I recently bought a car and the same day it broke down. So i got it towed and looked at they said i need my head gasket replaced. I want to know how big of a project it really is and how long it takes. If anyone could list the steps too that would be very appreciated. I spent alot of money on this car its very clean and im not trying to spend $1700 at a shop to get it done.

 

What happen? 4.9 doesn't blow head gasket often. They can have intake leaks which will put coolant in the oil. It a cast head on free standing liners. There are o ring on bottom of liner to seal coolant from crankcase. You do want someone who know what they are doing to work on it preferably with Cadillac dealer experience in the 80-90's. Head bolts are reusable which is good because they aren't available new. 1700 isn't excessive for head gaskets. You would want a CO test to comfirm head gasket failure. No CO may just be intake gasket maybe 700.