Head gasket replacement

BRIEL15

MEMBER
2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE
5.7L
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
160,000 MILES

When I purchased my car I knew it needed a head gasket replacement, but a mechanic started it but scammed me and took my passenger side head for the engine. I want to know should I buy a refurbished head for that side and have a mechanic install it and finish the job or would it be better to sell the car? Also if I replace the missing head, I know I'll have to get the other head cleaned. Correct?

Saturday, June 29th, 2019 AT 12:58 PM

3 Replies

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

Hi Briel,

Sorry to hear that happened. Getting a replacement head is the route I would go if you want to keep the vehicle. However, if you don't then you may be able to sell it as is but you will not get as much for it.

If it were me, I would get it repaired and then decide what you want to do with it. As for removing and cleaning the other head, that is only necessary if there was an issue. Was the head gasket bad on that side as well? If not, I would not remove it. Plus, heads are not normally cleaned or rebuilt unless there is an issue.

Please let me know if you have other questions. Thanks

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Saturday, June 29th, 2019 AT 1:21 PM

BRIEL15

MEMBER
2 POSTS

I do plan on keeping the car. I'm unsure if the other head is bad. I'm pretty sure it should be fine. People kept telling me that if I replace the head on one side then I should either get the other clean or replace it also because it would be a difference in pressure in the engine. Is that true?

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Saturday, June 29th, 2019 AT 1:31 PM

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

No. That's not true. You measure the compression on the other side and if it is okay then you leave it alone.

Here is how to perform a compression test:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-engine-compression

Basically, removing a head is pretty extensive and you only do it when you need to. If there is no reason to remove it, leave it alone and do only the side that needs it.

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Saturday, June 29th, 2019 AT 2:36 PM