Pulling the head is not a difficult job, if you have a good srt of tools. I
would suggest that if the head comes off get it overhauled. This will include a
valve job, overhauled injectors, and the head cleaned, checked and any
abnormalities addressed. This is called a TOP overhaul. It will give your
engine a new lease on life.
Doug MountjoysvPegasusLF38 #4just west of Ballard, WA.
------ Original message------From: S Thomas via CnC-List Date: Thu, Sep 8, 2016
12:44To: cnc-list@cnc-list.com;Cc: S Thomas;Subject:Re: Stus-List 3QM30 Head
Gasket
.hmmessage P { PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px;
PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px}BODY.hmmessage { FONT-FAMILY:
Calibri; FONT-SIZE: 12pt}1. You don't have to change the injectors just because
you need a new head gasket but it might be a good time if access is otherwise
difficult and/or you were planning to do it soon anyway. 2. You do not need to
plane the head unless it is warped or visibly damaged from blow by, but it does
need to be cleaned carefully and checked to see if it is warped. If it was me,
I would at least check all of the other stuff while it is out, guides, valve
seats, and probably change the valve seals no matter what, but if you are on a
budget then the essential thing is to make sure that the head and the block are
clean and flat, and to use the correct sequence and torque during reassembly.
Cleanliness is extremely important inside the engine. If you discover that any
of the hoses are getting hard, change them. If you don't they will fail soon
after reassembly in my experience. 3. If you do decide to go ahead and do what
you can your self, you should at least try to find a mechanic willing to do the
tricky bits (inspection and assembly) and offer instruction on how to do the
rest. In general, disassembly is less technically complicated than proper
assembly, but it can be difficult and therefore $$ labour intensive. It is one
place you might be able to save money safely. There is nothing particularly
special about the cylinder head on a marine diesel vs any other sort of diesel,
so your mechanic need not be someone who bills themselves as a marine mechanic.
I have found that there are people who feel that they should get paid more than
they would otherwise for the same work just because they are working on an
expensive yacht instead of a tractor. 4. Any opinion, including mine, is worth
exactly what you paid for it. Good luck. Steve ThomasC&C27 MKIIIPort Stanley,
ON ----- Original Message ----- From: David via CnC-List To: CNC CNC
Cc: David Sent: Thursday, September 08, 2016 14:40 Subject: Stus-List
3QM30 Head Gasket
So...we are leaving harbor to make our way down to Mystic for the
Rendezvous. As I usually do I turn around and check the exhaust for water
and color.
Today the color as darkish grey and it looked like oil was coming out as well.
I do an immediate 180 and go back to the mooring.
Mechanic is out within the hour and confirms my suspicions. Head gasket. To
do the job right (injectors, planing head etc) he estimates $2,500 to $3,000.
I think the price is fair but I wonder if I could do it myself. Anyone
have any experiences around this? I am a fair mechanic, but I don't want to
be penny-wise of pound foolish and I have never done anything like this
before.
Thanks in advance...
David F. Risch
1981 40-2
(401) 419-4650 (cell)
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This list is supported by the generous donations of our members. If you like
what we do, please help us pay for our costs by donating. All Contributions are
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