I'm looking at purchasing a '95 RRC but the seller indicates the head gasket is leaking. He says no oil in the coolant and vice versa so not sure how bad it is. I'm aware this is not an uncommon problem though.

My question is, as a DIY'er what can I expect to spend in parts to do this job properly? And by that I do mean things that should be done while it's apart if that's the easiest/best time to do them.

I'm quite capable of this job, I've done plenty of engine work on overhead cam types so I'm assuming a pushrod motor should be no more difficult.

Any comments would be appreciated. Oh, I have downloaded those online manuals, I'm mainly looking for general comments and a reasonable estimate of cost.

Thanks much.

Jack

 

I've been through this twice inn the past and it's around $3-1500.00 including part. It's doable by yourself as well. I know a guy that will do it for $300.00 if my current '89RR gasket fails. On this job the head needs resurfacing too and the re-mating must be done without any gasket sealer. Vince

 

Some more questions.......

So, if I were looking to do this myself I'm going to assume it will need most maintenance items such as water pump, (heck let's just say cooling system with rad, hoses, etc), plugs, distributor, wires, cap/rotor (not sure how the ignition set up is on these), any other gaskets not included with a "normal" head gasket job, resurface heads (do they need to be rebuilt?), any head parts, etc.....is $1500 a reasonable budget for all the parts?

This truck has ~247k on it so let's call that higher mileage. The 4WD lever is "sticky" or stuck so not sure how well or if it will go into low range. From the little I've read this can typically be remedied with some cleaning/lubrication yes? Ultimately I'll be swapping in an LT230 anyway but that'll be a year down the road I think.

Anything special about the 4.2l to be aware of vs the 3.9? Seems like no.

What about the oil pump....for this mileage I'm wondering if some of the bottom end stuff ought to be done. Forgive me, I come from race cars and such so while I'm not concerned about mileage I do like to be aware of mileage relative to what should be replaced preventively.

As always, any comments are welcome. I am planning to go look at this truck this weekend and if it looks good and I can get it for a decent price (assuming I'm immediately gonna drop $1500 into it) I'd like to pick it up.

Thanks.

Jack

 

Oh, also, any special tools required? I've got a good assortment of tools of all types, mainly concerned about "LR" only or factory tools that one might need. I'm used to working on OHC engines so if thee's anything special about pushrod that'd be good to know.

Cheers.

Jack

 

I replaced the head gaskets on my 99 RR 4.0 GEMS, ait turned out great! I am a total amateur, never did this particular job on an engine, but it needed doing and the cost would have been more than the old car is worth. So. It took me something like 40 hours - spread out over 4 weekends. Second time around, I could do it in 6. Typical. To keep costs down, I got the head gasket "kit" online for around $300. They include new valve guides, which I did not need and resent having paid for. Getting the engine apart was a breeze. Keeping track of things was a pain. The bonnet tilts up to 90 degrees, which is a blessing. Some bolts need pre-lubricating with penetrating oil or spray. Once the heads were off, took them to a shop to be milled/checked. NOTE: it probably doesn't matter, but try to keep track of left and right side heads. Maybe a deep scratch or something. I didn't and was told "it don't matter none". Still, it made me nervous. Then, the hard part - reassembly. I don't know the secret. Good sharp photos would have helped. The manuals are useless here. Be careful torqueing on the heads. Follow the recommended pattern. Then try to figure out: where things go, and, what sequence works so you don't put something on only to find it has to come off again to get the other thing on. You know what I mean. Good lighting helps a lot. I ended up with only a few "orphans" - bolts and bits that had no home. Oh well. Started her up, got the horrible noise they say it will do, then after about 1.5 minutes, she settled down to a beautiful smooth idle. Better than before if that's possible. No problems since. Go have fun !
NOTE: after that job, I was inspired to tackle the headliner. Hardest part was finding the right material. Than done, next hardest was the gluing - a 2 person job - and use a big fan to get rid of the fumes. Taking it out, putting back in pretty straightforward. The trickiest part was the sunroof = a big system and easy to break or lose some of the little parts. Anyway, looks terrific now. Next up: the stupid coolant reservoir is leaking again - ARGHH!

 

Anymore insight or comments on this from anyone? I figured there'd be more people with something to say. More info is always welcomed. The truck is still for sale and I'm still interested. I'm back to trying to decide on RRC vs D1.

I'm looking at a '92 RRC also which is in ok shape, body needs some work, some interior help needed also but seems the engine is solid, only has ~90k on it, head gaskets done.

Looking/looked at several D1's also but the couple I've really wanted slipped thru my fingers. Looking at one now that seems decent but I think it's a bit over priced, need to speak to the seller about price flexibility.

Cheers.

Jack