Blown head gasket

DILLAN ARBON

MEMBER
2006 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX
3.8L
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
175,000 MILES

Is it a better idea to pull and swap out my engine with a used engine and cost wise save me time and money to swap engines than to replace and spend the time and money in tearing down and replacing the gasket? A friend suggested a engine swap instead instead snd for about $500.00 I can get a used motor to swap out the one with blown head gasket. What’s my best option that’s cheaper and time and labor saver for me?

Monday, June 21st, 2021 AT 6:44 AM

1 Reply

JOECALL

MEMBER
6 POSTS

Hi Dillon,

I have attached the labor times for the engine replacement (11-15 hours) and the head gasket replacement (9-12 hours). If you can find a low mileage engine then it may be beneficial to replace the entire engine. If your replacement engine is 130,000 miles or higher i would consider repairing the engine you have. The higher mileage engine might require replacement gaskets much sooner than you would like. I personally would repair the engine I have so I know the age and condition of the head and intake gaskets.

Here is some info on testing a head gasket:
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/head-gasket-blown-test

Cheers,
Joe

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