1984 1.9dg Head Gasket problem!!

[soulfly71]

Hi there wonderful forum folks, MAJOR decision to make as of today!
Big plume of White Smoke from the exhaust this morning on start up, also been struggling to bleed air out bc of a constant leak, the head gasket? Antifreeze exiting the manifold right side Exhaust Exchanger this morning too?
Now, pretty sure it's the gasket that's went but my question is this:
I can get someone to fix it for £100+ parts, gasket set etc.
Is there any likelihood that the left side will go soon or at all?
Or should I consider an engine transplant as I don't like how underpowered it is anyway, 2.1 swap?
No idea if it's more economical long term to swap the engine for something with more poke and sell the old engine g/box and upgrade to a 5 speed box using a 2.1?
All answers much appreciated

[itchyfeet]

I can get someone to fix it for £100+ parts, gasket set etc.

No, that's totally unrealistic, back street garage labour is around £40/hour so 2.5 Hours is all you get for £100

Even if it's just the seals need changing you won't get it done for that.

If you can't have a go yourself then I'd say it's exchange engine time.

[ermie571]

and there is no need to change to a five speed box if you have a good 4 speed. They are not stronger and will not return you greater economy

regards

[soulfly71]

Thanks, I've spoke to a couple of mates today, I'm fairly competent but wanted some pointers to see whether I could do it, think I've decided that, if a Stud gets broken by backstreet mechanic, or the head can't come off bc of clearance issues, for him to phone and say "turns out the Engine needs to come out now" I'd be peeved.
So with that I think I'm gonna take the Lump out myself with a mate to help when lowering it, I'd be as well doing both sides, and probably paint the Engine, and then the Engine Bay, could be a month at most but sooner would be better. I agree about the gearbox as well, i was wondering if a 5speed would do anything bit for a van that's never gonna be doin 90mph (I'd hurt my van) bc I like it in one piece.
Vans eh?! They are another Wife! Lol

[soulfly71]

After all this doing the head Gasket wasn't really that difficult, I might add that before I bought my van I've only ever really done things like Brake pads or exhausts and suspension replacements, this job seemed beyond me in my mind but, as long as you follow advice, have a Haynes manual, are prepared to ask questions, I think most people can do this. All the help I've had on this Forum has been immeasurable, today I finished doing my Drum Brakes, replaced everything except the rear wheel bearings, something I thought was also outta my range but, I now know almost EVERY Nut & Bolt on my van now and have No doubt il still have it in 10yrs time!! A massive thanks to everyone who has helped me over the last 2yrs since I bought my van!!!

[pionte]

Nice one soulfly71... did you take the engine out or do the heads in situ ?