Quote Originally Posted by phines View Post
The only problem you might run in to is a lot of mechanics won't install customer-purchased parts. They'll feed you some line about not wanting to be liable for sub-standard parts (even if they are OEM)... whatever... Just find a local garage without that policy and you're good to go.
+1, that's what I do and it's a must for this vehicle since many of the parts have to be ordered from Isuzu. As for what to do, I'm not as experienced as these other guys, but I would recommend you fix what you know is wrong (radiator cap + heater core) ASAP then wait and see on the head gasket issue. That repair is WAY too expensive to do if you're not even sure it's the problem. But if those immediate fixes don't get the job done, then yeah I think you need to bite the bullet and get the gasket replaced.

Btw, and not that this is helpful in any way, but moving from NY would likely reduce your repair costs considerably. Good luck!