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[cem_devecioglu]

there are 2 options.. either fix the problem side or do both sides at a time..
 
I have done (by help) both sides at different times (didnt need to wait long maximum a year ) and also done both sides at the same time.. (HG changed)
 
imo both sides when engine out is simpler, better and shorter.. but with a drawback, you need some equipment  and help to take engine out.. so your choice
 
but in any case buy the gasket which is composed of metal sheets not the other (both original)
 

[cem_devecioglu]

I must remind that its too cold nowadays for that kind of job even if you work in a garage.. many plastic clips, connectors can be easily broken , so its better you delay the job until weather becomes more "normal"

[Humpy]

so its better you delay the job until weather becomes more "normal"

My thoughts exactly 

I have got the gasket from Vauxhall so it should be right!

Humpy

[cem_devecioglu]

this is the correct one.. matt color..
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vauxhall-V6-EXHAUST-MANIFOLD-GASKET-OMEGA-CAVALIER-/370223204957

[JamesV6CDX]

Whilst I agree with Cem that the weather is cack, and the job is not THAT urgent... prolonging it for a long long time could cause the exhaust gasses to keep cutting somewhat of a channel in the ali head (I've seen it pit them a little before).

I'd be happpy to do the job, but only really if the car could be left with me. I may be the exception to the rule, but my method of attack is just to whip the cylinder head off, and change the manifold with the head out of the car.

Yes it's quite a bit more work, but MUCH more preferable to struggling and rolling around on the driveway.... and makes it much easier to porperly flatten the surfaces etc to prevent it happening again, also makes it easier to clean the threads out, and tackle any stubborn nuts...

[cem_devecioglu]

Whilst I agree with Cem that the weather is cack, and the job is not THAT urgent... prolonging it for a long long time could cause the exhaust gasses to keep cutting somewhat of a channel in the ali head (I've seen it pit them a little before).

I'd be happpy to do the job, but only really if the car could be left with me. I may be the exception to the rule, but my method of attack is just to whip the cylinder head off, and change the manifold with the head out of the car.

Yes it's quite a bit more work, but MUCH more preferable to struggling and rolling around on the driveway.... and makes it much easier to porperly flatten the surfaces etc to prevent it happening again, also makes it easier to clean the threads out, and tackle any stubborn nuts...

James, add me to your exception..   working under the car in an evil tight area , makes the job unnecessarily long and hard.. and whilst the heads are out do everything once , pay once ..

[JamesV6CDX]

Whilst I agree with Cem that the weather is cack, and the job is not THAT urgent... prolonging it for a long long time could cause the exhaust gasses to keep cutting somewhat of a channel in the ali head (I've seen it pit them a little before).

I'd be happpy to do the job, but only really if the car could be left with me. I may be the exception to the rule, but my method of attack is just to whip the cylinder head off, and change the manifold with the head out of the car.

Yes it's quite a bit more work, but MUCH more preferable to struggling and rolling around on the driveway.... and makes it much easier to porperly flatten the surfaces etc to prevent it happening again, also makes it easier to clean the threads out, and tackle any stubborn nuts...

James, add me to your exception..   working under the car in an evil tight area , makes the job unnecessarily long and hard.. and whilst the heads are out do everything once , pay once ..

 

[Elite Pete]

Whilst I agree with Cem that the weather is cack, and the job is not THAT urgent... prolonging it for a long long time could cause the exhaust gasses to keep cutting somewhat of a channel in the ali head (I've seen it pit them a little before).

I'd be happpy to do the job, but only really if the car could be left with me. I may be the exception to the rule, but my method of attack is just to whip the cylinder head off, and change the manifold with the head out of the car.

Yes it's quite a bit more work, but MUCH more preferable to struggling and rolling around on the driveway.... and makes it much easier to porperly flatten the surfaces etc to prevent it happening again, also makes it easier to clean the threads out, and tackle any stubborn nuts...

James, add me to your exception..   working under the car in an evil tight area , makes the job unnecessarily long and hard.. and whilst the heads are out do everything once , pay once ..

Personally I think it would be asking the customer to pay twice possibly three times more to make it easier on the person doing the job

[amba]

Totally agree,Pete.

Most of us want to keep our cars running in the best possible health and when a nsaty job crops up it bad enough,but when you then have to factor into the cost extra gaskets ,probably belt and possibly tensioners etc etc it gets very costly.

Obviously it is different if you can do these jobs yourself then why not strip it right down.

[Humpy]

Hmmm. In the end I took it to a local garage that I know and trust (thanks James for the offer but the logistics  ) Now the engine is out it's clearer to see whats been going on. The nearside head gasket has been weeping coolant at the back which has caused the manifold stud on the corner to corrode which is why the gasket is blowing! Also, the coil pack is cracked and the clutch thrust bearing has seen better days. I think I'll change the clutch (well, they will) while its all out but what about the coil pack? Would you change a cracked (where the fixing flange is on the left as you look at it) coil pack and would you do both head gaskets or just the one? Thanks for any advice in advance.

Humpy

[cem_devecioglu]

personally I would change both gaskets and change all necessary parts ..
 
but this is valid if you are planning to use the car for long term and if budget permits..

[JamesV6CDX]

Whilst I agree with Cem that the weather is cack, and the job is not THAT urgent... prolonging it for a long long time could cause the exhaust gasses to keep cutting somewhat of a channel in the ali head (I've seen it pit them a little before).

I'd be happpy to do the job, but only really if the car could be left with me. I may be the exception to the rule, but my method of attack is just to whip the cylinder head off, and change the manifold with the head out of the car.

Yes it's quite a bit more work, but MUCH more preferable to struggling and rolling around on the driveway.... and makes it much easier to porperly flatten the surfaces etc to prevent it happening again, also makes it easier to clean the threads out, and tackle any stubborn nuts...

James, add me to your exception..   working under the car in an evil tight area , makes the job unnecessarily long and hard.. and whilst the heads are out do everything once , pay once ..

Personally I think it would be asking the customer to pay twice possibly three times more to make it easier on the person doing the job

Are you implying I would rip someone off?

I woudn't "ask" anyone to pay more than the job was worth. And if I did it in a way that made it easier for me, why are you assuming I would be passing that cost on to a customer? 

[Elite Pete]

Whilst I agree with Cem that the weather is cack, and the job is not THAT urgent... prolonging it for a long long time could cause the exhaust gasses to keep cutting somewhat of a channel in the ali head (I've seen it pit them a little before).

I'd be happpy to do the job, but only really if the car could be left with me. I may be the exception to the rule, but my method of attack is just to whip the cylinder head off, and change the manifold with the head out of the car.

Yes it's quite a bit more work, but MUCH more preferable to struggling and rolling around on the driveway.... and makes it much easier to porperly flatten the surfaces etc to prevent it happening again, also makes it easier to clean the threads out, and tackle any stubborn nuts...

James, add me to your exception..   working under the car in an evil tight area , makes the job unnecessarily long and hard.. and whilst the heads are out do everything once , pay once ..

Personally I think it would be asking the customer to pay twice possibly three times more to make it easier on the person doing the job

Are you implying I would rip someone off?

I woudn't "ask" anyone to pay more than the job was worth. And if I did it in a way that made it easier for me, why are you assuming I would be passing that cost on to a customer? 

No, i'm just saying why go to the expense of replacing a cambelt kit, water pump, camcover gasket and O rings, and a head gasket just to do an exhaust manifold gasket. I would charge around £200 to do a passenger side manifold gasket and if you can remove a head and supply and fit all those parts for lets say £300, I must be doing something wrong.

[JamesV6CDX]

Whilst I agree with Cem that the weather is cack, and the job is not THAT urgent... prolonging it for a long long time could cause the exhaust gasses to keep cutting somewhat of a channel in the ali head (I've seen it pit them a little before).

I'd be happpy to do the job, but only really if the car could be left with me. I may be the exception to the rule, but my method of attack is just to whip the cylinder head off, and change the manifold with the head out of the car.

Yes it's quite a bit more work, but MUCH more preferable to struggling and rolling around on the driveway.... and makes it much easier to porperly flatten the surfaces etc to prevent it happening again, also makes it easier to clean the threads out, and tackle any stubborn nuts...

James, add me to your exception..   working under the car in an evil tight area , makes the job unnecessarily long and hard.. and whilst the heads are out do everything once , pay once ..

Personally I think it would be asking the customer to pay twice possibly three times more to make it easier on the person doing the job

Are you implying I would rip someone off?

I woudn't "ask" anyone to pay more than the job was worth. And if I did it in a way that made it easier for me, why are you assuming I would be passing that cost on to a customer? 

No, i'm just saying why go to the expense of replacing a cambelt kit, water pump, camcover gasket and O rings, and a head gasket just to do an exhaust manifold gasket. I would charge around £200 to do a passenger side manifold gasket and if you can remove a head and supply and fit all those parts for lets say £300, I must be doing something wrong.

We could go around in circles on this one forever.

You could argue if the cambelt kit is near due, and camcover gaskets are past their best, the owner would make a huge saving on labour having it done in one hit.

I wouldn't fork out myself for a cambelt kit (unless the owner wanted to provide one), but I WOULD provide a head and camcover gasket, if I used the head removal method to make it easier for me.

So -

Manifold G - £10
Head G - £10
Cam Cover G - £22
Misc (doughty washers, bit of sealant etc) £10

Parts cost £50.

So if charging £200, you'd still make £150.

I'd rather make £150 leisurely doing jobs I enjoy, up top, than rolling around on the floor, fighting in a tight space.

It's each to their own really mate. There's nothing stopping people saying "no thanks"


 

[Marks DTM Calib]

Trouble is the real parts list is:

Manifold to head Gasket - £10
Manifold to front pipe Gasket - £5
Head G - £10
Head Bolts - £10
Cam Cover G - £22
Misc (doughty washers, bit of sealant etc) £10
Antifreeze - £10
Oil - £10
Oil Filter - £4

So a bit more