[adam connolly]

G'day - I've blown the head gasket on my Nissan Patrol GQ petrol engine and have been told it'll be $8-$10,000 to fix. The mechanic has suggested dropping in another engine.

Any suggestions on whether I stick with a GQ replacement (if I can find one), which is likely to have 300K+ on the clock? Or should I opt for a newer, modern engine from some other model and make?

I know bugger all about mechanics so any collective wisdom this group can provide would be much appreciated.

 

[rgren2]

Must be a bit more than a head gasket for those $$$ 😳

 

[adam connolly]

Must be a bit more than a head gasket for those $$$ 😳

Yep I reckon you're right. The mechanic may be trying to pull a swifty on me.

 

[adam connolly]

Can anyone recommend a good repair shop in Sydney that rebuilds petrol engines?

 

[grumpyone]

Can anyone recommend a good repair shop in Sydney that rebuilds petrol engines?

In the meantime.if you just need to be mobile,K-Seal leak repair is good stuff,about 6 years ago I found a coolant weep at the head gasket {TD} and having just bought a block and running around sorting subbies for the house etc I had no time to put into the car so took a chance on this.About 18 months ago the weep reappeared and I stuck in another dose,

 

[Trollbasher]

You might want the mechanic to give you a full quote on what he is planning on spending $8k to $10k on.

I did mine (LPG TB42E) last year and replaced the head for a brand new one. Also gaskets (VRS kit with new head bolts), new water pump, new belts & hoses, coolant + service and filters. $1.5k for the head and VRS, $150.00 for the rest. Took me a lazy day to do with numerous beer breaks and a long lunch.
Based on that he's charging about $1,000.00 an hour labour.

 

[dkril]

Definitely get a written quote of what works he's proposing for the money.

 

[GUzdute]

For $8000 to $10000 you can by a whole patrol running.

 

[GQshayne]

One of the possible causes of the head gasket failure is liner protrusion below minimum spec. This has been known to happen on engines that have been rebuilt - a head gasket can fail after 30-50,000km.

In this instance, a rebuild to fix the problem can cost what you have been quoted.

 

[Trollbasher]

One of the possible causes of the head gasket failure is liner protrusion below minimum spec. This has been known to happen on engines that have been rebuilt - a head gasket can fail after 30-50,000km.

In this instance, a rebuild to fix the problem can cost what you have been quoted.

Fair on a diesel, but The TB42 petrol motors don't have liners.

 

[GQshayne]

Fair on a diesel, but The TB42 petrol motors don't have liners.

Quite right, I had misread the original post and mistakenly thought it was a diesel.

 

[eddahenry]

wow ,, i did mine myself ,, $550 head service , $100 head gasket $70 head bolts took a day with a service manual
it really isnt hard to do and can be done easy in car

 

[pedro the swift]

Greetings, I had the head replaced on my 1990 GQ patrol (375000) (petrol) in 2020 due to a cracked head( my fault) total cost $2901.80 including $1540 labour. Is your mechanic using gold plated parts?

 

[dkril]

We still don't know what the actual quote is for. If it's for a full engine rebuild, then it could be reasonable. It also may be a worst case scenario (the full rebuild), and the actual cost ends up being less. Or it could be the mechanic just doesn't want the work, but, "Never say no to a customer."

Until more detailed information is forthcoming, everything is speculation.

 

[Catweazle]

G'day - I've blown the head gasket on my Nissan Patrol GQ petrol engine and have been told it'll be $8-$10,000 to fix. The mechanic has suggested dropping in another engine.

Any suggestions on whether I stick with a GQ replacement (if I can find one), which is likely to have 300K+ on the clock? Or should I opt for a newer, modern engine from some other model and make?

I know bugger all about mechanics so any collective wisdom this group can provide would be much appreciated.

If it comes to replacing it I have a complete spare TB42 efi engine here that has supposedly 212,000 on it I might part with for $500 plus freight.