Hello, I just bought an 05 Duramax that has a blown head gasket. Instead of paying 4-5 grand to put a head gasket and chancing that something may be wrong with the motor, I'm going to purchase a reman. motor. Any recommendations on a good quality reman. motor out there? Any other recommendations on how to move forward with this truck? I would love to rebuild the motor myself, but time is an issue right now. Thanks!
Remanufactured motor
- Thread starter Jrmat1
- Start date
It cost the same around here to get it done as well. Doing it yourself will cost (with studs) about a 1k-1500 depending on machine work. Its the hours that add up.
4-5k is what most independent Duramax shops charge as far as I know.
Dealers generally charge upwards of 6-7k
Dealers generally charge upwards of 6-7k
You're all correct, but since he mentioned being worried about other things wrong with the motor it sounds to me as if he was going to be doing it himself. If you have it checked out and repaired by a shop, you usually don't have to worry about it coming back broken.
I got my heads cleaned and surfaced, new gaskets, ARP 2000 studs and an avant 4094 turbo installed for 7k...the head job and gaskets and studs was about $4,300
That being said, a year or so later I toasted the engine and bought a brand new/refurbished GM crate engine from GM with their standard 100,000mi warranty for $6800 out the door and installed it myself...
IMHO
The smart money would be spent on the new engine if you can do the job yourself, but remember there is always going to be other costs involved, may it be getting tools like a hoist and stand or a flywheel holder, or extra/new parts like a better H2O pump, balancer, injectors, turbo etc...and don't forget fluids, they add up quick
The $6800 only covered the long block which had a new H2O pump and oil cooler, front and rear cover, heads and valve covers bolted on but nothing else...
There's a few shops around that don't totally gouge ya for a head job, but even then it's gonna be close to a $4k bill...
That being said, a year or so later I toasted the engine and bought a brand new/refurbished GM crate engine from GM with their standard 100,000mi warranty for $6800 out the door and installed it myself...
IMHO
The smart money would be spent on the new engine if you can do the job yourself, but remember there is always going to be other costs involved, may it be getting tools like a hoist and stand or a flywheel holder, or extra/new parts like a better H2O pump, balancer, injectors, turbo etc...and don't forget fluids, they add up quick
The $6800 only covered the long block which had a new H2O pump and oil cooler, front and rear cover, heads and valve covers bolted on but nothing else...
There's a few shops around that don't totally gouge ya for a head job, but even then it's gonna be close to a $4k bill...
But, if the engine did t overheat it's probably fine...
And if ya can R&R an engine, you can do the gasket job too...
Doing the head gasket job on your own should only run ya about $1500 max with the cleaning and surface job being done by a machinist, new gaskets and fresh fluids and new GM head bolts
I'd be inclined to tear the top of the engine down, inspect what ya can and do the head job myself
And if ya can R&R an engine, you can do the gasket job too...
Doing the head gasket job on your own should only run ya about $1500 max with the cleaning and surface job being done by a machinist, new gaskets and fresh fluids and new GM head bolts
I'd be inclined to tear the top of the engine down, inspect what ya can and do the head job myself
Got Damn!!! I did injectors, HG, studs, and all new fuel lines, cups, etc for less than 4,000. Frick do the work yourself. Noway I'd drop 6-7k for hes gaskets on a 10 year old truck! The only reason I fixed my 2001 was because the money invested in new trans and turbo! This is insane guys.....
I'm sure at your work there is no profit being made to pay overhead costs then pay everyone to make a decent living and then warranty what you do. 5-7k without any extras is a bit out of hand though.
Your posts are usually informative and helpful. This one is not. I was waiting for a do you work for free post....
That being said, I'd like to see a breakdown of parts and labor. Hint, the parts ain't that much.
I like making money as much as the next guy:thumb:. But I'm not allowed to be ridiculous with my pricing. Too many competitors here, and in other countries.
Back on topic. How many miles are on the truck and what condition is it in? It's doubtful the motor is garbage. I would pull the motor and take the heads off. If it got hot enough to hurt it you will know. If all looks well have the heads gone through and put it back together and enjoy the truck.
I keep my pricing fair as I was born with a conscience and I treat customers as I would want to be treated. However as fun as all this is we still need to make a paycheck at the end of the day. Sorry if I came across as rude but your post had a touch of ignorant to it
I keep my pricing fair as I was born with a conscience and I treat customers as I would want to be treated. However as fun as all this is we still need to make a paycheck at the end of the day. Sorry if I came across as rude but your post had a touch of ignorant to it
Yeah saving money is ignorant:thumb:
Some people never cease to amaze me, thank you for that.