Is it worth it?

[Schoust]

Hey Guy's Well I have determined that the engine I have is an overhead valve 4.0 V6 an it has what believe to be a bad head gasket. What I am trying to determine is would it be worth it to do the head gaskets on this engine with 127k? Or should I go out and try to locate a low mile replacement for it? What sort of mileage can one expect from this engine? It was always maintained and had oil changed regularly. The vehicle made lots of short trips in its life cycle.
Thanks

 

[rcmonsterdude]

300k +...the 4.0 block is virtually bullet proof. if you do it yourself you can save $$. either way i would be better to pull motor and when you have the heads off have them cleaned and tested that all valves and seats are good. if time is a problem then by a used low mileage motor and slap it in.

 

[koda2000]

yes, absolutly worth doing. at 127k it's just getting broken in.

 

[Schoust]

That's Great news! Stinks being poor! So let me ask a couple questions concerning this engine trans combo. If I yank the motor what should I do? I mean should the timing set be done?? I no nothing about this engine. Is there any performance additions that are worth doing? If its out maybe that should be considered? Or am I better off imply pulling it part and having the machine shop look at the heads then through it back together? How about the trany do they hold up? Or is this somthing to worry about?
Thanks

 

[koda2000]

with only 127K, as long as the oil was changed regularly, you shouldn't really need to replace any parts. it never hurts to check, but if it was running well before the head gasket blew, it's probably fine as is. timing sets are pretty cheap if you want to replace it. you might also put in a new water pump, thermostat, serpentine belt, spark plugs and wires and inspect/replace any hoses that don't look up to snuff.

 

[Schoust]

I can tell this there vehical was very well maintained! Let's just say that this Guy's desk at work is incredibly impeccable!! As in PERFECT! At the first sign of any problem it went to his mechanic! So just what sort of life cycle can this timing set have? If it needs to be changed I would like to change it. Although if it's hard to do with the engine in forget it.
Any ideas where I can get a how to on the HG aside from buying a manual?

 

[koda2000]

i'd say 220k+ on the timing set. as far as a how-to on the HG, buy a repair manual, it'll be worth every penny. look on ebay for a used one if you want to save a few bucks.

 

[Schoust]

Yea I typicly do buy a factory manual but I have yet to pull the trigger on this truck yet. I wanted to see hoe involved the job was,if it requires special tool's etc.