how much would it cost to get the head gaskets repaired on a 97 plymouth voyager?

Question

our poor van has been sitting in our driveway for 2 years because we can't find anywhere cheap enough yet. we just need to get it done cheap.

ok... not answering the big question. it wasn't sitting sitting, jeez we started it at least every week. the last time we actually drove it, it smoked, couldn't drive it above 40mph, the heat inside was so hot you could bake a turkey in 5 minutes. we got 1 estimate for 3000 dollars and we really need it done cheaper. no we cannot do it ourselves and no we do not know anybody. we are not that fortunate.

Answer 1

let me explain why it is going to cost so much--you got it hot. 99.999% that your cylinder head is cracked. Most likely you have a little rusting in the cylinders that have taken valuable mileage off this engine. At this point you would be better off getting an exchange engine or junk yard engine from a resent side impact collision installed. Some junk yards will do the work for you--given the correct amount of time and phone calls you could have the engine replaced with a used one for about $1700.00. the leak stuff in a can only seals water leaks at the head gasket--by the over heating problem your main problem is combustion gasses getting into the cooling system

Answer 2

OK, for the big 10 points. I presume your engine starts. Well here is a $10 remedy. Go to a auto parts store and buy a bottle of K&W Block seal. READ THE INSTRUCTIONS and do not cheat. Basically, you will drain your engine, fill it up and put the block seal in. Now if your engine is leaking water because of the head gasket, then first drain your engine and refill with regular water then put the block seal in. You will then run your engline and when the engine gets hot, the thermostat will open then the water with the seal will circulate. Unless you have a MAJOR blown head gasket this should do it. How do I know? Cuz it happened to my Chevy Van. I was overhauling the engine and this guy told me to come and watch this fight here in San Antonio. I took off, without water. I only had water in my engine. I went 5 miles and I blew a gasket. Anyway, I went to station put in water and the sucker was really bad. I went to the Auto Zone bought the seal and the stuff really works. I was surprized. It kept it sealed for 5 years till I ran it without oil. Remember if you blew the head gaskets, what caused the problem in the first place. Any other questions let me know.

Answer 3

well sitting for that long, actually starting it up will damage the engine because of a condesation buildup in the gas tank (assuming that no stabilizer was used), not even to mention the condition of the other important fluids like the transmission and motor oil.

Head gaskets themselves arent relatively expensive, just the labor is. labor fees kill. I reccommend trying to find a family member or friend that knows a good deal about cars (or if u do thats even better), and having them fix it. Then it wouldnt be so much of a cost issue as it would a issue with time. It takes awhile to strip the engine down to where u can remove head gaskets and replace them. Thats why labor is so much.

Answer 4

2 years???? the poor thing probably isn't worth keeping even if you repair the head gaskets. I doubt it still runs, probably rusted inside and out. Next time something like that happens repair it with the lowest estimate you can find in a week, you're paying for convenience by going to a shop, even if it's expensive, you should always plan on your car breaking so you're not surprised.. You probably spent the amount you would have paid for the repair in insurance alone.

BTW, how much was the estimate?

Answer 5

<>Do-it-yourself. Chilton manual for that year vehicle = $25. Head gasket = $25 (or less). Torque wrench = $15 (or $0 , if you can borrow one from a friend). And no, the vehicle is not garbage just because it's been sitting for 2 years. Fix the gasket, change the oil and anti-freeze, and off you go.

Answer 6

i think of he could have replaced the two. He did not fix the situation i might get yet another place to look it over in keeping with possibility 2 shops and see what they mentioned he might have under no circumstances even fastened it to start with. maximum shops grant loose estimates! You cant believe all of us presently! i comprehend you may already have checked see if the fan is working, you have gotten an air pocket in the coolong equipment bleed attempt bleeding the equipment from the backside of the radiator. Does it leak coolent?