N* Head Gasket repair part I/ Remove engine - Page 2

youngvic812 · #16 (**permalink**) 09-03-05, 08:55 AM

How long does the whole process take

Pjs · #17 (**permalink**) 09-03-05, 11:24 AM

If you proficient, about 2hrs, took me about 3 the first time I did it

elwesso · #18 (**permalink**) 09-03-05, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pjs

If you proficient, about 2hrs, took me about 3 the first time I did it

One of the benefits of FWD! Takes me about 4-6 hours to drop a Q45 engine.

zonie77 · #19 (**permalink**) 09-03-05, 10:57 PM

Youngvic,

What process, the whole head gasket job? We didn't keep a record but the whole job runs pretty long because we didn't have a lift or air tools where we did the first one. The second was faster, next one much faster.

youngvic812 · #20 (**permalink**) 09-04-05, 10:07 AM

Yea, im thinkin about doin this job in my driveway, i also dont have airtools, but i dont trust myself, so i would like to have a mechanic with me, should i?
O, and yea how long did the whole job take? w/out airtools.

youngvic812 · #21 (**permalink**) 09-04-05, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pjs

If you proficient, about 2hrs, took me about 3 the first time I did it

when you first dropped the engine, were you experienced with working on cadillacs? Should i attempt this, because im experienced on rwd cars.

zonie77 · #22 (**permalink**) 09-04-05, 12:58 PM

Never worked on a Caddy, there were a few people on the board that gave me advice. Got the service manual and did it. Now you have the write up I did and the info added by lots of people who did it (definitely look at PJS's). It's even easier now. All the tools you need are listed, you know exactly what to expect.

youngvic812 · #23 (**permalink**) 09-04-05, 09:23 PM

thanx ZONIE im definetly goin to try this this week, and ill let u know how im doin.

Pjs · #24 (**permalink**) 09-06-05, 06:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by youngvic812

when you first dropped the engine, were you experienced with working on cadillacs? Should i attempt this, because im experienced on rwd cars.

I had worked on only RWD cad's up to that point. I guess my answer was kind of vague and I apologize for that. Prior to pulling the engine I had purchased the factory service manuals and had read up on dropping the cradle in addition to reading all the info available here. I did have the benefit of an air compressor w/ all the tools as well.

davesdeville · #25 (**permalink**) 09-07-05, 02:38 AM

I have access to an engine hoist to remove the body and some air tools, plus a truck and I can always rent a car dolly. I've been thinking of finding a N* car with bad headgaskets off ebay, timeserting and selling the car locally or back on ebay for a profit. Any reason this would be a bad idea? (PS, don't steal my plan, if there's a possible car within 500mi of Albuquerque in a couple months don't buy it

)

zonie77 · #26 (**permalink**) 09-07-05, 12:32 PM

Not a bad plan. Just make sure you get a great deal. The one's on Ebay are border line or they are too far east for me. I saw a local Seville under 1K that I was real tempted on but I have too many projects now and I don't need to talk to a divorce lawyer.

At 1K you'll make a reasonable profit (actually you're only getting paid for your labor). At$2500 it get iffy whether you'll make any profit. There is a Deville near me, guy's asking $3900. I think 94-95. Had a "new" engine. It's been there for months. It isn't mint but might look it in a picture. With gas prices I think prices on all cars is gonna drop somewhat.

davesdeville · #27 (**permalink**) 09-07-05, 08:54 PM

This Eldo or this Deville were a couple of candidates I was looking at but I don't have the cash to pull this off yet. I figure at 500 miles each way it will cost at least $300 in gas to tow it back with my friend's dads F250 (6.8 V10 gets 13 highway, surely less when towing.) Plus parts, so I'm probably looking at $2k.

Although I really like my ETC, I'm seriously considering selling it and using the money as seed money for the timesert project. I can just drive the 75 and/or Kawasaki 750 for awhile. 'Cause I really don't need my ETC since the 75 running propane should actually cost less per mile. And once I sell the timeserted car I can afford to make the 75 very presentable and pay my parents back the money they lent me for the 95... I'm having an automotive identity crisis.

zonie77 · #28 (**permalink**) 09-08-05, 01:09 AM

The Eldo looked better to me (colors) and fit what I said. $1000 plus about another $1000 to fix gives you a car worth about $3500. You'll make $1500 to do the gaskets. That $1000 to fix includes incidentals you'll probably need. You may get away with less, or more with towing it down.

I didn't like the Deville color scheme, plus 150K is/sounds worse than 135K.

davesdeville · #29 (**permalink**) 09-09-05, 07:02 AM

But 150k with a "newly rebuilt engine" sounds better...

Anyway this idea is getting put off until we can rebuild my friends Taurus SHO motor, which we're pulling this weekend.

Now for a couple quick questions, this thread says the HVAC cover should be replaced as kind of a preventative maintenence sort of a thing... is this a dealer part or...? Also does the A/C system have to be depressurized to do any of this? I'm comfortable with engine work but I don't know or like A/Cs, so sorry if the answer is really obvious.

Thinking of starting off by buying this kit on ebay.

1998Deville · #30 (**permalink**) 12-11-05, 05:18 PM

If you aren't sure about doing this yourself in the driveway, DON'T!!! One mistake and you can wreck your engine.