For U Solution

Head gasket failures can be caused by high mileage or simply an aging vehicle, but are often due to an overheated engine. Additional repairs may be needed after the inspection.

Vehicle Year

The cost of having your head gasket replaced on your 2.5L Dodge Dakota will be about the same whether your vehicle was one of the first 2.5L Dakotas (e.g., before 1990) or one of the last 2.5L Dakotas (around 2002, for example).

Parts

The parts needed to replace the head gasket may include coolant, engine oil, a gasket sealer, a head gasket set, an oil drain plug gasket and an oil filter. The cost of these parts in 2010, according to RepairPal, can range from $320 to $450.

Labor

The labor costs will probably total between $445 and $570 (as of 2010) depending on location.

Total Cost

The total cost of labor and parts to replace a head gasket on a 2.5L four-cylinder Dodge Dakota will probably be between $767 and $1,016. Additional repairs may be required and add to the overall cost of repairing the vehicle.

Gaskets seal the connection between two rigid materials. The gasket material often lodges against one of the pieces entering the connection as it ages or becomes heated. Before installing a new gasket on the connection, you must remove the old gasket. Using the proper tools to remove the gasket will ensure no damage occurs to the gasket mounting flange. A damaged flange will cause leaks to form around the gasket, allowing air or fluids to bypass the seal.

Instructions

1

Place plastic sheeting over painted areas surrounding the part containing the gasket material. Secure the plastic sheeting to the area with pieces of duct tape.

2

Apply a gasket remover to the gasket material. Allow the gasket remover to sit on the gasket for 30 to 45 minutes.

3

Slide the flat end of a plastic scraper under the gasket material. Push the scraper forward using short strokes to lift the gasket material from the gasket flange. Wipe accumulated gasket material from the scraper with a rag. Scrape the flange until no large pieces of gasket remain on it.

4

Apply additional gasket remover to the gasket flange. Allow the remover to sit on the flange for another 30 to 45 minutes.

5

Wipe the remaining material and/or adhesive from the gasket flange with a rag. Inspect the gasket flange. Repeat the process of applying and wiping the flange until no sign of the gasket material remains on the flange.

The valve cover gasket seals the engine head to help it run smoothly and prevent any oil leakage. A good indication of when its time to replace the valve cover gasket on your Jaguar XJ6 is when oil begins to leak out of the engine head. You can replacing the valve cover gasket easily in a matter of a few minutes. With the right tools and instructions youll be able to change your own valve cover gasket with no hassle.

Instructions

1

Park your car on a level surface and open the hood. Disconnect the negative terminal battery cable.

2

Gently detach the PCV hose from the valve cover located on the engine head. Disconnect the spark plug leads attached to each spark plug by pulling on the boot (do not pull on the wires to avoid damaging the spark plug leads). Note: Its essential you remember exactly which lead goes to which spark plug.

3

Loosen and remove the valve cover mounting screws using a flat screw driver. Detach the valve cover and valve cover gasket from the head by firmly pulling it off (if the seal will not break, use a putty knife between the engine head and the valve cover to break the seal).

4

Clean the mating surface using a shop rag and engine degreaser until no oil or sealant residue remains. Apply a coat of RTV sealant to the pristine mating surface.

5

Install the new valve cover gasket, it will only fit in one way. Reattach the valve cover. Reconnect each spark plug lead in the exact manner in which they were plugged in before disconnection. Reattach the PCV hose to the valve cover. Reconnect the negative battery cable.

6

Turn the car on and allow it to run for a few minutes. Check the valve cover for any leakage.

The CR-V is a compact crossover that has been manufactured by Honda since 1995. It is powered by a 2.4-liter gas engine that has an output of 160 horsepower and 160 foot-pounds of torque. A blown head gasket on the CR-V can cause serious damage to the engine by mixing the engine coolant with the engine oil. If you have basic auto repair knowledge and possess a few common shop tools, you can replace the gasket yourself.

Instructions

1

Position the new cylinder head gasket and dowel pins on the cylinder block. Always use a new gasket. Set the crankshaft to top dead center (TDC) position. Align the top dead center (TDC) mark on the crankshaft sprocket with chalk or a marker on the cylinder block.

2

Install the cylinder head on the block. Measure the diameter of each cylinder head bolt. If the diameter is less than 0.42-inch, replace the cylinder head bolt. Apply engine oil to the bolt threads and under the bolt heads for all of the cylinder head bolts.

3

Tighten the cylinder head bolts 29 foot-pounds, using a beam-type torque wrench. If you use a preset-type torque wrench, be sure to tighten slowly and do not over-tighten the bolts. If a bolt makes any noise while you are torquing it, loosen the bolt and re-tighten it from the beginning. After torquing, tighten all cylinder head bolts in two steps (90 degrees per step). If you are using a new cylinder head bolt, tighten the bolt an extra 90 degrees.

4

Install the rocker arm assembly. Connect the water bypass hose. Tighten the connecting pipe mounting bolt and brake booster vacuum line mounting bolts, and then install the harness holder on the bracket. Install the upper radiator hose and heater hose.

5

Connect the water bypass hose. Install the intake and exhaust manifolds. Install the cam chain. Attach the fuel feed hose. Adjust the valve clearance. Install the drive belt. Clean the battery posts and cable terminals with sandpaper, then assemble them and apply grease to prevent corrosion. After installation, check that all tubes, hoses and connectors are installed correctly. Refill the radiator with engine coolant, and bleed air from the cooling system with the heater valve open. Inspect the idle speed. Check the engine for leaks.