header gaskets, what do you think

Post by **belle in progress** » 27 Mar 2006, 18:43

hi, i have had some expensive garage bills recently and am running low on cash that i can justify spending on the van, 550 on mot, and 270 on cluch, now garage recon i need new headder gaskets, they recon its a big job and will be about 200 per side plus parts, n thats if there are no supprises.

can you explain what he actually means, what are headder gaskets?
is this a reasonable price?
where else can i go in east london or essex?

its a 1.9 1987 caravelle. petrol manual

Post by **Dan Wood** » 27 Mar 2006, 18:58

Could mean head gasket at top of each cylinder (kind of like on a motorbike engine!) but if you've been running fine it's probably more likely that they are talking about your water jacket gaskets.
Have a look where the cylinder head joins the engine block. You'll see a thick 'rubber band' all the way round. (One on each side). If there is any dripping of water from there then that's what they mean.

I notice you've a 1.9, and they are famous for this little problem! New gaskets aren't too expensive, but fitting them means taking the cylinder head off. This can be a problem as the bolts are thin, and sit in the coolant water - which usually means they've almost rusted through. If they snap when they try to undo them, you could be talking new engine.

The good news is that they don't always snap. We had ours done last year, and been fine ever since. Fingers crossed!

Post by **lhd** » 27 Mar 2006, 19:11

I think a header is the American word for exhaust manifold, which would explain the both sides bit. Someone who knows for sure will be along soon to help you.
lhd....................

Post by **stuckin88** » 27 Mar 2006, 20:26

I think they mean the water jacket gaskets--you can check these yourself as per Dan Woods post--the suprise they refer to are rusted or broken head studs--if these cannot be removed the engine is scrap--a quailty recon engine will be £1500--£2000 fitted including all the extra bits--

Post by **belle in progress** » 27 Mar 2006, 21:06

thanks for your ideas, think ill find out exactly what he means, he said to keep an eye on water levels so your probably right. cheers