Hi,

Unlike a lot of you guys I am a fairly limited mechanic. I've got an 84 that needs a head gasket ( just starting to show symptoms), and I wonder if anyone has a recommendation for a shop in Minnesota ( preferably twin city area).

OR
I have a later model short block, and I wonder if somebody could build that up and swap it for some reasonable cost. From what I understand, the cam is different, and I either have to buy a new head or reuse my old cam. I think that there are other issues well.
(This option is pretty much just a dream on my part.)

All suggestions appreciated,

hj

This probably a really good chance for you to try out some new skill. This would be a very good first time head gasket change job for you to try, it is about as easy as a head gasket change gets. Larry

if you have a place to work on the car you should definitely give it a shot. i do quite a bit of mechanics but just workin in my yard i think i had it tore down in less than an hour. a basic set of metric tools will get the job done. a torque wrench is the only special tool you will need. its a very simple job and there are lots of people here that will help if you get in a bind. it will be a huge rush when you put it together and it runs and you can say i did that myself. plus its waaay cheaper. i think i had less than 100 into my head job.

Thanks for the kind words, but doing it myself is really not a good option for a lot of reasons.

hj .

talk to a shop and see what they charge for head gasket replacement. BTW, your head could have a crack, so factor in the cost of replacing that also.

If Brooklyn Park isnt too far, there is a guy there pretty much an expert in Fieros, owns some of his own. Runs a service shop. I'll PM his phone # to you.

Need (minimum):
Head Gasket.
Head Bolts set. OE ones was weak, never reuse them. (use PFF search more reading)
Exhaust Manifold Gasket
Valve cover gasket

A day job or less. This assumes no bolt(s) will fail etc trying to get head off, head might have cracked, head and block pass flatness test...

But He says he Can't to the job. Ouch.
Estimates $500-1000 or more when they take the job. Many "mechanics" won't touch this or over-price the job because of potential headache on old cars.

Use a shop etc to build a used engine? Just get a Jasper etc rebuild w/ warranty. Likely cheaper and more reliable then to build up you short block.

quote From what I understand, the cam is different, and I either have to buy a new head or reuse my old cam. I think that there are other issues well.

no...
Confirm cam type and use right push rods.
more see my Cave, Quick Ref

------------------
Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.
(Jurassic Park)

The Ogre's Fiero Cave (It's also at the top and bottom of every forum page...)

Thanks guys, I may get this done yet!

hj

Hi,

Just thought I'd mention -- fixup was done by Purple Reign (member here). Great job -- took the time to figure things out!


Update if anyone cares. NOT a head gasket -- acted a lot like a head gasket problem I'd had with a different Fiero -- go figure.

- Vacuum leak
- other tuneup ( I didn't do it)
- overcharging alternator!

Has run good for several months now!

hj

[This message has been edited by ford2go (edited 10-23-2013).]