Head gasket replacement

Tiny
JEFFREY DREIER
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 DODGE CARAVAN
  • 280,000 MILES
Is it worth it to do the head gaskets for my van listed above with 280,000 miles?
Sunday, August 15th, 2021 AT 2:59 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
SQM
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,383 POSTS
Hello,

It all depends on your plan with that vehicle.
If you plan to keep it for a while it is always a good idea to keep up with the maintenance. As for the long run that is always a better value proposition.
Head gasket is not consider as a maintenance item, only should be replaced if needed.

Also is the head gasket leaking or do you have an overheating issue?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/head-gasket-blown-test

I have attached the head gasket replacement procedure including torque specifications and sequence for your reference, for 3.3L (non flex fuel) and 3.8L engines.

Please let me know of any questions.

Thank you.
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Sunday, August 15th, 2021 AT 6:52 PM
Tiny
JEFFREY DREIER
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I've got a few issues I will have a hard time explaining through text but, I love the thing. I got about $3,500.00 into it. Not including the stereo system. But honestly man, 281,000! It's all I keep referring back to, lol.
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Monday, August 16th, 2021 AT 6:12 PM
Tiny
SQM
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,383 POSTS
Well, I know the feeling. Been there before for sure. A while back I had a Escalade that had 287,000 miles. And I would put whatever it was necessary to keep it running as my daily driver. When I sold it, had over 300,000. But ran top notch as all necessary items were always taken care of.

So really its up to you if you love it, then you should keep it (that's at least what I like to do).
As far as the head gasket goes you don't have to change it unless there is an issue.

If you are other issues you need any info on, just open a new question for other issue. In order to help you the best way possible, you want to keep one issue per question.

Just follow this link:

https://www.2carpros.com/questions/new

Thank you.
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Monday, August 16th, 2021 AT 7:33 PM

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