gday,
i was wondering what the difference between a rocker cover gasket and a head gasket is? my oil is getting some coolant in i believe (seems a lil too watery) which leads me to believe that the head gasket is blown. also there is a sound like air is escaping from the block with each rotation of the engine ie if it's reving higher the 'pshft' sound of the air increases in speed as well.
not sure what the difference is or where i should be looking at.
ideas?
thanks

The rocker cover sits on top of the head. The head sits on top of the engine block. Each has its own gasket. A rocker cover gasket will only leak oil onto the outside of the engine if defective. A head gasket will leak coolant and oil out of the engine, allow the oil and coolant to mix inside the engine, and often allow compressed air to escape and make hissing noises. You need to look at the joint between the head (made of aluminium, shiny silver colour) and the block (made of iron, black) all around the head(s). If you have a V6 this might mean taking the air intake off the engine. You are looking for weeping coolant or oil from the joint, where the head gasket failed. Take it to a mechanic to get repaired.

is it a hard change? the head gasket.

If you dont work on Magnas often it will be !

Takes a couple of hours. Don't bother trying to do it solo if you haven't done one or a few before. Best to go to a mechanic to make sure the job gets done properly.

Head gaskets don't blow by themselves, usually there is a reason like corrosion through using poor coolant, or a crack in the head. Just replacing the head gasket may not be enough, the head may need working on by a workshop. Get a mechanic to confirm your diagnosis, then let a qualified person do this job.
Timing (or cam) belt needs to be removed to be able to lift the affected head. This is a complex job in itself.

Head gaskets don't blow by themselves, usually there is a reason like corrosion through using poor coolant, or a crack in the head. Just replacing the head gasket may not be enough, the head may need working on by a workshop. Get a mechanic to confirm your diagnosis, then let a qualified person do this job.
Timing (or cam) belt needs to be removed to be able to lift the affected head. This is a complex job in itself.

True. Best way to check if you've done a head gasket is to take the oil filler cap off and check for mayo on the inside (coolant mixed with the oil). Also, the other way around - check for oil mixed in with the coolant in the radiator.

Front bank head gasket is easier as you have to take the intake off if you want to get to the rear bank. Either way I would recommend that you take it to a mechanic. :)

how much am i lookin at?

how much am i lookin at?

Well over a $1000 - its usually about that just for a timing belt change. If you need a head gasket replaced the head gasket itself is over $100 from a dealer/parts shop if it needs a full gasket kit they are well over $230 without any labour included and you would be silly not to change the drive belt etc while your doing it so thats another $150-200 for a kit. If your engine is old and tired it is probably a lot cheaper to get a decent 2nd hand engine for around $500 and have it fitted for about a $1000 at most workshops or drive to Melbourne and have Madmagna dod the lot for a lot less. You would save even with the fuel and travel costs each way and he could probably do it all in a day if you book it in with him.