rebuild heads or new motor?

[deepseeman]

My head gaskets need to be replaced and I have quotes from 1200 to 2500 to get it done. is it better to just buy a rebuilt motor or do an upgrade to a 6.5? i dont have the time to do it myself or I would try.

does anybody know someone in the San Diego area that works on these beasts?
I would rather support someone from here first then use a no namer out in town.

 

[IdahoPlowboy]

I wish I was closer I would be glad to help out.

 

[Shop Rat Fab]

To answer correctly and for us to give our opinions we need more info.
Are you sure its the head gaskets and not a cracked head or block?
High mileage on the truck or not?
Cost of reman engine and install would be more than head gaskets.
No need for a 6.5 upgrade unless you have one. (My opion)

 

[bones1]

Not to be a pill,but who told you that you needed that repair and how did they test it?.

 

[ralbelt]

I replaced one head with a new one, original was cracked, and had the other resurfaced and valves inspected and recut or replaced as needed, tear down was 2-3 hrs and reassembly about 6-7 in 30 degree weather. I had never done one prior to.
With the TM's handy it's a relatively easy job.

 

[deepseeman]

appreciate the advice and input. I am having the heads done by a buddy's shop. 1k total unless head needs replaced. actual mileage on motor was unknown. my guess around 200k. i was losing coolant and have a new radiator and hoses with no leaks. I had bubbles coming from between the block and the head. I just wanted to get on it before it got to bad.

 

[Blood_of_Tyrants]

If this guy is charging you $1000 just to replace head gaskets, he isn't your "buddy". He is charging you $1000 for $100 worth of gaskets and 6-8 hours of labor.

****, you can buy a HMMWV pullout engine that runs for $600.

 

[JUNKYARDJOHN]

If this guy is charging you $1000 just to replace head gaskets, he isn't your "buddy". He is charging you $1000 for $100 worth of gaskets and 6-8 hours of labor.

****, you can buy a HMMWV pullout engine that runs for $600.

I bought two from G.L. for $150 each. The shipping cans they came in were 540 lbs each & worth more than that. I plan on making a woodstove for my shop out of one & an engine test-running stand out of the other. John