Should I do my own headgasket?

[Oldmactech]

2003 X5 3.0 has a blown headgasket. Very good condition car with only 94k miles.
Also has an engine knock that is probably related but a mechanic I trust says it’s not a big deal since it doesn’t get louder under acceleration.
Getting quotes 3-4000 for gasket,head work or replacement engine.

I’ve got some DIY experience doing Brakes, Waterpumps etc but never done a head gasket. Been watching lots of YouTube’s and my biggest concern is stripped bolts, warped or cracked head and getting the engine retimed so it does come apart on first startup. That and the sheer weight of the head-I’m an old guy.

I guess I’m asking for a “should I” conversation. I have tools except for a good torque wrench and some space and time.

Should I?

[BrwnNbrusd46]

Perfect opportunity to swap in a S54! Jk. But really it couldn't hurt. You will definitely need a torque wrench for rebuilding a motor. You don't want anything inside the head coming loose, or snapping from over-tightening. Never done a head gasket myself, but it should be fairly straightforward on an inline engine. I'm sure you can find a YouTube video to walk you through the whole process. And if not, there's definitely published material out there on the subject. My biggest worry would be timing and the special tools that may be needed for it.

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[oldskewel]

I did this earlier this summer on my 2001 3.0i. Fun project. You can search for my posts / threads on that. Glad I did it myself, but I can see that it might not be a good idea for everyone.

youtube 50sKid has a great series of about 30 20-40 minute videos on the full process, including bottom end. But he does the job so you can just skip the part regarding the bottom end. GREAT videos. Realistic, not sugar coating anything. He goes through the tools required, budget, etc.

So I'd recommend to watch a few hours of those videos and decide whether you are up for it.

[Oldmactech]

I think I could do it but would be a real grind. If it were Spring I would try but approaching November I don’t trust the weather and it will likely be done outside.

Maybe, maybe not.

[cn90]

- The stripped bolts, search bimmerforums E39 forum for Mercedes bolts.
- If you get the car for free then do it. Even with $1000 price and $4K head gasket job, not sure if it is worth it.
- With $5K, you can buy a decent X5 with 100K, then do the cooling overhaul yourself to prevent HG failure.

[Oldmactech]

I could do it for under $1000 Ithink, but didn’t get it free either.

[bcredliner]

In your case, having a blown head gasket and a knock could mean the engine overheated and caused other damage. I would want to know why the engine is knocking before I replaced the head gasket. It is possible you could get it back together and have to tear it down again to fix the knock or the knock is catastrophic so replacing head gasket was a waste of time and money. Do you know what caused the blown head gasket?

Tackling a DIY project is all about having the right tools, organization, doing the research beforehand and having a plan B if things don't go as planned. A critical deadline is a good way to make a project into a disaster.

As mentioned, you don't have all the right tools without good ft/lb and in/lb torque wrenches. That's how you keep from stripping threads or breaking off bolts. In addition, the head has to be torqued in a specific sequence and stages. My guess is you will be needing other tools that you don't have to be able to get it torn down easily. Sometimes without a specific socket or wrench you can't reach something (critical deadline impacted if you have one).

Engine timing is critical. There have been many posts where a member didn't purchase good quality special tools to time or keep the engine in time and ended up having to tear it down again to make the correction. If you aren't willing to purchase very good quality special tools needed for a project don't DIY.

On a complexity/tools needed scale of 1-10, a complete brake job is a 2-3 to me. Replacing a head gasket is a 6-7. I always believe if I can tear it apart I can put it back together, it works. If you intend to keep your X5 for awhile it is a good idea to start tackling more complex projects and expand your toolbox as you go.

Part of the consideration of replacing an engine is what you know about the one you have. It is almost always less risk to stay with what you know verses what you don't know if the difference in cost is not outrageous.

[Oldmactech]

Good dose of reality.

Thanks.

Have to find out what’s what.

[Victorious4.8is]

Originally Posted by bcredliner

In your case, having a blown head gasket and a knock could mean the engine overheated and caused other damage. I would want to know why the engine is knocking before I replaced the head gasket. It is possible you could get it back together and have to tear it down again to fix the knock or the knock is catastrophic so replacing head gasket was a waste of time and money. Do you know what caused the blown head gasket?

+1

I think bcredliner is on point and offers some excellent sound advice.

The biggest question for me that stands out is not your ability to tackle the job, but what are you working with as far as the condition of your current engine? My immediate attention goes to the "engine knock". The head gasket is secondary IMO, and even after you change it the engine knock will still exist and is likely to get worse over time. If you just want the experience of changing a head gasket and getting your X back on the road then go for it, we've all had a "first time" changing a head gasket. But understand that there may be other damage to the engine assembly that lead to the head gasket failing. I'd be more concerned with the "engine knock" as that is the heart of the engine, everything else works around the block.

I'd look into a quality replacement engine with as low mileage as possible with a good warranty. Accomplishing your first engine swap can be just as rewarding an experience. Just hate to see you spend that kind of time and money only to end up back where you started from. That's just me and what direction I would take, you have multiple options though.

[Oldmactech]

Don’t disagree.

Gonna take to a shop next week. Been suggested a replacement engine but it has 85k and only comes with 2 Mo warranty. Hmmm?

None of the options are attractive, maybe making it someone else’s problem and taking the loss makes painful but good sense.

Thanks.

Btw the knock is a muffled knocking sound that seems to change a bit at idle and sort of disappears under load. Looks like someone used head gasket sealer magic fluid at some point also.

Symptoms- builds pressure in the overflow tank, eventually cracks it.