How hard to replace head gaskets?

Nissan 300ZX technical discussion forum: Maintenance, performance, installations, modifications, how-to's and troubleshooting.
angelscrx
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Joined: Mon May 14, 2007 2:06 pm
Car: 1992 240sx

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I am looking at picking up a 91 300z NA and the guy told me the head gasket is bad and the car over heats. I asked about the water pump and the temp gauge and he said it was taken to shop and #2 cylinder is low pressure the water pump went causing the fail in the head gasket. It was stated that the car runs fine for about 30 miles or 30 minutes can't remember which but I am looking at picking it up if its not too much of a pain to fix. I am pretty handy with a motor and have friend who can help too but I am just curious. Thanks in advance


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Ace2cool
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Car: 1991 Nissan 300ZX TT
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Head gasket on a Z32 is a pretty advanced task. Involves radiator removal, upper plenum pull, timing belt, and all accessory belts. Not to mention you need to have the heads resurfaced at least, assuming the only thing causing the low compression is the head gasket and not valves or piston rings. Most people would probably agree that it would be more easily done with the engine out of the car, and at that point, it will snowball into a "while I'm in here...." type thing.

How much is the guy asking for it, if you don't mind me asking?

angelscrx
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Joined: Mon May 14, 2007 2:06 pm
Car: 1992 240sx

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Well he is interested in trading for one of my 240s. Which I am selling for $4,500 OBO (least I would take is $3,700) so I would say a straight trade. Thanks for the information, so what do you think?

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es.biggs
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I wouldn't pay anything close to $4,000 for a NA with a blown head gasket.

That is a lot of work man. a LOT of work.

angelscrx
Posts: 246
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Car: 1992 240sx

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Hmm I was wondering about that because 300zx are hard to find and ones that are running are pretty expensive. Thanks for the feedback

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car nut
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es.biggs wrote:I wouldn't pay anything close to $4,000 for a NA with a blown head gasket.

That is a lot of work man. a LOT of work.
x1000000. That's a $1000 car right now, max. Something tells me if the water pump failed, replacing the head gasket is the tip of the iceberg.

angelscrx
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Car: 1992 240sx

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I am starting to see that thanks guys

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es.biggs
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Glad we could help...hope we didn't turn you away from buying the car...but it really sucks getting into a mess without knowing how much of a mess it is haha

angelscrx
Posts: 246
Joined: Mon May 14, 2007 2:06 pm
Car: 1992 240sx

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es.biggs wrote:Glad we could help...hope we didn't turn you away from buying the car...but it really sucks getting into a mess without knowing how much of a mess it is haha
Well i asked the kid how much he wanted for it at sale cost and he said $3500 firm so I asked him if he gotten a quote to see how much it would cost to see how much it would cost to fix and he said no. So in my mind he has no idea what it would cost and how much he really has the car over priced. i can't blame him for appreciating the value of the car as it is one of the nicest cars around and one in good condition goes for a goes chunk of change so I will keep on searching. Thanks

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Ace2cool
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Car: 1991 Nissan 300ZX TT
1966 Datsun Fairlady 1600
2005 Suzuki GSX-R 600
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2009 Ford F150 Lariat
Location: Murfreesboro, TN

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Yeah, I honestly think that one's more trouble than it's worth. Just trying to save you some trouble in the near future. Get a quote on Z32 head gasket replacement and take it to him. It will open up his eyes as to how much it's really worth. I'd offer him $1000 tops.


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