993 Laser with a bad head gasket......if that is what it is.

Too many highs and lows for one day (high because I sold it) and now (low because I have to get it back the next day broken). I don't understand what could have happened? The car was driving fine and not overheating at all. What possibly could have caused the head gasket to go?

It just doesn't make sense.

 

[Defiant]

As-is, Where-is. Tough darts.

Still, you'll get some kid of a karma thing for being a good person, I'm sure.



cough.

 

[JJay]

Yeah Defiant I can't take the kids money. He worked really hard and saved his own money and this is his first car. I couldn't stick him with it and feel good about. It just isn't the right way to handle it.

Plus it isn't as bad as the time I had a 1987 Jaguar XJ-SC Cabriolet convertible with the V-12 engine and the engine caught on fire the day after I sold it for $10,000. :thumbdown

AT LEAST THE LASER IS NOT A TOTAL LOSS.

Where do I get a headgasket from?

 

[1.8laser90]

you can get a headgasket at any parts store. i would get the head looked to make sure theres no warpage and if they say its ok i would get it decked.

 

[JJay]

I found out that the car was over revved by the kid and he caused it to overheat and blow the headgasket. So I really got conned. Oh well......win some and loose some.

In anycase.........the car is for sale for $599 obo

I found an engine for it for $400 with low miles and it costs $1050 to get the engine installed.

LET ME KNOW IF ANYONE WANTS TO BUY IT AND WANTS TO FIX IT. I am somewhat negotiable.

Car is nice for the right person. I hate a sold it to a hothead kid. I was driving it for over 2,400 miles and long distances and had no problems. This kid gets it one day and the car blows up. His dad looked really suspicious when we signed the titles back. I should have known it was his fault. I should have made them keep it. LESSON LEARNED.

 

[turbo90gsx]

My brother was jewed when he bought his 1.8 laser to. The day my dad bought the car, he paid 3,000 for it(bought my 90 GSX for 3,000 as well with 111,000 miles). I told him to look at the blue book price, and it was half! From there out the car has been a money pit, but my dad still insist on fixing every little thing wrong with it.

 

[Defiant]

I found out that the car was over revved by the kid and he caused it to overheat and blow the headgasket. So I really got conned. Oh well......win some and lose some.

His dad looked really suspicious when we signed the titles back. I should have known it was his fault. I should have made them keep it. LESSON LEARNED.

That's effed.

And yet another crumbling brick the future's foundation is molded.

 

[Crazy E]

If you change your mind about fixing the head gasket let me know, I just replaced mine on my 1.8 a week ago and could be of help to you

Its really not that hard, it was the first time I have ever done anything like this to my car (ive done stuff like brakes and intakes before) and I managed to get it done succesfully

It did take me like 3 days and some thrown tools though.....however, I recommened you fix it and then resell it for a higher price

 

[JJay]

I would make more on the car if I just got it fixed. It is starting to get on my nerves trying to sell the car because everyone wants it and see that it is nice, but no one has $599 to buy it and fix it.

I have had over 4 deals almost materialize than fall through in the past week.

It is a pain selling a car in a crippled state.

Thanks for letting me know where I can get some help

 

[JJay]

I sold the Laser today for $500 cash to a mechanic who is going to fix it. Thanks for the help.

 

[turbo90gsx]

Just got finished with replacing the head gasket on my brothers 1.8. Follow the steps, but make sure you drain ALL your fluids first. That needs to be the first step. You also do NOT need to dissconnect the distributer!, just the top. The distributer just lifts off with the head. Can't start the car yet because we are getting the trans. rebuilt. Ill post agian on how it runs with the new gasket.

 

[HYSCH]

"Remove the drivers side splash sheild (if you still have it). Remove all the accessory belts. Remove the AC tensioner bracket. Remove the crank pulleys. Remove the water pump pulleys. Remove the lower timing cover. Crank the engine to top dead center. Loosen the tensioner and remove the timing belt. "

You can actually do this without removing any belts or all this other stuff. Get the engine to TDC and the slide the camshaft pulley off with the belt around it and let it set in place. If you don't rotate anything you can do this. A good idea is to mark the belt to the cam pulley in case it gets disturbed. I have pulled the head in about an hour doing it this way.
Hy

 

[JJay]

Thanks for posting....this will be a great thread for anyone with future problems.

 

[1.8laser90]

ya, but while taking the head off its a good time to replace the water pump since its right there and everything is out of the way. i just got done putting my new head on my car and it runs better than ever ! i would recomned getting the head decked and looked at while its off for a smoother surface and it raises the compression.. i did that to mine and noticed a 5-10 hp increase becasue it was decked alot