Head Gasket Repair At Your Location!

mikelawson · #1 (**permalink**) 09-09-09, 04:50 PM

I've been exploring the idea of repairing Northstars at the customers premise instead of having them tow it to my location, assuming they have a garage or similar to perform the actual repair in. Since 99% of the repairs can be done in the car, a decent size 1 car garage is all that is needed. The additional cost would range with the distance, but I would assume in most cases to be in the $500.00 range. I charge $1500.00 labor + parts + mileage, so most repair totals would be in the $2500.00 range. I was just looking for some feedback as this is something I will definitely consider in the future.

Mike

Jman73 · #2 (**permalink**) 09-09-09, 04:54 PM

What method would you be using? Inserts? Studs? Where would you stay while you did this (assuming it takes more than a day). What area would you be servicing?

mikelawson · #3 (**permalink**) 09-09-09, 06:29 PM

I prefer using Norms inserts as they have never failed me; however, the customer can choose whatever repair mechanism they desire. If studs are wanted, I would recommend Norms inserts with ARP head studs (part number 204-4204) since this combo could still be done in the car and use factory dowel pins to hold the gasket in place where Jake's would require engine removal and that would incur additional cost, but could be done if requested. I would service most of the United States with a cost of .60 per mile round trip from area code 40299. For example a repair in Atlanta Georgia would cost $505.20 additional. This cost covers hotel stays and travel expenses as most jobs are a 3 day turn around.

Mike

zonie77 · #4 (**permalink**) 09-09-09, 06:41 PM

Mike, let everyone know where you are located.

submariner409 · #5 (**permalink**) 09-09-09, 07:22 PM

Well, let's see..............Google 40299 and you come up with Louisville, Kentucky.

"That was easy !"

mikelawson · #6 (**permalink**) 09-09-09, 10:47 PM

Thanks Sub, you are correct Louisville, KY.

**Ranger** · #7 (**permalink**) 09-09-09, 11:20 PM

Quote:

I was just looking for some feedback as this is something I will definitely consider in the future.

Considering that a LOT of places will not touch them and we have heard many members asking for advice on who will do them in their area, I'd say you have a winning idea here Mike. I think you may be gone a lot. HAVE TOOLS, WILL TRAVEL

zonie77 · #8 (**permalink**) 09-10-09, 01:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by submariner409

Well, let's see..............Google 40299 and you come up with Louisville, Kentucky.

"That was easy !"

Duhhh!

coaster · #9 (**permalink**) 09-10-09, 08:03 PM

would you be willing to come to sacramento ca my son lives down stairs from me would you be willing to stay there and my wife will cook good home meals for you and what ever else you want any time after october email me at leonnamoja@yahoo.com will make your stay comtrable.early stage headgaskets.

osu411yamaha · #10 (**permalink**) 09-11-09, 06:59 AM

Mike,
Are you the same guy who advertises head gasket repairs on the Cinci craigslist?
Thanks,
OSU411

mikelawson · #11 (**permalink**) 09-11-09, 11:23 AM

I am the person who advertises on Craigslist. I appreciate the feedback. Unfortunately Sacremento would probably not be feasible as I would have to bring a fairly extensive amount of tools which would be impossible on a plane. Another situation is a hotel stay is almost a must as my shop helper would have to travel along with me. If you had a garage with an air compressor and a large assortment of tools, that might change the situation.

Mike.

JSTS02 · #12 (**permalink**) 09-11-09, 01:46 PM

hey mike I got your private message, but i can't reply... I'm too "new" - the moderators don't play huh. But we did talk...and i want you to fix my car BUT i just cant afford what you deserve for travel (to Denver) on top of the normal charge... my alternate strategy is to use an unemployed tech off craigslist and help him the best i can...

I am really grateful for your help thus far, your kind of expertise is few and far between... However, alot of guys are struggling and willing to do it for $600 - $700 so i just have to hope they don't drill holes through my block...

any guidance or tips for this guy going into this with the engine still in would be appreciated.

Thanks Mike... you are the man for traveling to help all these people...

mikelawson · #13 (**permalink**) 09-11-09, 06:50 PM

I understand and that's great you found someone to do it for that! It's a lot of work, so that guy will wonder what he got himself into halfway through, but I'm sure it will work out. In the car Seville's are a piece of cake. The only issue is removing the front cover and the 2000 and newer intake manifolds are kinda a pain in general. You will have to remove the 3 pass side cradle bolts and motor mount nut to remove the motor mount bracket so you can get at a couple of the front cover bolts that are behind it. Other than that issue, everything else is straight forward.

Mike

JSTS02 · #14 (**permalink**) 09-11-09, 07:26 PM

lol @ peice of cake... I guess i'll have to take your word for it because thats one peice of cake i'll never mess with... but i'll pass on your words of wisdom on to the guy working on the car now...

Hey enjoy the traveling cause i'm sure you'll have great success with this idea... thanks again!

97EldoCoupe · #15 (**permalink**) 09-13-09, 08:39 PM

Mike you really should start removing the engines to do the repair. My best time so far, is 2 hours 55 minutes from a running car to the engine on a stand, and this is out the top

(99 STS)

-no suspension parts touched
-no brake lines disconnected
-no steering linkage disconnected
-no A/C lines disconnected
-no alignment afterwards
-no bleeding of the brake system
-no recharging the A/C

Keep in mind that this is without too many rusty bolts. The only part of the chassis I have to deal with is removing the RF wheel.

This makes it so much easier to work on them and you can tackle the lower seals at the same time.