It's been awhile on my YJ. But, Napa (where I live) has a machine shop. The valve job on head was $300-$350 (forget). Plus gaskets, and $150 labor.

Try craigs list. I had done it 3x with good luck. Just ask for reference or talk to them. You will know if its a kid wanting weekend money, or someone doing it as a side job.

 

Is it something I could do at home?

 

Surprises are fun...lol

 

Yes.

My XJ has been good about them lol... freaking leak is getting under my skin though. Its up top by the cap or that plug i have a picture of and leaking down infront of the aribox and dripping down

 

Labor, Yes, 100%.
The valve job, no. Machine shop has to do it.
Head gasket only, yes.

Doing the valve job, will cure oil leaks, give you more power too (you will notice it).

 

What's your mechanic skill, do you have a pretty good amount of tools and a spot for the car to sit for a few days at most?

 

Cap is good? Most auto places will pressure test it for free.

 

Right. If OP is just doing head gasket it can be done on a Sat no problem. No real special skills needed in my opinion.

If OP is doing the head work. Most shops need 3 days.

 

Cap is good and new... Idk what the issue is cause it looks like its from the plug right behind and under it

 

About 5yrs ago wife had a Saturn as a commuter car. Leaked like yours. Replaced the radiator (RadiatorBarn.com). Once I had it off, I could see the hair line crack at the top by cap.

 

I'm a great DIY mechanic if I know what im trying to do. I have like $500 of my own hand tools and $1,500 of my dads. Yep have a spot my old jeep sat for 3 months

 

Is the valve job a must? Or does just changing the gasket fix it?

 

I say do it. It's a great way to learn more about your engine. Just set a time you think you'll get it done in, triple that and have a few beers ready when you're done.

 

You can do the head work, and parts, for less than $500.

iirc

Remove air cleaner
Take off throttle body
Remove intake manifold
Remove injector rail
Take off top coolant hose
Remove t-stat
Remove valve cover
Remove head

I'm slow, so 3hrs off, then 3hrs back assembled. No special tools for anything listed.

 

Gasket only is fine. I am old school. I say since your there, do it. Just like with hoses, belts, t-stat. Why put back in old? Again, I am old school like that.

Besides, when you sell it, its a partial rebuilt motor, and you can get more for it!