Chrysler Repair: head gasket replacement, head gasket replacement, head gaskets

Question
I have a 2002 Intrepid with a 2.7 DOHC. Head gaskets blown. I'm being told by the local mechanics and dealer personel to junk the motor, it's to hard to work on. I don't buy this.I don't believe it's a throw away motor. I have the skills to work on motors, have all my life. I know this is a tough job. So, how hard is this? And is it worth it? And,any help you can provide.

Answer
Hi Ancil,
I haven't worked on that engine, which I would doubt is a throw away except for the labor costs if you have it done in a shop. It is just removing a cylinder head, albeit there are some details. I have the '03 Sebring manual that covers that engine so it should apply to your '02. I can xerox copy all the pages you would need to do it yourself if you want them. It costs me 10 cents per side plus the postage.
One other thing to check is the possibility that it may just be leaking due to head bolts that aren't tight enough. On other engines I have had luck loosening the bolts one step and the retightening them to the proper torque. In this case it would be to a little under 55, then to 55, then 1/4 turn for the 8 bolts and then under on the three end bolts to less than 250 inch-pounds and then back to 250. But because there is so much disassembly to get there this may not be worth trying.
How many miles are on it?
Think about and let me know if you want the pages. Use the "thank and rate" tab where there is a comments section. I'll need your postal address. You can send me back reimbursement after you get them. Do you know which bank of cylinders the gasket is blown on? That would be good to know by checking plugs/compression test. Also the compression test would tell you about the condition of the valves/rings before you get into it.
Roland