The whole job can be done over the weekend, but realistically can be done in a day if you're skilled, have all materials and tools on hand and nothing breaks in the process. Be very careful loosening and tightening the A/C belt tensioner. It's not spring loaded like the alternator belt tensioner and the bracket is very thin where the tensioner bolts onto it. Don't overtorque it. Headgasket failure due to overheating is the number one killer of these engines and is far too common. Vapor-lock(airlock) is the number one cause of overheating. People often forget or simply don't bleed the system properly after opening the coolant loop. But sometimes equipment failures such as cracked radiators, plastic fittings or blown hoses allow coolant to either leak or dump and air to enter the system. Once enough air enters the system, it crates a bubble inside of the radiator which prevents coolant from circulating through the engine and heater core. The problem then multiplies when the coolant becomes trapped in the engine, vaporizes and builds up pressure. The superheated vapors can also damage sensors, fatigue components and ultimately weaken and destroy the headgasket as well as warp the cylinder head. Replacing these things and following with a proper bleeding will save you a ton of grief and money later down the road, not to mention the peace of mind and ability to drive your car worry free for another hundred thousand miles. |