What would you do?

[packratt]

I've got a blown headgasket.

Engine has 270,000 miles.

Prior to pulling heads to replace gasket and look for cracks, would you run a compression and leakdown test to determine the condition of the engine.

Engine was running fine prior to gasket going. Had just finished a trip running interstate speeds getting about 17mpg and plenty of power.

 

[chrisk1500]

If it were mine, I would know average oil consumption, noise on cold start, and smoke on cold start. I would know what kind of blowby it had/has, and I would know how it was treated.....therefore I would just replace the gaskets and keep on trucking....

If you have any hesitation on the condition of the engine you should do the compression test...

 

[JMJNet]

Do an oil analysis!!!

 

[packratt]

Considering number of miles on engine oil consumption wasn't bad most of the time averaging 1qt every 1000-1500 miles. Had increased moderately in the last couple months but was showing signs of a bad CDR which was replaced immediately before this last trip so no up to date data on that.

Mananometer test was done about 30,000 ago and it was good.

No unusual noise on startup and no unusual smoke (prior to gasket issue)

Truck hasn't been abused since I've had it but can't say about the previous 240,000 miles.

 

[packratt]

Last oil analysis was good. Not going to waste the money on one now. Plus won't tell condition of rings.

 

[matuva]

Compression and leakdown test should be a good thing. Your engine has got several miles, but you said it was able to give plenty of power on interstates trip.
It should be able to serve you well for several other miles---

 

[Michaeljp86]

If it has a bad head gasket a compression test wont work where the bad gasket is.

I just put head gaskets on my jimmy with a 4.3L. It has 200,000 but it runs great. If I had the money I would have rebuilt it but $30,000 in medical bills made me go with the cheap route.

I guess it depends on what your plans are for the rig. If you want to drive it till it dies Id just do the gaskets. If You want to keep the truck and money and time isnt a problem I would rebuild it.

 

[packratt]

I realize it won't work on the cylinder where the gasket is bad.

If I get it torn down and it is only a gasket (no cracks) I'm just going to do gasket and other necessary maintenance items like timing set, balancer, etc.

If there is a cracked head, without checking I could be dropping heads on a block that would need overhauling in the near future. Money isn't really there for a complete engine overhaul/replacement unless absolutely necessary.

Guess I can't figure out whether to keep or return the compression and leakdown testers.

 

[jbsaxman]

I just put head gaskets on my jimmy with a 4.3L. It has 200,000 but it runs great. If I had the money I would have rebuilt it but $30,000 in medical bills made me go with the cheap route.
.

God knows I hear you on this. We just hit the $200K mark. :mad2:

 

[Michaeljp86]

God knows I hear you on this. We just hit the $200K mark. :mad2:

wow and I thought I had it bad

 

[packratt]

Did the compression check before starting disassembly

8 - 260 7 - 300
6 - 180 5 - 240
4 - 200 3 - 260
2 - 260 1 - 300