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 Thomas C&C27 MKIII Port 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) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ _______________________________________________ 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 greatly appreciated!
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