Head Gasket Job Advice

[GEE-OTTO]

Hello all!

 

So my 08 Legacy passenger side HG is starting to weep (no overheating, pressurized coolant, milkshake oil) a tad more than the past 168K miles:) While I have no issue with tearing down my engine to remove the heads and reassemble with new HGs (OEM updated HGs) I am fearful that the head or block or both may not be 100% true/flat. The car has never overheated much less risen above the 170F mark. Bone stock engine minus a AVO panel filter.

 

So my real question is should I shell out $3k-$3.5K for a HG job (machining+labor+little things)

 

OR

 

Do the project myself and should I encounter a untrue head deal with it then? I would replace the IM to Head gaskets, Exhaust port gaskets, Upper and lower rad hoses and reuse my timing set with a new belt (only 60K old).

 

This isn't my daily driver but she has been rock solid since the day I got her off the truck at the dealership While it hasn't pressurized the coolant I don't want it to get that far or even get to where its leaking, I would rather replace and have one less thing to worry about.

 

Thoughts? Suggestions greatly appreciated

[BarManBean]

If the motor has never overheated you shouldn't have to worry about the block not being flat. Heads are always a "check and resurface if needed" type of thing. Most seem to just deck them and be done, but if you can confirm that they are true with a machinist straight edge that should indicate they are good to go as well.

[acumenhokie]

I had the same issue with HG weeping but never overheating, etc. Mine happened at 40k miles though.

 

The shop did not think that I had damaged the heads (likely followed BarManBean's advice) so we just replaced the bolts with studs and put everything back together. Worked fine and car is as good as new.