Cylinder Heads and Head Gaskets

Cylinder Head and Gasket replacements on a 1999 Dodge RAM 1500 5.2L 318" - in detail. And, covering most steps as performed in the professional shop I worked in years ago.

You don't necessarily have to own a blast cabinet, parts washer or even air tools to complete this job, but they sure make things nice, and MUCH faster! My air compressor is a Sears 25 gallon unit which is now 19 years old. It was $300 new. The die grinder/buffer can be had for as little as $30. To me, that investment is totally worth the time saved. When my compressor finally bites the big one, it will be like my right arm just fell off. It WILL be replaced immediately, come credit card or painting the neighbor's shed for money! ...but that's just me.

There are gasket cleaning tools and chemicals out there to help those who don't have that gear. Approach this kind of job with a methodical view, and you can complete it. However, a good grasp of basic engine and cooling systems' operations are really needed. So do the research you feel is necessary for your level of ability. But, know your limits. This is an extensive job, but totally doable with the right knowledge and patience.

If you still feel uneasy, there is a TON of value to be had from your LOCAL repair facility; this took me two months to do over free weekends and nights - the video shooting greatly slowed the process but I could have done this in about a 2 to 3 week span, given my work schedule. Your LOCAL repair facility can have this back to you in as little as a week, with a warranty on their work. For those of us who really dig this kind of stuff, though, it's a lot of fun!

My biggest advice would be cleanliness is key.

Today's very common overhead cam engines will require some different procedures - some additionally and some covered in the video that won't be required. Refer to your repair manual for your particular application, and then apply some of the 'general' subjects I've offered in the video.

-Worthy of mentioning: in this case, it didn't matter that the manufacturer was 'Dodge.' The steps, methods and parts observed were not 'generally' different than most other manufacturers I've seen in other cases - it was all generally the same as I've done over my years of doing this stuff. I'm ASE-certified, and my observation is that this 'job' would generally be reflective of manufacturers of similar typed engines of the same age, and even far older. Nutshell: pretty typical, I'd say.

This video by no means covers each step needed for each engine for this kind of repair. Read up on your procedure - and then I hope watching this will help clear up any small questions you may have.

Thank you for watching! r-