Head gasket

[Ridnhi88]

I have a 88 Jeep 4.2, the head gasket blew and released water into the oil and vise versa. Someone told me that if this happens I should replace the complete engine. Is this true? Any recomendations on anything else I should do since I have the head off? Cleaning methods? other parts to replace etc? Thanks for the help

[Davisrats]

I would not toss the engine because of a head gasket.
How long did you run it blown? how hot? how much water in the oil? and did it knock? how many miles on it?

Head gaskets are cheap, clean it all up and inspect for cracks, put it all together, change the oil, if it runs good, change the oil again.

For cleaning, sand paper, gasket scraper, wire brush, carb cleaner.