Hello Everyone... new guy with head gasket questions

[jerryjfunk]

Hey everyone, my name is Jerry. I'm 23, living in Staten Island, and might be buying my first Lincoln. Right now I'm driving a '93 Buick Riviera that I love, but it's falling apart and just not worth fixing. I've always loved the looks of Mark VIIIs so I've been keeping my eye out for one that I can afford.

I have been offered a '98 for really cheap. Now, of course there is no free lunch, as it has a blown head gasket due to overheating. My question is: have any of you done head gaskets on your car? I know it's no simple thing like it is on a small block Chevy (I built the motor for my '79 Corvette) or even on the 3800 in my Riv. I'm not a pro mechanic or anything, but I do have some experience. My main concern is, do I have to lift the engine? I don't have a garage to work in right now so I don't want to get into anything too major.

Thanks for the help!

 

[pepperman]

:W to :V :Beer

 

[94m5]

heh, Your in for an awakening when it comes to the heads on these cars. 32 valves, 4 cams, and 4 timing chains. If you have a blown head gasket, your prolly looking at a warped deck also.


To be honest.... In a blown head gasket situation, your better off finding a decent salvaged engine, and just transplanting it. I've done some head swaps in these and they are'nt fun.

I have NEVER paid anything over 600 for a junkyard engine, that dropped right in fired, and is still runing today. You might look into that.


Mike

 

[jerryjfunk]

Yeah, I'm getting that feeling by the people I've talked to at the Ford dealership. I looked at the car that I was offered and it was nothing like it was described. Not only does it have a blown head gasket, but also a missing stereo, speakers, mirror, and knobs. The seats are worn badly, the moonroof doesn't work, and worse of all, the car is on the ground, obviously in need of suspension work.

Back to my Ebay search. Thanks for the comments, I'm sure I'll be back... hopefully sooner rather than later. :waving:

 

[pepperman]

There are members here that have Mark VIII's for sale, check out the cars for sale forum!!!!!