Getting it done this week is unlikely if you send the heads out to a shop.

It’s always recommended send the heads out to be checked and have the machine shop install the new valve guide seals included with your gasket kit. You wouldn’t want to have a new head gasket schedule after relatively short period of time because they were warped and you didn’t have them checked.

In the case of my truck, there was a problem with one valve that was found by the machine shop and addressed.

In the old days you would also grind or lap the valves and seats while the heads were off the truck. In the days since unleaded fuel I don’t know whether that’s done regularly (hardened valves and seats), but if you’re going to have the heads off get them to a shop and let them apply their expertise.

I think that cost me $200-$300 and took about a week to turn around, but it was money and time well spent.

 

Yup, that's about the norm here for getting head work done. Luckily, I have a straight edge to check for flatness, valve spring compressor to install the valve stem seals,and a set of micrometers to check for valve guide wear. If I see no issues, I will lap the valves myself and put it all back together.


The truck ran great before. I'm changing the head gaskets to address a water leak at the rear of one head. Right now everything is soaking in PB Blaster. Hopefully nothing will break.

 

I won't harp on it but I wouldn't go through all that work and not have the heads trued up.

 

I’ve got refurbished heads ready to go. $450 plus shipping, but I won’t harp on it...