Blown head gasket - worth fixing?

[barch]

I have a 2010 Xterra Off Road with about 140k miles on it.



A few months ago, one of the radiator hoses failed and I blew a head gasket. I've talked to two mechanics in my area and they've both basically encouraged me to give up on it and sell it for whatever I can get. They say a full engine replacement is going to run me at least $7k and they're quoting about the same price just to repair the head gasket. One mechanic suggested trying out some head sealer just on the 50/50 shot that it can get running again, but I'm not sure if that would do too much for me.



I have access to a military base auto craft shop, but the most I've ever done on this vehicle (or any) is change fluids and I'm not confident that I'd be able to recognize further issues if I encountered them while trying to do the work myself. I'm not totally opposed to the idea, just hesitant to bite off more than I can chew without creating more issues for myself.



What are your thoughts? Am I pretty much hosed here?

 

[Hetzer]

Keep your eyes on Craigslist for a wrecked truck with a good engine, -or- buy an engine from a junk yard. Either way, if you aren't afraid to tackle the project yourself and have access to the space needed, the tools and the time to actually DO it, you could easily get it back on the road for well under $1000. Might take somewhat longer than paying a pro to do it, but if it's not your only vehicle, and you can stand to have it torn down for a couple weeks or more, that's the route I would go.

If your X is in decent shape, don't throw in the towel on it!

 

[Muadeeb]

These are good trucks. Like Hetzer stuff, keep an eye out for a wrecker engine and swap the unit. Much easier than a head job. I would recommend against the head sealant as that smeg will go everywhere, not just the gasket.

 

[RxnNic66]

I have no useful information to impart but don't let your xterra die!!!

 

[kirk]

I have a 2010 Xterra Off Road with about 140k miles on it.



A few months ago, one of the radiator hoses failed and I blew a head gasket. I've talked to two mechanics in my area and they've both basically encouraged me to give up on it and sell it for whatever I can get. They say a full engine replacement is going to run me at least $7k and they're quoting about the same price just to repair the head gasket. One mechanic suggested trying out some head sealer just on the 50/50 shot that it can get running again, but I'm not sure if that would do too much for me.



I have access to a military base auto craft shop, but the most I've ever done on this vehicle (or any) is change fluids and I'm not confident that I'd be able to recognize further issues if I encountered them while trying to do the work myself. I'm not totally opposed to the idea, just hesitant to bite off more than I can chew without creating more issues for myself.



What are your thoughts? Am I pretty much hosed here?

Where are you located? Do you love the Xterra? If so, a motor replacement or head gasket job is cheaper than replacing it. If you dont love it, and cant afford the repair, send it. Otherwise, I say fix! I think the repair costs (or replacement) are extreme. Check your local craigslist for motor importers that sell your motor installed for a better deal.