Blown head gasket!!
 

Couple of overheating issues recently. Now there is elevated hydrocarbon in the radiator. Bubbles in the coolant. Water in the Oil. Plus my mechanic says the head gasket is blown:hmm:

So next steps? I'll have to get the heads valves, cylinders etc checked right?

How many mechanic hours work is this if i decide to pay a shop to do this thing?

Re: Blown head gasket!!
 

Others will chime in as well. If it were my truck, I would pull both heads and replace both head gaskets. Depending on the year of your truck and how many accessories are hanging off it, it's really not a difficult job. If you are mechanically inclined give it a shot. As far as a shop, I wouldn't venture a guess. You should be able to do it in a weekend. A good straight edge would tell you if the heads and/or the block are warped.

Re: Blown head gasket!!
 

Soooooooo. take the heads off then:
a) if all looks OK replace gaskets and drive (this is a mall / soccer crawler)
b) if the heads are warped replace and put new gaskets in
c) if the block is warped its a different story and a new approach is needed....

Re: Blown head gasket!!
 

I would always check to make sure the heads aren't warped, especially if they are aluminum. If the heads are warped then you can have them machined to straighten them out, not really a big deal. I highly doubt the block will be warped, but still a straight edge will show if that's the case. If it is, then yes, it's probably a major deal.

With all this said, I had an old Fox body years back. It had iron heads and I blew a head gasket. I cheaped out and just replace the one else blown gasket. I never had an issue. Still it wasn't the best idea.

Re: Blown head gasket!!
 

OK I'm going with the "remove and check and replace is nothing bent" option. WHILE this is being done are there any suggestions of other stuff we could look at / replace / check.
New thermometer is a must.... what else?

Re: Blown head gasket!!
 

Big question is why did it overheat? Clogged radiator, stuck thermostat, etc? I'd ask them to check if you haven't already.