As the title says, I'm thinking about doing the head gasket on my 97 P38. Right now my truck has an exhaust leak out of the manifold and I figure that as long as I am pulling the manifolds off I might as well keep going and do the head gasket too. My truck has almost 122k miles and the head gaskets are original. I rely very heavily on my truck and I can't afford any unplanned downtime. I figure I might as well fix it on my terms rather than wait for it to inevitably go out one of these days. What do you guys think? Should I go for it or "If it ain't broke, don't fix it?" Can anyone recommend a complete head gasket kit that they have used?

 

Anybody?? I guess I'm looking to have one questions answered.

Should I be proactive and fix it before it gives me problems OR It if ain't broke don't fix it?

 

I don't have a lot of time but I can make time and money isn't really an issue. I agree that it is better to be safe than sorry and fix it on my terms. If I didn't do it, it would most likely blow when I am 1,000+ miles from home. Not 100% sure that it is the manifold but it sounds like it is coming from there. I can't actually see or feel where it is coming out.

 

Well I just ordered the head gasket kit along with few other goodies like the transmission filter kit, thermostat, and serpentine belt. Looks like I know what will be doing for Memorial Day.

Has anyone run across a good pictorial on the head gasket procedure?

 

I bet there is a sticky in the Discovery section on the head gaskets. I have not done them on my Rover yet but from experience with other vehicles they are not too bad, just time consuming. I will look and see if I can find a write up but I am sure you can figure it out just by doing it.

Where did you buy the kit from? AB?

 

Yes, I got the kit from AB. It looked to be the most complete and for a pretty fair price. I know I have seen a write on the job somewhere but I can't seem to find it. I will look a little later tonight. I have also done them on other cars and as long as you are very meticulous you are usually ok.

 

Ok, here I go. I am bitting the bullet and jumping in. Wish me luck! Looks like I have a nice 2 day window to do this. Check back later to see if both the Rover and I make it out alive.

 

krazz i have installed kits from atlantic british for some of my customer i like them...

 

Hey krazzz, are you doing the job in Pittsburgh or up in Ludington? If you are in the burgh and need a hand shoot me a PM. I'm fairly handy and at least can offer moral support and drink your beer.

Good luck!