Head Gasket Replacement - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Beardog · 02-21-2009, 04:32 PM

Ok guys, I need help. I need to know how much work is involved in replacing the head gasket on a 1995 3.0 V6 camry. My parents told me their camry has a leak from the head gasket (I'm assuming a small oil leak, because the mecahnic wasn't insistant). They just had their water pump and timing belt changed. they probably should have had it changed at that time, but didn't.

Anyway the questions are:

how much work is involved?
can i get the cylinder heads off as a unit without breaking those down?
What other parts are coming off?
What parts can i get off as units?
Are there any really special tools that i need for the job (rent or purchase)?
what other gaskets, seals, will i need in addition to the head gasket? The V6 needs 2 correct?

Right now, there doesn't seem to be any hurry (tiny leak), so I'm telling them to sit on it and be watchful for any changes. Please don't suggest an engine swap. It's already an option on my list and I'm looking into it. What i need to know is the above information, and if its pratical to go in at this time, especially after the recent repairs.

abew330 · 02-21-2009, 06:08 PM

i think theres a diy on here...

davemac2 · 02-21-2009, 07:03 PM

For a first timer who is experienced with other repairs, it is around 16-25 hrs of work. If you don't bother doing piston surface cleaning or just pull the one front head, then you can get away with 16 hrs. It's usually the front head which blows out on #6. You need to remove all the T-belt stuff, the intake plenum, intake manifold. Full Gasket set will cost you anywhere from $200-300. New head bolts are recommended at about $50-70 for the set, but you can probably get away with reusing the old ones. You need to inpsect the head and block surfaces to make sure they are flat before re-installing.

I would get some clarification from the mechanic as to exactly what the leak is. If it is an oil leak from the HG, I would not worry about it until it gets worse. You may want to do a block test on it to make sure exhaust gases are not leaking out and causing an overheat. Test drive it for an hour at hwy speeds +70mph up some hills if possible to see if it overheats.

dave mc

bronzemaxell · 02-22-2009, 07:56 AM

head gasket usually won't leak until there is an over heat in the engine, and i hope your mechanic is not mistake this for a valve cover gasket leak, which is a much less labor intensive task.