Head Gasket Question

BRehm · Jan 24, 2011

Hey everyone,

I am looking at a 1990 BII XLT to use for a hunting rig. It is listed for $1235, but guy says "steam" coming outta the tailpipe. Says that the mech told him a blown head gasket.

I have a fair amount of mechanical knowledge, but am curious how expensive this repair is gonna be. I am prepared to offer the guy $800 -- $900 for the rig. Does this sound like an appropriate offer? What else should I beware of since the hg seems to be blown. A cracked head? probs w/ the cylinders since there is water getting into the engine?

Thanks!

backroad101 · Jan 24, 2011

BRehm said:
Hey everyone,

I am looking at a 1990 BII XLT to use for a hunting rig. It is listed for $1235, but guy says "steam" coming outta the tailpipe. Says that the mech told him a blown head gasket.

I have a fair amount of mechanical knowledge, but am curious how expensive this repair is gonna be. I am prepared to offer the guy $800 -- $900 for the rig. Does this sound like an appropriate offer? What else should I beware of since the hg seems to be blown. A cracked head? probs w/ the cylinders since there is water getting into the engine?

Thanks!

I just paid to get mine done on my 99 Ranger 4.0L and the average cost was $1800. I paid more because I had additional damage one the engine was apart
.

BlackBII · Jan 24, 2011

The 2.9's have a problem with cracking heads, but you will not know until you pull the heads off.

How much steam from the exhaust? Is it cold there? How do the plugs look? Any coolant in the oil?

Repairing the engine could be anywhere from 100 to 1000...depending on if you do the work, and what the issue is. I would just put in a 4.0, price is about the same for a motor and harness or a donor.

As far as the price, it sounds decent, if the BII is really nice....

You can get a perfectly running BII around here for 5-700 bucks, with no engine probs.

BRehm · Jan 24, 2011

BlackBII said:
The 2.9's have a problem with cracking heads, but you will not know until you pull the heads off.

How much steam from the exhaust? Is it cold there? How do the plugs look? Any coolant in the oil?

Repairing the engine could be anywhere from 100 to 1000...depending on if you do the work, and what the issue is. I would just put in a 4.0, price is about the same for a motor and harness or a donor.

As far as the price, it sounds decent, if the BII is really nice....

You can get a perfectly running BII around here for 5-700 bucks, with no engine probs.

Sounds like quite a gamble... Esp. since I won't know about the head until I work on it. I think maybe I'll just watch on here for one.

So, I'm looking if ya'll have one for sale!

exbass94 · Jan 24, 2011

If you're buying a vehicle with a bad head gasket, I would plan on replacing the engine. So base your price/offer off of that. Yes, I realize it might not be necessary, but like others have said, you won't really know until you open it up, so plan for the worst case scenario.

BRehm · Jan 24, 2011

Yeah, probaably not gonna buy that one. Especially if I can find a better one for cheaper on here. I looked on the classifieds site. There were a couple on there but not many. Is there anywhere you guys would recommend looking?

Head Gasket Question

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