Replace Headgasket and Waterpump or new engine?

I hadn't heard of a block tester; looked it up: it tests coolant for presence of exhaust gas. I had heard of that, just didn't know the term

Block Tester® - Info and tips on using your Block Tester

Leak down test is another to consider, to determine head gasket failure.

Just from what I've been reading $4400 is a little steep for head gasket and engine coolant pump, maybe phone around. Other LA responders will likely chime in with alternative shop recommendations. @The Critic @JC91006 are a couple.

Have you cleaned the Exhaust Gas Recirculation and Intake Manifold? It's not likely to help now, but just to give some more data points: it seems like neglected EGR and head gasket failure go hand-in-hand.

 

Take your car to Avi’s shop - he is a member on here as well.

I think his pricing for a HG replacement (if possible) is under $3K.

https://yelp.to/qTKq/H7Zw75pIf0

$4400 for HG and WP replacement is about right for a dealer. Up here, it is about $4K for the HG alone.

I am at the other end of CA and I am not open for commercial business at this time.

 

You have quite a few options. Your least expensive option will be to do the work yourself if you can. If that isn't an option or in your wheelhouse, find an independent shop. I think the HG cost will be somewhere down to the 2-2.5k range. is that $7K for a NEW new engine, or new to you used engine, because new to you used that REALLY high. That's more than Lexus charged us. Again, an independent shop can do a swap for less.

Honestly i haven't decided if dealers being ignorant to the EGR issue is by design to have high-dollar jobs or to sell more cars, or because corporate tells them it's not a problem. They make a lot more money off those things than a periodic EGR cleaning bill.

good luck with your decision.

 

Any mechanic that works on import cars will be able to swap another engine into the car. That's probably the best option. The car is no longer that special where you need to go to a specialize shop to do an engine swap

 

Most repair shops prefer multiple small repairs over a single large job (e.g. engine swap or HG r/r). Large jobs take a long time (and hog up a bay) so it is tough to keep a single tech on a large job without being distracted by smaller jobs. This is why large jobs can often take weeks.

I also disagree on the EGR being the sole cause of the HG issue. It is simply speculation and wishful thinking by DIYers; there is no evidence that the two are fully connected.

 

Interesting head gasket replacement video, though they cut a lot of corners, and have cringe-worthy table manners. For example, you can see road grit just about to fall into the zone under the valve cover:

 

That timing cover is also going to seep. If you spread rtv like peanut butter, there is no guarantee that you will have a sufficient, uniform film. Apply a bead and allowing the two surfaces to squeeze out the excess is the proper method.

1:40 in this video demonstrates the correct method of application:

 

Too, in the video I posted, the sealant is already applied to the timing chain cover, when they start filming. They stand there talking about for a while. This drives me nuts, like a fridge door left open: the sealant is supposed to be completely applied and the cover back on by +3 minutes, and all the bolts torqued by +15 minutes.

All that said, it's an interesting video.

 

Update?

 

How did the Flying Spaghetti Monster find it’s way here?!?!?!? Hahaha


-Spiral

 

He's everywhere and know where. Lol

 

So, headgasket replacement wasn't needed then?

 

I love a happy ending. In more ways than one