I have a leaking head gasket and want to take the head to the machine shop. I know the deck needs to be machined and new valve stems installed. What about springs do they need to be replaced? What typically does a shop do when a cylinder head comes in for work?

 

they will check the springs to see if they need replaced. You should probably call and see what they offer. If you want for them to just machine it, they will do that. You're the customer. Make a call to the machine shop.

 

Thanks for the response. I will have the machine shop check the springs and valves. I've read good things about the Fel-Pro head gaskets, but they have several models for the XJ. Any recommendation as to the part number?

 

it depends on the year. One of your local parts stores will have it, have them look it up.

 

I generally buy my parts from Rock Auto. They have three different versions of the Fel-Pro head gasket. Thanks

 

definitely get it from a parts store, I wouldn't wait on rock auto, especially if they send you the wrong one.

 

Thanks. good point

 

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Will cost you $72, replace them.


A head job will cost you nearly $400 when it's said and done....gaskets, oil, filter, cleaner, shop labor, seals, etc........not to mention your time......coolant and so forth.

If you are going there....go all the way.

 

have the machine shop inspect it first. They know what they're doing. A lot of times you won't need anything but valve seals and maybe a valve grind.

 

Just take it to a good machine shop and tell them to do what ever needs to be done. That way its on them to do a good job and not someone telling them how to do it, BTW in this case let them buy the parts as most of its labor anyway.