Tips on Repairing head gasket

[hustinator27]

I recently purchased a 98 aurora knowing it had head gasket issue, but i figured "iv done head gaskets before what could be so different about this one?". Apparently quite a bit. I just figured i would ask you guys on this forum. so, are there any tips and tricks, tools i should purchase, or just straight out advise anyone could give me before I try and tackle this beast?

[ntrenn]

Option 1 - transplant a different engine into it. $1000+ your time.
Option 2 - pull it down, pray it's just studs and put a stud/insert kit in it (northstar performance does studs). While you're at it, fix all the other stuff that's going to break - lower block seal, rear main, etc, etc. About $1500+ your time
Option 3 - take it to the guys up in Canada and get them to rebuild it - $4000+ your time.

If you are hardheaded like me and insist on doing the work yourself, there are brave souls around here that have done this work and can offer expert advice on what to do and what not to do. Success rate varies.

[bobsblue95]

First of all, welcome! You should know that doing it yourself will cost a good $700-1000. The real problem is that once the engine overheats, the fine-threaded head bolts pull out of the aluminum block. GM has a repair kit, and another oversized repair kit for when that one FAILs. The better solutions are either Norm's inserts (search ebay) or Northstar Performance stud kit. I went with the stud kit so I never have to buy head bolts again. The inserts are cheaper until you take that (and the tooling) into account... the head bolts are single use.

Turned out my block was cracked so I ended up swapping in a used engine from my parts car. I'm keeping the studs in case the new(er) engine has a problem, but as long as I don't let it overheat... (knocking on wood!)

So you might just look for a good used engine (any 96-99 4.6L northstar, VIN 9 or VIN Y, can also be used, drop in replacement!) from your local salvage yards or craigslist.

There's a procedure in the classic maintenance stickies on how to pull the engine out the top (in case you don't want to drop the sub-frame, per the fsm.) With everything in place you could easily do an engine swap in a weekend. Maybe a day with a helper and good luck.

HTH,
Bob

[hustinator27]

Thank you guys! alot of very helpful info! ill let you guys know how it goes.

[ntrenn]

Whichever way you choose to go, good luck and keep us posted.

[Randy T.]

Get a $20 bottle of head gasket sealer and try it. What do you have to lose? lol It seals everything, so be prepared for any weak hoses to explode off. I've seen many Auroras go to junk because they have a head gasket issue. For instance, they run fine, don't overheat, but some exhaust gasses were detected in the coolant. My parts car is one of the worst I have seen, it actually had coolant blowing out of the exhaust, still ran great, though. Here is a video of the last time I started it, I made the video title as a joke. The motor caught on fire when I shut it off, then I dropped it, tore it down, put it in my trunk, and scrapped it. Had 2 Aurora v8s in my Aurora at one time.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktjeUD3WRDo&list=UU8D50n71MlF7Gt6YIZuf6Nw&index=21&feature=plcp

[RCA1186]

Lol Randy, ultimate troll video