1st Gen Dakota Tech 1987 - 1996 Dodge Dakota Tech - The ultimate forum for technical help on the 1st Gen Dakota.

Blown head gasket

Old May 8, 2008 | 10:01 PM
  #1  
87dakotaman's Avatar
87dakotaman
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Default Blown head gasket

Ok i have a blown head gasket,My question is do i have to remove the push rod's to change the gasket,It's a 3.9 v6 What am i up against here..Thank's in advance
 
Reply
Old May 9, 2008 | 02:02 AM
  #2  
Crazy4x4RT's Avatar
Crazy4x4RT
Hall Of Fame
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,923
Likes: 19
From: NM
Default RE: Blown head gasket

Ya you do. The intake and exhast manifolds got to come off. The accorys like ac power steering pullys, alt. The rockers, pushrods too. The heads got to come off. Big project. just get a chiltons on haynes manul from any parts store to walk you through it
 
Reply
Old May 9, 2008 | 06:42 AM
  #3  
87dakotaman's Avatar
87dakotaman
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Default RE: Blown head gasket

Ok would you go ahead and change both sides even tho there's only one side blown?It's not leaking bad but i am losing coolant and it has a misfire when i start the truck in the mornings,Never done this until i let it overheat a month or so ago..So one side is blown i am gonna pull the plugs and see if i can determine on what side is the problem,Doesen't seem to be getting anything in the crankcase oil looks just fine..Thanks for the reply..
 
Reply
Old May 9, 2008 | 09:37 AM
  #4  
Crazy4x4RT's Avatar
Crazy4x4RT
Hall Of Fame
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,923
Likes: 19
From: NM
Default RE: Blown head gasket

Ya If I was doin it I would replace both sides. If one side failed, the other one may not be too far from failing too. Also Since you have the heads off take them to the machine shop to get the valve seals checked. Its cheep insurance.
 
Reply
Old May 9, 2008 | 12:00 PM
  #5  
DukeSupes's Avatar
DukeSupes
Captain
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 565
Likes: 0
From: De Soto KS
Default RE: Blown head gasket

Yes I agree. While you have them off its best to take them in and have them cleaned and get the valves and seats ground will make for less headaches later.
 
Reply
Old May 9, 2008 | 04:12 PM
  #6  
Bad96_3.9's Avatar
Bad96_3.9
All Star
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 867
Likes: 3
From: Crawfordville, FL
Default RE: Blown head gasket

x2 with getting the heads checked out and doing the both. if you leave the rockers on and it will help push the heads off the block so you dont have to pry them, makes it a little easier.
 
Reply
Old May 10, 2008 | 12:06 AM
  #7  
87dakotaman's Avatar
87dakotaman
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Default RE: Blown head gasket

Well before i pull the heads i thought i would try this product http://www.autocarepronews.com/defau...;id=87637& And as of tonite it did fix (well hide) the problem,No misfire and no coolant loss (YET) Will keep you posted on the product but so far so good!This is just an ole beater truck here around the house not my every day driver..
 
Reply
Old May 10, 2008 | 05:10 PM
  #8  
codydakota's Avatar
codydakota
Captain
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 553
Likes: 0
From:
Default RE: Blown head gasket

Just make sure you keep an eye on that, if it fixes the problem permanently like it says, that's awesome.
 
Reply
Old May 11, 2008 | 06:44 PM
  #9  
87dakotaman's Avatar
87dakotaman
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Default RE: Blown head gasket

Good to report i have put over 500 miles on the truck and still no coolent loss,so far it's done what it say's it will do..Stopped the coolant from seaping into the cylinder and now no misfire on a cold start,so far it's working well..It work's!
 
Reply
Old May 28, 2008 | 01:21 AM
  #10  
88dakv6's Avatar
88dakv6
Rookie
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
Default RE: Blown head gasket

i would sell it asap that stuff kills engines....
 
Reply


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 04:13 AM.