Head Gasket Replacement?

[vpetersen]

So I picked my 97 4.0 xlt up from my mechanic today who replaced my egr tubes & valve because I didn't have time to do it myself. He told me that the head gasket is going bad, and fouling the no. 1 plug if it sits too long w/o running. He said I could still run it, and in fact I should run it daily so the truck doesn't sit. He's a good mechanic and I trust him. So, my questions are these;

1) What is the difficulty level is replacing the head gasket myself? I've never done it, but have all the tools I need and am mechanically adept. The procedure looks pretty straight forward to me, just time consuming. ...and some patience.

2) If I do the work myself, is there anything I should do while I'm into this? ie.. replace the water pump, or anything along those lines.

3) I know that I should take the heads to a machine shop and have them check them for warping, cracking, ...is there anything else I should have the shop do?

Like I said, I've never done this, so if I'm missing something here or if there is something major that I have left out, please feel free to let me know.

Also, is there any kind of tutorial on here that might walk me through all the steps?

Thanks

 

[982WDRanger]

Head Gaskets

I am an amature mechanic but have done a few set of heads in my experiences. Its not overly difficult but does take time and patience. While in there check, lifters, rockers, push rods, plugs, thermostat, manifolds, etc, anything that is on the way down to the block. Yes do indeed get heads checked for cracks and splits. Also have valves and seals check too so oil won't be draining into your cylinders. But get all your gaskets and new head bolts and begin tearing down. Just take time to notice and learn things so reassembly will be easier. !Make sure you double check your set to torque head bolts before you do! Once torqued they are no good. And use lots of RTV on ur lower intake when reinstalling.

 

[brinker88]

Yea your biggest problem you'll run into is the exhaust manifold bolts. Be prepared to replace a few of them and also be prepared to cuss and stomp your feet.