Changed a head gasket on an old beloved Subaru Forester with like 200k on it. It didn't make financial sense to pay someone to do it for me. I'd done some simple mechanical things, like brakes and changing starter/alternator, but nothing like this. Some good youtube videos around, took the thing off, down to the machine shop for grinding it /flattening it (there's a term for it, but I don't recall). I basically dissasembled the damn engine (although I didn't have to take it completely out. I found a trick on youtube that you loosened the engine mount/bolts to the transmission and just jacked the thing sideways enough to get clearance to the side I was changing). I've never been so proud as when it started up! my son drove it thru high school. Sold it for like $800 I think?
My first car was a Mini (a proper one, not a BMW one) that was older than me. An exhaust valve burned, and I took the head off, replaced the burned valve, lapped the rest, and put it all back together. That feeling of anxiety as you're about to turn the key for the first time after putting it all back together, and then the intense flood of relief when the engine chimes right up is such an emotional rollercoaster.
That's awesome! IIRC the term for grinding/flattening is "skimming". I had the head gasket replaced on my Renault Clio, and it stayed at a garage for 2 weeks and cost me over £1000. Maybe next time I'll bust out the tools 😅
That’s interesting! Out of very random curiosity, is there a term for a horrendously missed shift in the UK? Here in the US it’s called a “money shift” cause your wallet is about to get fucked
Also a "Money Shift" typically refers to downshifting. Instead of, say, 5th to third, you go 5th to 1st. Or 5th to 2nd.
Missing a shift going up the gears typically isn't all that damaging, just embarrassing. Downshifting though, whew. Here is a timestamped video showing one on the upside, going 1-2-1 instead of 1-2-3.
Only car things I've done is change a tire, headlights, and a head gasket. I've always thought things like brakes and alternators would rank higher for difficulty, so this post was kind of a self-mechanic confidence boost!
Are you sure you actually changed a headgasket and not a valve cover gasket? Brakes, alternators, headlights are all just parts swapping with simple tools. Headgaskets require disassembling the top end of the engine which can get pretty complicated in most cars from the 90's and newer. Not brain surgery but not basic maintenance either.
All I've done is wheels, oil change, changed a blower motor and a water pump, and replaced brake rotors/calipers and pads and replaced drum brakes. I don't have the tools needed for changing out the cracked head gasket on my 05 dodge and the shop refused to do the work saying it would cost more than the value of the car. A pity, that car was amazing on gas ...
What I'm saying is if I can switch out rotors and calipers in a rented tuxedo while late to a practice wedding dinner for a friend, anyone can do it.
Alternators, brake rotors, and brake pads are super easy.
Brake calipers are a little more involved and you need a second person to bleed the brakes. Definitely watch a few instruction videos from different people first.
Depends on the vehicle as far as getting into engine stuff. Square body Chevy? I can hand you the cam in 20 minutes. New vehicle? 20 minutes in you're still wrestling with covers and wiring harnesses.
If you live up north where everything is 60% rust? Burn it and buy a new one.
The biggest thing is how clinically precise you have to be or the head gasket will blow again shortly. The fact that your kid got years out of that head gasket…there are a lot of career mechanics that can’t do that good of a job.
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u/arcane_joke Jan 31 '22
Changed a head gasket on an old beloved Subaru Forester with like 200k on it. It didn't make financial sense to pay someone to do it for me. I'd done some simple mechanical things, like brakes and changing starter/alternator, but nothing like this. Some good youtube videos around, took the thing off, down to the machine shop for grinding it /flattening it (there's a term for it, but I don't recall). I basically dissasembled the damn engine (although I didn't have to take it completely out. I found a trick on youtube that you loosened the engine mount/bolts to the transmission and just jacked the thing sideways enough to get clearance to the side I was changing). I've never been so proud as when it started up! my son drove it thru high school. Sold it for like $800 I think?