I have a blown head gasket or cracked head - what to do? R&R replacement engine? Cost of replacement? Lincoln engine same? Have repaired? Hours needed @ shop rate? It's a good looking convertible with chrome wires, good top, leather 99K miles. Ran like a banshee.

Any experiences or advice?

 

Take the heads off and determine what the damage is. If just a head gasket have a shop check the heads for warping and machine if required. Doing an engine swap means taking a chance on another engine you know next to nothing about.

Did it overheat? Have the chains and tensioners been updated?

 

Did the engine overheat at some point?

If it did then the heads may have warped at the very least.

Any other issues?

 

It blew a hose and pegged temp gauge a few weeks ago. Ran fine til Friday last. Tensioners replaced 5 years ago.

 

Thanx for the quick reply. I think I'll have the4 shop tear the head off the offending bank and go from there.

@ $100/hr what would I expect this to cost? These guys have serviced the Jag for the past 6 years and I believe they are fair. They think the smart route would be to replace it.

 

Ok then as suggested the head in question will have to come off. If not cracked/leaking then it will need to be checked for warping.

If its fine then replace head gasket and re install.

If it is warped then it will need to be skimmed flat and I am not sure whether that is feasible on this engine because of valve clearances or whether a thicker gasket would have to be used.

 

The heads can be skimmed if not too badly warped, or just replace the head. That should be much cheaper than replacing the engine. I know you trust the shop, but are they perhaps considering rebuilding your engine and selling it if you go for the replacement?