[Doug D]

Thanks for all the info!

So, since there is air repeatedly getting into the system, it's almost certainly the head gasket (though we could check to verify flow and look for a leak sucking in air someplace, but that seems unlikely, and could check for CO in the coolant to make sure). A shop I just talked to said if they do the head gaskets on a motor with 155k on it, the bottom end could blow before too long, so I'd be better off just putting in a new engine. Ouch.

Like Bob posted, that is just a scare tactic. A bad HG does not correlate to a bad bottom end unless it's already showing signs of failure. I'd steer clear of that shop from now on.

I'd make sure the clamps are tight, test the thermostat, replace the radiator cap and bleed all air out before condemning the head gasket. The hole in the thermostat is a good trick - usually only needed on the 2.2/2.5 4 cylinder engines - I did it with all the 2.5's I had.

The last thing I'd do is test the coolant for exhaust gases.

 

[Doug D]

I've found two shops that are willing to do just the head gaskets; $768 and $900 quotes, though I think that's without resurfacing the heads, and neither of them mentioned that fact, I had to ask.

That sounds about right for a V6 head gasket. Best to confirm if that includes resurfacing the heads and checking for straightness. I'm in Virginia so I don't know of any shops to recommend though I did live in Holliston for a short time a long time ago.

$5500 for a rebuilt engine is a bit more than I could stomach considering the van is only worth ~$1,000 more than that. I don't see the necessity of R&R the engine because of a blown head gasket.

You might PM Bob Lincoln though I think he is in Rhode Island (?) - he may still know of some decent shops.