DIY Head Gasket Replacement: Everything You Need to Know

DIY Head Gasket Replacement: Everything You Need to Know

A blown head gasket replacement is a large job on just about any vehicle. I will show you the basics of what is involved in the replacement of your head gasket and what you should be checking when you are doing this type of repair. I will also detail how to check your cylinder head and block surface for flatness to make sure that you have a head gasket repair that lasts.

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00:00 Intro
00:04 How to diagnose a blown head gasket
00:34 Information about my particular head gasket issue
1:54 SHOULD you replace a blown head gasket?
4:28 Engine teardown
10:13 Cleaning the head and deck surface.
13:18 Checking the head and deck surface for warpage after cleaning.
17:26 What should you do if the head is warped?
18:46 Concerns about resurfacing a cylinder head.
21:21 Engine Reassembly
26:03 Engine Startup
27:47 Final Thoughts

#autorepair #headgasket #diy

Disclaimer:
The information, demonstration and any content contained in this video is for informational purposes only. The user Repair Geek makes no warranty, express or implied, regarding the effectiveness or safety of the contents of this video. In no way should the contents of the video, including the tools used, be repeated or tried by anyone. Viewers should only seek the help of a trained professional located at a licensed auto repair shop for any fix, modification, alteration, or any change to their vehicle. Repair Geek shall not be liable for any injury, damage, or loss to any person or property that may result from use of the tools, equipment, or any content contained in this video. In addition, there is no way to guarantee that the video is not altered or modified or is not in the final form submitted by Repair Geek and therefore, Repair Geek does not warrant that the video is unaltered or not modified. The links on this video to products are for informational purposes only and in no way are an endorsement of the safety or effectiveness of the particular product. Viewers understand that anything contained in this video or linked to or from this video is the sole responsibility of the viewer and in no way provides an express or implied warranty as to the safety or effectiveness of any linked tool, product, or video. Therefore, viewer agrees to release, waive, and discharge Repair Geek or anyone affiliated with Repair Geek, from any and all liability, claims, demands, actions, and causes of action whatsoever arising out of or related to any loss, damage, or injury, including death, that may be sustained by the viewer, or to any property belonging to viewer, regardless of whether the loss is linked to the use of the contents of this video, or otherwise and regardless of whether such liability arises in tort, contract, strict liability, or otherwise, to the fullest extent allowed by law.

[RepairGeek]

Tools needed for this repair:
Help support the channel, buy using my Amazon links
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases and your cost is exactly the same.

[RAHUL_KZN]

This guy sounds like he actually cares about our money being wasted unnecessarily, keep up the good work man

[waynekendall]

Thank you! I was under the impression that the entire engine has to be lifted out, the way the mechanics say it!

[jimmyfavereau]

thanks for the vid RG, love the garage and lift too :D I used the glass from the coffee table for a flat surface and the wife wasnt too happy bout that LOL, Toyota 1NZFE (great motor I call it the 8th wonder of the world) 337k miles.

[chrisogilvie]

Thank you for taking the time to make these videos. Much appreciated man 😊

[franktarawa]

Another fantastic, comprehensive video. Thanks again. Regards from Sydney Australia

[BenoJ]

I replaced a trans cooler on a jeep liberty for my wife. 2 days, 12 hours. Over 100 steps logged, 30+ fasters/pieces removed, and 3 trips to the auto parts store ( once for a charge kit of the AC ). What a bitch of a job. I did the job for 1/8 what it would have cost my wife. Still runs cold AC and no leaks 6 years later. Not having a clue about what I was doing, when i was done it was the best feeling ever.

[luisfuentes]

Awesome explanation dude. Now I'm even more scared of attempting to do this honestly so I think I'll just give Bar's Leaks a go lol

[darrenomalleyy]

Damn man, glad I came across your channel...My car suddenly overheated on the Motorway pulled over and got it confident its head gasket... Id rather try a DIY gasket change than strip or scrap it....Best video yet so well explained...Should teach this stuff!!!

[Ram]

Excellent! Great vid! May the Honda go on to 1 million miles!

[dennishassler]

This is an excellent exercise for you - you'll be able to do most jobs on any car unlike most mechanics in the USA that are just trained to be parts replacers - some mechanics actually go down to fix what's wrong with a part - such as replacing the brushes on an alternator instead of just swapping the part for a replacement rebuilt part.

[twincitiesdashcam]

Great video. I've replaced head gaskets on older oil cooled motorcycles before but I'm probably going to have to pull the head on my 1988 Nissan Sentra 4x4 wagon so this is great refresher course.

[dennishassler]

I love your discussion!!! I have a coolant leak in a V8 and I know it's likely a head gasket. Labor rates are over $100/hr. and it's not worth it to trust local mechanics - some of them also double the price of parts for the repair.

[renediaz]

My name is Rene Diaz i will do this job same care exact year I've done this job on
Toyota Corolla 1.8. You are best I've ever seen in my life this the #1 of people that
Ever did a head gasket job on YouTube you knocked them all out! YOU R THE MAN!
FROM RENE DIAZ THIS IS ULTRA HONDA FIT HEAD GASKET VIDEO!

[MyLifeThai]

I also have a 2008 Honda FIT with 208, 000 miles. I have not had any problems with my car. I hope I don't have any issues like you did.

[votago]

Dude holy shit. I have a 2010 Honda. I changed out the ignition coil on it and I was like phew! This is some next level stuff. You dissemble so much!

[sophiegrisom]

Our 1996 Plymouth 2.4L had a similar head gasket leak of oil to the outside but no coolant or compression leak. A generic problem and why they changed to a MultiLayer Steel gasket, as did many other makes. The oil leak began just before the 36K warranty, but I thought it was minor (valve cover or cam sensor) so didn't take to the dealership. Lived with it until 96K miles. Not losing much oil, but dripped on the exhaust manifold for that burnt-rubber smell, so finally changed to an MLS gasket. Not hard on a 4 cyl. Took the head to a machine shop for "valve job" and leak check. Changed the camshaft oil seals, timing belt, and water pump. Time for another belt since OE failed at 39K miles from a tensioner pulley bearing. I also did a "ring job" (drill-honed cylinders) and new rod bearings. The old rings were a bit worn but still in-spec gap. I found easiest to bolt the intake and exhaust manifolds off-car since can still get to all the head bolts. I re-used the "torque to yield" head bolts, which is not-advised, but now at 240K miles and no more head gasket problems.

[ericrobertson]

Best video I found. Exactly the info I was looking for. Keep them coming. Subbed

[majhoolmaroof]

You are simply a good person; good “Geek” that is!

[majordog]

Thank you my brother, got yourself a new subscriber 🙏