Peugeot Head gasket conundrum

[carlo]

Hi all, I'm appealing to those in the know and who've had experience of replacing head gaskets as I don't know which way to turn on this old 405 of mine. (As ever Autoshite is the first place I turn to)

 

 

The chappie who removed the head is now poorly and can't really continue with it, although he's prepared the block surface and (all!) that needs doing is attaching the head and connecting everything up - I've had it pressure tested. The garages I've spoken to seem to be saying they'll charge virtually the whole price of the job just to complete it, could be £400-£500. What concerns me is what my mechanic has said in passing. He's a bit suspicious of what the inherent fault/damage may be in this car, and has pointed to the fact that the head specialist only skimmed 12 thou off the head, there was no obvious damage to the gasket when he removed it, and the car had had a virtually new water pump fitted. Also he thought there was evidence of a bit of rust in no.4 cylinder bore. Does any of this point to other problems to anyone out there? How hard is it to get this head back on myself?! (I'm not very good mechanically, just like driving 'em!)

 

Arse biscuits, as someone so aptly said recently.

[Lankytim]

4-500 notes? He is taking the piss!

[scruff]

I'd chance it by throwing it back together. What engine is it, and have you got a manual?? You are miles from me unfortunately but perhaps there's a crack AS team nearby who could help you bolt it all back together?

[carlo]

It's the Peugeot 405 petrol 1998cc 8v engine, have only got the Haynes manual. I'd certainly swap it for some computer work!

[Talbotman]

In general these are quite a sturdy engine and is a later development of the earlier 1.9 xu lump. Theres nothing really tricky in bolting it all back together - i would hazard a guess that the garage thats quoted for the work are over pricing to put you off,its an old motor and they dont really want the hassle of any comeback if it continually overheats again. Id get somebody to do a hobble for you, bolt it together whack in another waterpump fresh thermostat etc and see what happens. The engine is common to the mid 90s 306 xsi and cabriolet so if it does go pop - engines are out there as transplants.