I got a 2000 4wd blazer for free that needs a headgasket. I can do the job so i dont need to pay labor but i was wondering how much and how hard before i tear into it. The truck is in really good shape but is it worth doing?

 

Before you start tearing into your motor, are you sure that it is definatelty the head gasket that needs replacing? What seems to be the symptoms that lead you to this conclusion?

If you search around the forum you'll find that (while it does happen) it is not very common for the head gasket to go on our motors. Usually it is the intake manifold gasket that more commonly needs replacing.

 

It has coolant in the cylinders. It sputters while its running and the radiator is blown.

 

It sounds very similar to the symptoms I had when my intake manifold gasket went. When your intake manifold gasket goes, it can also allow coolant to enter the cylinders. It sputters because you're getting moisture in the cylinders. When you say the radiator is blown, you're saying that because the temperature shoots off the roof after a few minutes correct?

Check for signs of coolant dripping by the back of the engine near firewall. If the truck is still running Dexcool sometimes it oxidizes at the part where it is leaking, causing a temporary seal which makes it difficult to locate.

Search around the forum for intake manifold gasket leaks. You'll probably find that the symptoms are very close to what you are seing. It's not that complicated to replace, more tedious and time consuming - still much less of a PITA than the head gasket.

 

No the radiator has a big hole in it. When u put coolant in it leaks right out and doesnt hold pressure.

 

Replace your radiator if it has a hole in it...How do you knowyou have head gasket failure? Have you done a leakdown test? How do you knwo coolant is in the cylinders? Pull the plugs if you have coolant in a cylinder your plugs should look brand new on that cylinder(s). Any white smoke coming out of the exhaust? With dexacool it will smell like syrup